Tetraclinis is a resinous genus in the Cupressaceae (Cypress) family. This genus is containing only one species; Tetraclinis articulata, also used to be called as Thuja articulata, or Sandarac Tree. The tree is  endemic, to the western Mediterranean region. It is native to northwestern Africa in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, with two small outlying populations on Malta, and Spain (Murcia, Sierra de Cartagena). It is the national tree of Malta, where it is known as Gharghar (derived from the Arabic Arar). It is now being used locally in afforestation projects. Arar Tree, found naturally in rocky slopes, between sea level to 1800 m high. In Spain it appears to be restricted to limestone regions, while in North Africa it occurs on a variety of acidic and alkaline soils.

Tetraclinis articulata, is a slow growing tree to 15 m (rarely 20 m) tall and 50 cm (rarely 100 cm) diameter, often with two or more trunks from the base. The trunk is straight or contorted, has thin, greyish bark. Its longevity may exceed 400 years. Crown is conical or pyramidal in shape. 2-8 cm long branchlets are flexible and articulated. Leaves are scale-like, decussate, appressed, the free section only 1 mm long. This species blooms in autumn or winter and has male and female cones on the same plant. The male cones have pollen-carrying scales, and the females comprise 4 parts (valves). These ripen in the summer of the following year, and inside there are 3 or 4 seeds, (5–7 mm long and 2 mm broad) that have double wings to aid their dispersal by wind. The seed cones are green, 10–15 mm long, ripening brown in about 8 months from pollination and stayed for a long time on the tree.

Arar Tree, prefers hot and sunny Mediterranean climate, does not like soggy soil. There is not enough report about cold tolerance of the tree, probably tolerates up to at least -6 ºC. Production is done by seeds. It is one of the small number of conifers able to coppice (regrow by sprouting from stumps). Golden-brown to orange red wood of the tree is highly valued by carpenters and cabinet makers. It has been used thus since antiquity and was used to make valuable furniture in the time of the Roman Empire.  It is also used in the manufacture of luxury varnishes and the industry. The resin, known as sandarac, is used to make varnish and lacquer, it is particularly valued for preserving paintings.

This species used in herbal medicine; different parts and products extracted from the thuya are used mainly for the treatment of intestinal and respiratory infections, fever, diabetes, and hypertension

Use in Landscape: Tetraclinis articulata is a forest species, endemic to the western Mediterranean, which is of great ecological, socio-economic and environmental interest. In addition, they take important role in protecting soil from wind and rain erosion. The species is cultivated to be grown as an ornamental tree, valued in hot, dry climates. It is also pruned in a hedge form, for privacy, as a sound and security barrier. The plant can be trained for use as bonsai specimens.