What is the ruling on taking samples from the plants of the Haram for purposes of scientific research, and is expiation obligatory upon the one who does so, and what is it?

It is authentically established in Sahih al-Bukhari that there is a prohibition against cutting down trees and plants within the Haram (sacred precinct). Exceptions to this include what humans have cultivated, such as vegetables, crops, and fragrant plants; branches that have broken off or trees that have been uprooted without human intervention; and fallen leaves. It is forbidden to cut thorns and awsaj (buckthorn). Similarly, it is forbidden to cut grass except for idhkhir (lemon grass), what humans have cultivated, and dry vegetation. Whoever cuts any of these must pay a compensatory fine: for a large tree, a cow; for a small one, a sheep; for grass, its value; and for a branch, the reduction in the tree's value caused by its removal.