Manna Tree
Alhagi mannifera

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

Alhagi mannifera is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Waste places, sand dunes etc in Turkey.

N. Africa - Egypt to Turkey.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

A sweet-tasting manna is exuded from the twigs at flowering time. It is exuded during hot weather according to one report, whilst another says that the twigs themselves are chewed. Root - cooked. A famine food, it is only used in times of need.

Manna: this is a sweet substance that exudes naturally from certain plants, usually from the stems.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The whole plant is diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant and laxative. An oil from the leaves is used in the treatment of rheumatism. The flowers are used in the treatment of piles.

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.

Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.

Other

Rating:

Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil

How it is grown

Requires a sunny position in a well-drained light or medium soil. Plants are not very hardy in Britain, they can be grown outdoors in the summer but require protection in the winter. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.

Propagating it: Seed - pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and sow March/April in a warm greenhouse. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a greenhouse for at least the first winter. Plant out into their permanent positions in the summer. Cuttings of young shoots in a frame.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. maurorum. Hedysarum alhagi.