Salt Tree
Haloxylon persicum
Family: Chenopodiaceae
What it is like
Haloxylon persicum is a TREE growing to 4.5 m (14ft 9in). It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 4.5
Where it is found
Sandhills, deserts and sand ridges, often forming pure stands.
W. Asia - Russia to Iran and east to China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Oil: Oil
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The plant has an extensive root system and is used for reafforestation and stabilizing sandy soils. Wood - durable, heavy (it sinks in water), brittle but it does not splinter. Used in general carpentry. The wood has enormous value as a fuel in its native range, it burns well and gives a good heat.
Fuel: Usually wood, plant materials that have been mentioned as being a good fuel.
Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.
Pioneer: Plants, usually trees and shrubs, that can be used to reforest land.
Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
A xerophytic shrub, it tolerates sub-zero temperatures but dislikes wet conditions. It will require a very sunny position in a very well-drained soil that is not too fertile. It probably tolerates saline and alkaline conditions.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in sand in a frame.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist