Saxaul
Haloxylon ammodendron
Family: Chenopodiaceae
What it is like
Haloxylon ammodendron is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to July. 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): 2
Where it is found
Sandhills, deserts and sand ridges. On dunes, saline-alkaline deserts and sandy places on riversides in northern China.
W. Asia - to E. Asia to Mongolia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 4
This is an important species for afforestation. It has been used extensively in the project of biological reconditioning of the Desert. A green dye is obtained from the wood. The wood is an excellent fuel.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Fuel: Usually wood, plant materials that have been mentioned as being a good fuel.
Pioneer: Plants, usually trees and shrubs, that can be used to reforest land.
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: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist