Balanites glabra
Family: Zygophyllaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It has long spines. They are 15 cm long. The shrub grows 3-10 m high. It is sometimes drooping. The leaves have leaflets that are broadly rounded at the end. The fruit are oval and orange. They are 25-28 mm long by 12-18 mm wide. The fruit contains a hard seed.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It can grow on dry soil. In East Africa it grows between 800-1,700 m altitude. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Angola, Central Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania
How it is used for food
The ripe fruit are eaten.
Edible parts
Fruit, nuts - oil
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Elamaich, Kidi, Kilului, Mbubua, Ol-ngaswa