Camelthorn, Mannatree, Persian manna plant, Alhagi
Alhagi graecorum

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A spiny shrub. It grows 60 cm high. The stems are hairless. It has buds near the ground level that can grow. The leaves are simple and alternate. They are oblong or sword shaped and covered with hairs. The flowers are bright red or purple. They are 7-10 mm long. They occur singly or in pairs. The pods are 20-40 mm long and constricted between the seeds. The pods are pale brown and hairy when young.

There are 3 Alhagi species.

Where it is found

It grows in Mediterranean climate places. It grows on sand dunes often near the sea. It grows below 1,500 m above sea level. It can grow in the desert. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Algeria, Bahrain, Central Africa, Chad, Cyprus, Egypt, Europe, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, Niger, North Africa (country/location of origin), North America, Sahel, Saudi Arabia, Sinai, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, Türkiye, USA, West Africa, Yemen

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Manna

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Alhagi mannifera Jaub. & Spach; Alhagi tournefortii Heldr.; and others