Da bai ci
Nitraria roborowskii

Family: Nitrariaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 1-2 m all. It can lie along the ground or be erect. The young branches are white. The sterile branches are spiny at the tip. The leaves are in clusters of 2 or 3 on the current year's growth. The leaf blade is oblong or spoon shaped. It is 3-4 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. The edge can be wavy with some teeth near the tip. There are only a few flowers. The fruit are dark red and oval. They are about 1.5 cm long by 1 cm wide.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows on the edges of lakes and near oasis in the desert. It grows below 3,300 m altitude in northern China. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Central Asia, China, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan

How it is used for food

The fruit can be eaten. The juice is used for drinks.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

In China it flowers in June and fruits in July and August.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Nitraria praevisa Bobrov.;