Damask, Common tug tree
Conocarpus lancifolius
Family: Combretaceae
What it is like
An evergreen tree. It can grow to 30 m high. The flowers are cream coloured and in dense heads. These are in clusters near the ends of branches. They have a scent. The fruit are like cones and are 6 mm long and wide.
Where it is found
A subtropical plant. It grows in hot, arid zones. It grows in areas with a rainfall between 55-1,200 mm per year. It can grow in salty and alkaline soils. It grows from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level. It grows in areas with a temperature between 10°-45°C and best with an average temperature about 30°C. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Djibouti, East Africa, Kenya, Mediterranean, Middle East, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen
How it is used for food
The flowers are used for making alcoholic drinks.
Edible parts
Flowers - drinks
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seeds. Plants need to be 4-5 m apart. Seedlings can be transplanted when 6-19 months old or when 4-5 leaves are present.
It is fast growing.
Its other names
Local names
Damas, Dhamas, Ghalab, Hodeti, Rawakib