Harmal
Rhazya stricta
Family: Apocynaceae
What it is like
A shrubby plant. It grows 70 cm tall. It has a woody base and branches spread upwards. The leaves are 3-10 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. The flowers are in dense groups at the ends of branches. The fruit follicles are in pairs and slender and 3-6 cm long. They have many seeds with short wings.
It is used as medicine.
Where it is found
It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in arid regions and the desert. It has some salt tolerance.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Middle East, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, UAE
How it is used for food
The leaves are bitter. They are used to make a cooling drink.
They are sold in markets.
Edible parts
Leaves - drink, seeds - oil, medicine