Lana, Desi
Haloxylon salicornicum

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

A small shrub. They keep growing from year to year. It is pale and has many branches. It is almost without leaves. It grows up to 60 cm tall. The leaves are reduced to small triangle shaped scales. The flowers are in 3-6 cm long spikes. The flowers are creamy white.

Chemical composition (after Hooper): Albumenoids = 11.12% (dry). Ash = 15.21% (dry). Nitrogen = 1.78% (dry). Phosphoric acid = 13% (dry). Silicates = .21% (dry). Also put in the family Chenopodiaceae.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It can grow in salty soils and near the bases of dunes. It grows in desert.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Arabia, Asia, Egypt, India, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Mediterranean, Middle East, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia

How it is used for food

The seeds are mixed with other grains for making bread.

Edible parts

Seeds, gum

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Hammada elegance, Hand, Remith, Rimth

Synonyms

Arthrophytum articulatum (Moq.) Iljin; Caroxylon salicornicum Moq.; Hammada salicornia (Moq.) Iljin; and others