Red lantern
Calligonum polygonoides
Family: Polygonaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It grows 0.2-1 m high. It has jointed segments. It has long roots. The leaves are very narrow and grow out of the joints. The leaves fall and the green stems convert sunlight. The flowers are delicate and have 5 white sepals. The stamen are yellowish-pink. The fruit are red and showy. They are bristly.
There are about 80 Calligonum species. Chemical composition (after Hooper): Albumenoids = 12.03% (dry). Ash = 11.10% (dry). Nitrogen = 1.92% (dry). Phosphoric acid = .38% (dry). Silicates = .38% (dry).
Where it is found
It grows in Mediterranean climate plants. It grows on sand dunes and undulating sand plains. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Afghanistan, Africa, Armenia, Asia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Caucasus, Egypt, Europe, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Mediterranean, Middle East, North Africa, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Russia, Syria, Turkey, Türkiye, Yemen
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten raw. The flowers are made into bread. The leaves are eaten as a green vegetable.
The flowers are a famine food.
Edible parts
Leaves, flowers, fruit
How it is grown
The flowers fall and are swept up.
Its other names
Local names
Abal, Arta, Artee, Balanja, Berwaja, Lassan, Phog, Phogalli, Phogla, Phok, Tatuke, Tirni