Simple-leaved bean caper
Zygophyllum simplex
Family: Zygophyllaceae
What it is like
A succulent annual herb. It can be a straggly plant in dry conditions or a rounded mat in damp conditions. It grows 10 cm high. The leaves are fleshy and bright green. They are simple and cylinder shaped. The flowers are yellow. They occur singly or in pairs in the axils of leaves. They smell sweetly at night. The fruit vary in shape but are succulent when fresh. They contain 1-9 seeds.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It grows in hot arid places with a marked dry season. It can grow in salty soils. It can be grown to reduce soil salinity. It is very salt tolerant. In Bahrain it grows in sandy, gravelly or stony soils. It grows between sea level and 1,370 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Angola, Asia, Bahrain, Botswana, Cape Verde, Central Africa, Chad, Comoros, East Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Israel, Kenya, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mediterranean, Middle East, Namibia, North Africa, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Reunion, Saudi Arabia, Socotra, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, UAE, West Africa, Yemen
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Seeds
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Alethi, Haram, Kabaqooyis, Lunio, Lunwa, Onona, Qarmal, Um thareeb