Camel Thorn

Alhagi maurorum

Basic Information

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

Genus: alhagi

Plant ID (slug): alhagi-maurorum

Numeric ID: 22278

USDA Hardiness: 6-10

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Alhagi maurorum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

W. Asia - Caucasus to the Himalayas.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Manna Edible Uses: A sweet-tasting manna is exuded from the twigs at flowering time[2, 22, 105, 177]. It is exuded during hot weather according to one report[1]. It contains about 47% melizitose, 26% sucrose, 12% invert sugar[114]. Another manna is obtained from the pods - it is sweet and laxative[61]. Root - cooked. A famine food, it is only used in times of need[46, 61, 177].

Medicinal Uses

Diaphoretic Diuretic Expectorant Laxative The whole plant is diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant and laxative[46, 114]. An oil from the leaves is used in the treatment of rheumatism[238]. The flowers are used in the treatment of piles[238].