Status:
valid
Authors:
(L.) Delile
Source:
wcs
Year:
1813
Citation Micro:
Descr. Egypte, Hist. Nat. : 221 (1813)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000313273
Common Names
- Egyptian Balsam
- Egyptian Balsam
- Egyptian Balsam
Synonyms
- Canthium zizyphoides Mildbr. & Schltr. [valid]
- Ximenia aegyptiaca L. [unknown]
- Agialid aegyptiaca (L.) Kuntze [unknown]
Description
Balanites aegyptiaca (also called Desert Date, among many other common names) is a small to medium-sized tree, native to tropical Africa and the Middle East, and can be found in dry forests, woodlands and savannas. It has a short, thick trunk and a rounded crown, with leaves that are oblong to elliptic in shape and have a leathery texture.
Uses & Benefits
Balanites aegyptiaca is used in traditional medicine to treat digestive and respiratory ailments. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Balanites aegyptiaca var. aegyptiaca
Balanites aegyptiaca var. ferox (Poir.) DC.
Balanites aegyptiaca var. pallidus Sands
Balanites aegyptiaca var. quarrei (De Wild.) G.Gilbert
Balanites aegyptiaca var. tomentosus (Mildbr. & Schltr.) Sands
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Balanites aegyptiaca is a yellow, star-shaped flower with five petals. The seed is small and round, with a black or dark brown color. The seedling is a small, green plant with a single stem and two small, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Balanites aegyptiaca is a perennial tree that can be propagated by seed or cuttings. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun. Water regularly during the growing season and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer. Prune as needed to maintain desired shape.
Where to Find Balanites aegyptiaca
Balanites aegyptiaca is found in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
Balanites aegyptiaca FAQ
What is the scientific name of Balanites aegyptiaca?
Balanites aegyptiaca
What is the common name of Balanites aegyptiaca?
Desert Date
What is the flowering season of Balanites aegyptiaca?
Spring to early summer
Species in the Balanites genus
Balanites aegyptiaca,
Balanites angolensis,
Balanites glabra,
Balanites maughamii,
Balanites pedicellaris,
Balanites rotundifolia,
Balanites roxburghii,
Balanites triflora,
Balanites wilsoniana,
Balanites aegyptiacus,
Balanites wilsonianus,
Species in the Zygophyllaceae family
Balanites aegyptiaca,
Balanites angolensis,
Balanites glabra,
Balanites maughamii,
Balanites pedicellaris,
Balanites rotundifolia,
Balanites roxburghii,
Balanites triflora,
Balanites wilsoniana,
Balanites aegyptiacus,
Balanites wilsonianus,
Bulnesia chilensis,
Bulnesia foliosa,
Bulnesia retamo,
Bulnesia rivas-martinezii,
Bulnesia schichendanzii,
Bulnesia schickendantzii,
Guaiacum coulteri,
Guaiacum officinale,
Guaiacum palmeri,
Guaiacum sanctum,
Guaiacum unijugum,
Guaiacum nellii,
Kallstroemia pubescens,
Kallstroemia maxima,
Kallstroemia californica,
Kallstroemia grandiflora,
Kallstroemia hirsutissima,
Kallstroemia parviflora,
Kallstroemia perennans,
Kallstroemia adscendens,
Kallstroemia tucumanensis,
Kallstroemia tribuloides,
Kallstroemia incana,
Kallstroemia rosei,
Kallstroemia boliviana,
Kallstroemia pennellii,
Kallstroemia peninsularis,
Kallstroemia standleyi,
Kallstroemia mexicana,
Kallstroemia curta,
Kallstroemia hintonii,
Kelleronia gillettiae,
Kelleronia splendens,
Kelleronia revoilii,
Larrea simulans,
Larrea ameghinoi,
Larrea divaricata,
Larrea cuneifolia,
Larrea nitida,