Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Zygophyllales
Genus:
Species:
aegyptiaca
ID:
313941

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

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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.

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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 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,

References

Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'L.' in the authors string.
Alire Raffeneau Delile (1778-1850): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Delile' in the authors string.
POWO record for urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:813589-1: Based on the initial data import