Status:
valid
Authors:
Mildbr. & Schltr.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1913
Citation Micro:
Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 51: 163 (1913)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000313493
Common Names
- Balanites Glabra
- Smooth Balsam Apple
- Smooth-fruited Balsam Apple
Description
Balanites glabra (also called Smooth Balanites, among many other common names) is a small to medium-sized tree, native to tropical Africa, 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 glabra is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a ground cover. It is also used to attract pollinators and beneficial insects.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Balanites glabra is yellow, with a small, round fruit. The seed is a small, black, round capsule. The seedlings are small, with a single leaf and a single stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Balanites glabra is a small, evergreen tree that grows in dry, sandy soils. It can be propagated by seed or by cuttings. The seeds should be sown in spring or summer in a well-drained, sandy soil. The seedlings should be kept moist until they are established. Cuttings can be taken in spring or autumn and should be planted in a well-drained, sandy soil.
Where to Find Balanites glabra
Balanites glabra is found in Africa and the Middle East.
Balanites glabra FAQ
What is the scientific name of Balanites glabra?
Balanites glabra
What is the family of Balanites glabra?
Balanitaceae
What is the common name of Balanites glabra?
Glabra
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,