Alhagi graecorum

Boiss.

Camelthorn, Mannatree, Persian manna plant, Alhagi

Fabaceae Edible: Manna 561 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Alhagi graecorum is a species of legume commonly known as mannatree or manna tree. Previously it was considered a subspecies of Alhagi maurorum. Drought-tolerant, it is found in the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

Description

A spiny shrub. It grows 60 cm high. The stems are hairless. It has buds near the ground level that can grow. The leaves are simple and alternate. They are oblong or sword shaped and covered with hairs. The flowers are bright red or purple. They are 7-10 mm long. They occur singly or in pairs. The pods are 20-40 mm long and constricted between the seeds. The pods are pale brown and hairy when young.

Edible Uses

Manna is harvested from this plant for consumption.

Distribution

It grows in Mediterranean climate places. It grows on sand dunes often near the sea. It grows below 1,500 m above sea level. It can grow in the desert. It can grow in arid places.

Where It Grows

Africa, Algeria, Bahrain, Central Africa, Chad, Cyprus, Egypt, Europe, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, Niger, North Africa*, North America, Sahel, Saudi Arabia, Sinai, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, Türkiye, USA, West Africa, Yemen,

Notes

There are 3 Alhagi species.

Synonyms

Alhagi mannifera Jaub. & SpachAlhagi tournefortii Heldr.and others

References (6)

Blamey, M and Grey-Wilson, C., 2005, Wild flowers of the Mediterranean. A & C Black London. p 109
Diagn. pl. orient. ser. 1, 9:114. 1849
ILDIS Legumes of the World http:www;ildis.org/Legume/Web
Kew Plants of the World Online
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (1999). Survey of Economic Plants for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (SEPASAL) database. Published on the Internet; http://www.rbgkew.org.uk/ceb/sepasal/internet [Accessed 28th April 2011]

Show all 6 references