Manna Tree (Alhagi mannifera)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Alhagi mannifera is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). 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. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers, Sap/Syrup

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet-tasting manna is exuded from the twigs at flowering time. — A sweet-tasting manna is exuded from the twigs at flowering time.; It is exuded during hot weather according to one report, whilst another says that the twigs themselves are chewed.; A famine food, it is only used in times of need.

Habitat & North American Range

Waste places, sand dunes etc in Turkey. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)