Camel Thorn (Alhagi maurorum)

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

Alhagi maurorum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. 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 and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade.

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.; It contains about 47% melizitose, 26% sucrose, 12% invert sugar.; Another manna is obtained from the pods - it is sweet and laxative.

Habitat & North American Range

Edges of ditches, waste and often saline places etc in Turkey. Grows in dry barren places. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)