Balanites
Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile
Balanites aegyptiaca is a tree species belonging to the genus Balanites in the family Zygophyllaceae. It is native to Africa and parts of the Middle East, growing in diverse habitats and soil types, including arid and subhumid climates. The species is resilient to environmental stressors such as flooding, livestock activity, and wildfire.
Description
Balanites aegyptiaca, described in 1813, is a tree found across Africa and the Middle East. It thrives in a range of environments, from sandy to clay soils, and adapts to varying moisture levels. Its distribution includes countries such as Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Egypt, among others. The tree is known for its tolerance to harsh conditions, including flooding and fire, and is often found in regions with significant livestock activity.
Other common names
Balanitesdesert-datesoapberry-treedesert date
Distribution
CW · Global · Algeria · Angola · Azores · Benin · Botswana · Burkina · Burundi · Cameroon · Cape Verde · Caprivi Strip · Central African Repu · Chad · Congo · Djibouti · Dominican Republic · Egypt · Eritrea · Ethiopia · Gambia · Ghana · Guinea-Bissau · Guinea · Ivory Coast · Kenya · Lebanon-Syria · Libya · Malawi · Mali
Synonyms
Canthium zizyphoidesXimenia aegyptiacaAgialid aegyptiaca