mustard tree

Salvadora persica is a shrub or small tree occurring in various parts of Africa and Asia. It is commonly known as mustard tree and is part of the Salvadoraceae family. The species is found in habitats such as wooded savannah, open forest, and thicket. Local common names in Angola include kassosso, kimbungu, and muxi-ua-kimbungu. The plant has traditional uses, including the preparation of chewing sticks for oral hygiene. Taxonomically, there has been discussion regarding the lectotype designation, with Verdcourt and Riedl providing differing opinions on the correct specimen. The species was first published in 1753 by Linnaeus.