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Balanites rotundifolia, known in Swahili as Mbamba ngoma is a spiny bush or small tree from eastern Africa and southern Arabia. It is a member of the caltrop family, Zygophyllaceae.[citation needed]
| Balanites rotundifolia | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Zygophyllales |
| Family: | Zygophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Balanites |
| Species: | B. rotundifolia |
| Binomial name | |
| Balanites rotundifolia (Tiegh.) Blatt.[1] | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Balanites rotundifolia is a small tree or shrub with a multi-stemmed growth form and spiny branches which grows to 2-5m. The small, round or heart shaped leaves are green, rather hairy, grow in pairs and lack stalks. The stout thorns are green, straight and grow to 3 cm in length. The greenish white flowers grow from the thorns and the small hairy fruit is 2 cm in length.[2] When the fruit is ripe it is orange-yellow in colour.[3]
Balanites rotundifolia is found in eastern Africa from Somalia and Somaliland into Sudan, and also in Yemen, specifically Aden.[3][4]
Balanites rotundifolia occurs in arid tree savanna or scrub; semi-desert scrub; deciduous bushland and open woodland. It is often found growing in thin soils over lava or near rivers; it can be the dominant species in some habitats such as raised beaches over sandstones.[4] Fruiting in Kenya occurs in February and in October and November.[2] Often grows in association with Acacia, Commiphora or Combretum in arid areas.[3] The flowers are pollinated by bees.[4]
Fruit
The ripe fruit has an edible and sweet pulp, the ripe fruits are either picked from the tree or gathered from the ground. The fruits are eaten as a snack, particularly by herdsmen.[4] The seeds are edible if they are boiled for 3–4 hours, they are normally eaten with milk. The fruit pulp is fermented to make a local brew.[2]
Smoking
The wood is used to smoke food for flavour and to sterilise milk containers.[2]
Gum
Balanites rotundifolia is the source of a gum resin called Hanjigoad, which is used for chewing and is collected as tears or globular pieces.[5]
Wood
The wood is used as firewood and to make charcoal. It is fashioned into poles, tool handles, carvings, utensils (e.g. head rests, wooden spoons and combs).[2]
Fodder
The leaves and shoots provide fodder for domestic animals in very arid areas.[3]
Other uses
It is used for live fencing and the cut branches are used to make fences, it is also planted in soil conservation projects.[2] There are no known medicinal applications.[4]
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