Family: Zygophyllaceae
Author: Delile
Bibliography: “Descr. Egypte, Hist. nat. 221, t. 28, fig. 1. 1813-1814 (“”1812″”) “”aegyptiaca“””
Year: 1813
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Balanites
Vegetable: False
Observations: Africa, Israel to Arabian Pen.
Description
The Desert date, scientifically known as Balanites aegyptiaca, stands as a resilient and significant species within the Zygophyllaceae family. Described in the early 19th century by the botanist Delile, and first noted extensively in “Descr. Egypte, Hist. nat. 221, t. 28, fig. 1. 1813-1814,” this hardy plant has captured attention for its enduring properties and wide distribution across arid regions.
Balanites aegyptiaca is primarily found across the African continent, extending its reach from the arid landscapes of Israel to the arid expanses of the Arabian Peninsula. The plant thrives in harsh, semi-desert conditions where few other species can survive. Its ability to withstand periods of extreme drought makes it a crucial resource in these regions, providing both ecological stability and practical benefits to local communities.
The Desert date is recognized not only for its ecological resilience but also for its diverse applications. Its fruits, often referred to as “desert dates,” are a vital food source in many dryland areas. Additionally, various parts of the plant, including its seeds, leaves, and bark, are utilized in traditional medicine and have been noted for their therapeutic properties, ranging from anti-inflammatory effects to treatments for various ailments.
Moreover, this plant also plays a role in agroforestry systems and is appreciated for its potential in combating desertification. The Desert date’s robustness and adaptability make it a valued species in reforestation and land reclamation projects in arid and semi-arid regions. Its cultivation helps in stabilizing the soil, thus preventing erosion and supporting sustainable land use practices.
In summary, the Desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca) is much more than just a resilient plant of arid environments. Its wide distribution from Africa to the Arabian Peninsula signifies its ecological and cultural importance, serving various roles from nutrition to traditional medicine, and contributing to environmental conservation efforts.
Common Names
Deu: zachunbaum
Fra: dattier du désert, dattier sauvage, héglik
Eng: desert date, desert-date, soapberry-tree, balanites
Ara: heglig, الزقوم
Spa: mirobalano de egipto
En: Desert date, Desert-date, Soapberry-tree, Balanites, Simple-thorned torchwood
Ar: Heglig, الزقوم
Fr: Dattier du désert, Dattier sauvage, Héglik
De: Zachunbaum
He: זקום מצרי
Es: Mirobalano de Egipto
Synonyms
- Balanites roxburghii (Planch.)
- Agialid aegyptiaca ((L.) Kuntze)
- Ximenia aegyptiaca (L.)
Distribution
- Algeria (native)
- Angola (native)
- Benin (native)
- Botswana (native)
- Burkina (native)
- Burundi (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Caprivi Strip (native)
- Central African Repu (native)
- Chad (native)
- Congo (native)
- Djibouti (native)
- Egypt (native)
- Eritrea (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- Gambia (native)
- Ghana (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Guinea-Bissau (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Kenya (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Libya (native)
- Malawi (native)
- Mali (native)
- Mauritania (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Niger (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Oman (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Rwanda (native)
- Saudi Arabia (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Sinai (native)
- Somalia (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Togo (native)
- Uganda (native)
- Western Sahara (native)
- Yemen (native)
- Zambia (native)
- Zaïre (native)
- Zimbabwe (native)
- Azores (introduced)
- Cape Verde (introduced)
- Dominican Republic (introduced)
- Netherlands Antilles (introduced)
Additional Images
Bark
Taken Jan 19, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Céline PIRAT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 5, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Céline PIRAT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 26, 2022 by Leigh Winowiecki (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 26, 2022 by Leigh Winowiecki (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 8, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 25, 2022 by ESPOIR ANDJI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 13, 2022 by Alberto Colombini (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 26, 2022 by Leigh Winowiecki (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 8, 2022 by Jackline Mlacha (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Fruit
Taken Sep 27, 2009 by Pierre-Emmanuel GAY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 31, 2021 by Muhammad Ahmad Bakari (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 31, 2021 by Muhammad Ahmad Bakari (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 31, 2021 by Muhammad Ahmad Bakari (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 26, 2022 by Leigh Winowiecki (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 17, 2022 by Cyril Piou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 5, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Melis ANTONINO (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 5, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Melis ANTONINO (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 5, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Melis ANTONINO (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Feb 5, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Melis ANTONINO (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 5, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Melis ANTONINO (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 5, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Melis ANTONINO (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 5, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Melis ANTONINO (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 19, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Céline PIRAT (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken May 8, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Sénégal ENGOUEMENT (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5421115)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:813589-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile)