Toothbrushtree (Salvadora persica, Sp. Pl.: 122 (1753))

Family: Salvadoraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 122 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Salvadora

Vegetable: False

Observations: Africa to Syria and Arabian Pen.

Description

The Toothbrushtree, scientifically known as Salvadora persica, is a remarkable species that traces its origin to the expansive regions of Africa, extending through Syria and the Arabian Peninsula. Notably described in the seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by the famed botanist Carl Linnaeus, this tree finds its place within the Salvadoraceae family, which comprises numerous other flora adapted to arid environments.

Salvadora persica is renowned for its versatility and myriad uses, most prominently its contribution to dental hygiene. The slender branches of the Toothbrushtree have historically been fashioned into natural toothbrushes, known commonly as “miswak” or “siwak.” This practice, deeply rooted in various cultures, especially within the Islamic world, showcases the natural antimicrobial properties of the twigs, which help maintain oral health and hygiene.

Beyond its utility in dental care, the Toothbrushtree holds significant ecological and economic value. It thrives in harsh environments where few other plants can survive, making it a crucial species in preventing desertification. Its evergreen nature ensures that it provides constant cover and protection to the soil, aiding in the preservation of the delicate ecosystems it inhabits.

The various parts of Salvadora persica serve multiple purposes. The tree’s fruit, small and berry-like, is often consumed locally, providing nourishment and sustenance. Additionally, its leaves and seeds are sometimes harvested for medicinal and culinary uses, reflecting the plant’s integral role in the lives of the communities that coexist with it.

In summary, the Toothbrushtree (Salvadora persica) is much more than a simple plant; it represents a convergence of tradition, ecological resilience, and practical utility. As it continues to be celebrated from Africa to the Arabian Peninsula, its enduring importance in both natural and human systems remains indisputable.

Common Names

Ara: miswak, siwaak, arak, muswak
Swe: tandborstträd
Eng: toothbrushtree
En: Toothbrushtree, Gonimara, Gunnangi, Mswaki, Mustard Tree, Pilu, Piludi, Toothbrush Tree, Uka
Ar: Miswak, Arak, Siwaak, (أراك)، راك، لشلش (لِشْلِشْ)، حرمر(حِرمِر), اراك (آراك), سواك، كيات، ديف, مسواك (مِسْواك، مَسْواك، مُسواك), أراك, Muswak
Hy: Եղրևանի պարսկական
Bn: পার্সি মেসওয়াক
Bg: Персийска салвадора
Zh: 阿拉克樹
Nl: Tandenborstelboom
Fi: Persianhammastikkupuu
Ff: Siwaakeehi
De: Zahnbürstenbaum
Ha: Ashuwaki
He: סלוודורה פרסית
Kk: Парсылық Сальвадора, Персиялық сальвадора
Ml: ഉകമരം
Pa: ਪੀਲੂ
Fa: اراک (درخت)
Ru: Сальвадора персидская
Sd: کٻڙ
Sw: Mswaki
Sv: Tandborstträd
Ta: உகாய்
Te: గున్నంగి
Tr: Misvak ağacı
Uk: Сальвадора перська
Ur: Peelu

Synonyms

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Angola (native)
• Botswana (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Caprivi Strip (native)
• Chad (native)
• Djibouti (native)
• Egypt (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• India (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mali (native)
• Mauritania (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Namibia (native)
• Niger (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Oman (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Socotra (native)
• Somalia (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)
• Cameroon (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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.

Leaf

Taken Mar 10, 2022 by Naushad BM (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 10, 2022 by Naushad BM (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 31, 2019 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2021 by Naushad B M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 19, 2022 by Petra Obradović (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 9, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2022 by Abdullah Alkhazali (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 29, 2022 by Mohammed al mogais (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2009 by Antoine Foucart (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2022 by Abdullah Alkhazali (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2021 by Naushad B M (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2022 by Mhatre Sagar (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 12, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2021 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2022 by Naushad BM (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2009 by Antoine Foucart (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 4, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2009 by Antoine Foucart (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 10, 2022 by Naushad BM (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2021 by Naushad B M (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5580727)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:779348-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Salvadora persica L.)

Specifications

Growth