Alhagi graecorum (synonym Alhagi mannifera) has often been treated as a distinct species. However, we are following the treatment of C.S. Awmack and J.M. Lock in 'The Genus Alhagi (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae) in the Middle East ' Kew Bulletin Vol. 57, No. 2 (2002), pp. 435-443 which treats it as a subspecies of Alhagi maurorum. Since the uses of the two forms are virtually identical, they are both included here[].

Common Name: Camel Thorn

General Information

Alhagi maurorum is a spiny, erect, perennial plant with branched stems that become woody, at least at the base; it can grow 30 - 150cm tall[, ]. A very deep-rooted plant with roots that can extend several metres into the ground[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and more particularly as a medicine. It is sold in local markets for use as a medicine.
The plant has been introduced to various areas as a contaminant, especially in alfalfa seed. It has become a weed in some areas, such as southeastern Australia and the USA. It spreads particularly by its extremely vigourous root system, that has been known to break through sealed bitumen roads and spread from one side to the other[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

N. Africa - Algeria to Egypt; Europe - Greece; W. Asia - Turkey to Arabia, east to western China and the Himalayas

Habitat

Found mainly in deep moist soil, but also in dry, rocky or saline soils. Abundant along river banks, canals and irrigation ditches, sometimes spreading into cultivated fields[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	0.80 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants are not very hardy in Britain, they can be grown outdoors in the summer but require protection in the winter[].
Requires a sunny position in a well-drained light or medium soil. Many species in this genus are found on alkaline soils[]. Established plants are drought resistant[].
The stems of the plant are covered in sharp spines[].
Like the closely related gorse (Ulex europaea) the flowers have a pineapple scent[]. (A slightly strange report because the gorse flowers have a strong coconut fragrance[].)
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

A sweet-tasting gummy substance (often called a manna) is exuded from the twigs at flowering time[, , , , ]. It hardens into reddish-brown lumps and these are collected avidly by Arab nomads who consider them a delicacy[]. The gum is exuded during the hot summer months[, ]. The twigs themselves can also be chewed in order to obtain the sweet flavour[]. The manna contains about 47% melizitose, 26% sucrose, 12% invert sugar[].
Another manna is obtained from the pods - it has a sweet flavour, but if eaten in quantity has a laxative effect[].

Root - cooked. A famine food, it is only used in times of need[, , ].

Medicinal

The whole plant is analgesic, antirheumatic, aphrodisiac, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant and laxative[, , ]. The plant is taken in the form of a decoction, which can be taken orally or made into an ointment for external use[].

A gum exuded from the stems is expectorant and laxative[].

An oil from the leaves is used in the treatment of rheumatism[].

The flowers are used in the treatment of piles[].

The plant contains carbohydrates, flavonoides, sterols, resin, anthraquinones and saponines. All plant parts contain volatile oil except for the roots[].
When grown in wet soil, the plant lacks the cardiotonic activity characteristic of the same plant grown in very dry sandy soil[].
A tincture of the plant has been shown to increase the amplitude of the heartbeat and the cardiac output is augmented in spite of any slowing that may occur[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is effective in lessening wind-blown soil erosion in arid and semi-arid areas[].

Other Uses

An extract of the leaves and stems is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner[].

Propagation

Seed - pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and sow early to mid spring in a warm greenhouse. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots - the roots grow very rapidly so a deep pot should be used. In suitable climates, plant out as soon as the plants are growing well - in more marginal climates grow them on in a greenhouse for at least the first winter then plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer.
Suckers.
Cuttings of young shoots in a frame[].