Common Name:

General Information

Calligonum calcareum is a much-branched, evergreen shrub growing up to 50cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of fuel
Calligonum calcareum is endemic to the Sokh river basin in Uzbekistan, where it is restricted to a very specific habitat. It has a tiny area of occupancy, and its population is severely fragmented and declining as a result of overgrazing and overharvesting (for use as firewood). The plant is classified as 'Critically Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

C. Asia - Uzbekistan

Habitat

Exposed calcareous slopes[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Critically Endangered
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a dryish sunny position and a sandy loam[]. Plants are tolerant of extreme cold but they are impatient of shade or excessive moisture[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood is used for fuel[]. It is highly valued for tandoori cooking[].

We have no more specific information for this species, but the vaarious species of Calligonum, growing mainly in the sandy deserts of Central Asia, often provide the only available source of fuel. They have also long been highly appreciated as planting material for the fixation of shifting sand. Young fruits of some species of the section Pterococcus are used for food, while ripe fruits have weak tanning properties. The hard wood of the taller species is sometimes used for the production of miscellaneous articles[].

Propagation

Seed - very easy[]. The seed is probably best sown in a sunny position in late winter in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in early summer of the following year.