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]
Agialid rotundifolia Tiegh. Balanites gillettii Cufod. Balanites orbicularis Sprague Balanites patriziana Lusina

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]}

Description

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]

Distribution

Balanites rotundifolia is found in eastern Africa from Somalia and Somaliland into Sudan, and also in Yemen, specifically Aden.^[3][4]

Habitat and ecology

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]

Uses

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]

References