Alhagi maurorum Medik.
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Description
Alhagi maurorum is a perennial spiny shrub, usually 30–100 cm tall, with a deep and extensive root system. The stems are green, slender, highly branched, and armed with sharp spines arising from modified branches. Leaves are simple, alternate, small, oblong to elliptic, usually 5–25 mm long, with entire margins and a slightly fleshy texture adapted to dry environments. Flowers are papilionaceous, pink to purple, and borne singly or in small clusters in leaf axils. The corolla consists of a standard, wings, and keel typical of Fabaceae. Fruits are narrow, constricted pods containing several kidney-shaped seeds. The plant may produce sweet exudates known as "manna" under certain environmental conditions.
Diagnostic Characters
Distribution
Native range: Native to Central Asia, Middle East, Mediterranean regions.
In Pakistan: Common in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran. In Pakistan found dry areas.
Phenology
Ethnobotany & Uses
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Where it grows on campus
Taxonomic Notes
Alhagi maurorum is a characteristic desert Fabaceae member recognized by its Spiny branches, Small leaves, Purple papilionaceous flowers, Deep root system, UniFlora Field Recognition Tip 🌿. Look for 🌵 Spiny desert shrub.