Somalia-Masai semi-desert grassland and shrubland (S)

Description

White (1983) does not think that there is an objective criterion to separate arid regions from wet regions, although he also mentions that semi-desert areas usually begin to appear where the mean annual rainfall drops below 250 mm, the southern boundary of the Sahara desert corresponds to the 150 mm isohyet and the northern boundary of the Sahara desert corresponds to the 100 mm isohyet. However, he defines semi-deserts as areas where the differences in soil characteristics (such as soil colour) are more conspicuous than the vegetation itself, but where the plants are still sufficiently evenly distributed so that the vegetation can be further classified in physiognomic categories such as “semi-desert grassland” and “semi-desert shrubland” (White 1983 pp. 52 - 53).

Where annual rainfall is between 100 and 200 mm in the Somalia-Masai floristic region, semi-desert grassland (dominated by Centropodia glauca, Eragrostis mahrana and Panicum turgidum) occurs on deep sand. Under similar rainfall conditions, semi-desert shrubland occurs on stony soils (White 1983 p. 115).

F. Gachathi 2010; Figure 9.2 in VECEA Volume 5

Plant species

The main species recorded to occur within this vegetation type are listed below. Clicking the name of any of these species will open the page for that species on the Agroforestry Species Switchboard. Between brackets the English vernacular name of the species and the documented country distribution of the species (B=Burundi, E=Ethiopia, K=Kenya, M=Malawi, R=Rwanda, T=Tanzania, U=Uganda, Z=Zambia) is provided.

Based on information on species presence in national manifestations of vegetation types, each species was classified as a regionally dominant, characteristic, present or marginal species for a vegetation type (Read more ...)

• Characteristic species
  Acacia etbaica (EKTU), Acacia horrida (Karroo Bush, EKU), Acacia mellifera (Honey acacia, EKTUZ), Acacia reficiens (Red umbrella thorn, EKU), Acacia senegal (Gum arabic tree, EKRTUZ), Acacia seyal (White-galled acacia, BEKMTUZ), Acacia tortilis (Umbrella thorn, EKMTUZ), Achyrocline glumacea (BKTU), Aerva javanica (Kapok bush, KMTU), Aloe breviscapa (), Aloe rigens (E), Aloe scobinifolia (), Aristida mutabilis (KTU), Caralluma edithae (T), Caralluma penicillata (T), Centropodia glauca (Gha grass, K), Duosperma eremophilum (K), Eragrostis mahrana (), Euphorbia columnaris (), Euphorbia cuneata (EKT), Euphorbia mosaica (), Euphorbia multiclava (), Euphorbia sepulta (), Farsetia longisiliqua (), Indigofera spinosa (KT), Ipomoea sultani (), Jatropha pelargoniifolia (Pelargonium-leaved Jatropha, K), Kelleronia splendens (E), Leucas abyssinica (E), Lycium europaeum (KTU), Melocarpum hildebrandtii (E), Ochradenus baccatus (E), Panicum turgidum (Desert grass, E), Pelargonium christophoranum (), Sporobolus spicatus (Salt grass, BKTUZ), Suaeda monoica (EKT)
  
  
• Species present
  Acacia bussei (EKT), Acacia drepanolobium (Whistling thorn, EKTU), Acacia edgeworthii (Giraffe thorn, EK), Acacia ehrenbergiana (Salam, E), Acacia gerrardii (Grey-haired acacia, BEKMRTUZ), Acacia nilotica (Egyptian thorn, EKMTUZ), Acacia oerfota (EKTU), Acacia zanzibarica (EKT), Adenium obesum (Elephant foot, BEKUZ), Aristida adscensionis (Annual bristle grass, EKMTZ), Balanites aegyptiaca (Desert date, BEKRTUZ), Balanites pedicellaris (EKMTU), Balanites rotundifolia (EKU), Blepharis linariifolia (EK), Boscia angustifolia (EKMRTUZ), Boscia coriacea (EKTU), Boswellia rivae (EK), Cadaba farinosa (Herd's boy fruit, BEKRTU), Cadaba glandulosa (EKTU), Cadaba mirabilis (EK), Cadaba rotundifolia (EK), Calotropis procera (Apple of Sodom, EKTU), Capparis cartilaginea (EKT), Capparis decidua (Leafless caper, E), Cenchrus pennisetiformis (Cloncurry buffel grass, K), Chasmanthera dependens (EKTU), Chrysopogon plumulosus (Aucher's grass, KTU), Cissus rotundifolia (Peruvian Grape Ivy, BEKTU), Cocculus hirsutus (Broom creeper, EKT), Combretum aculeatum (EKTU), Commiphora africana (Poison-grub commiphora, EKMRTUZ), Commiphora erlangeriana (EK), Commiphora erythraea (EK), Commiphora gileadensis (Balm of Gilead, E), Commiphora guidottii (EK), Commiphora habessinica (Abyssinian myrrh, BEKRTUZ), Commiphora incisa (EK), Commiphora kua (EK), Commiphora myrrha (Gum myrrh tree, EK), Commiphora samharensis (EKTU), Commiphora sphaerocarpa (EK), Cordeauxia edulis (Yeheb nut, EK), Cordia sinensis (Grey-leaved saucer berry, EKTUZ), Cordia suckertii (E), Cynanchum clavidens (E), Cynanchum gerrardii (E), Dactyloctenium aegyptium (Coast button grass, BKMTU), Delonix elata (Creamy peacock flower, EKRTUZ), Dobera glabra (EKUZ), Grewia similis (BEKRTU), Grewia tenax (Small-leaved white cross-berry, EKTU), Hyphaene thebaica (Egyptian doum palm, E), Indigofera oblongifolia (E), Ipomoea donaldsonii (EK), Lannea triphylla (EKTU), Lawsonia inermis (Henna, EKTU), Leptadenia arborea (E), Leptadenia hastata (EK), Leptothrium senegalense (Hook grass, KTU), Leucas tomentosa (EKT), Lycium shawii (EKMTZ), Maerua crassifolia (EKTU), Maerua oblongifolia (EKU), Momordica sessilifolia (EK), Momordica spinosa (EK), Moringa peregrina (Wild drum-stick tree, E), Oropetium capense (KT), Salvadora persica (Toothbrush tree, EKMTUZ), Sarcostemma viminale (Caustic-creeper, BEKRU), Senna alexandrina (Narrow-leaved senna, EK), Senna longiracemosa (EK), Senna sophera (Pepper-leaved senna, E), Sericocomopsis hildebrandtii (EKTU), Sericocomopsis pallida (EKT), Sesamothamnus busseanus (EKT), Sesbania sesban (River bean, BEKMRTUZ), Sporobolus helvolus (KTU), Sporobolus pellucidus (KTU), Sterculia africana (African star chestnut, EKMTZ), Tamarindus indica (Tamarind, BEKMTUZ), Tamarix aphylla (Athel tree, EK), Tamarix nilotica (Tamarisk, EKT), Terminalia brevipes (EKT), Tetrapogon cenchriformis (KTU), Tragus berteronianus (Small carrot-seed grass, BKTU), Vernonia cinerascens (EKTU), Wrightia demartiniana (EK), Ziziphus spina-christi (Christ thorn, EKTU)
  
  

Products and environmental services of tree species

Documented products and environmental services for the tree species occurring in this vegetation type (S) are listed below. Clicking the name of any of these species will open the page for that species on the Agroforestry Species Switchboard. Between brackets information is given on the status of each species ('dom' indicates dominant species, 'cha' characteristic species, 'pre' other species and 'mar' species of marginal occurrence), the English vernacular name of the species and the documented country distribution of the species (B=Burundi, E=Ethiopia, K=Kenya, M=Malawi, R=Rwanda, T=Tanzania, U=Uganda, Z=Zambia).

Wood

• Firewood
  Acacia etbaica (Cha, EKTU), Acacia mellifera (Cha, Honey acacia, EKTUZ), Acacia senegal (Cha, Gum arabic tree, EKRTUZ), Acacia seyal (Cha, White-galled acacia, BEKMTUZ), Acacia tortilis (Cha, Umbrella thorn, EKMTUZ), Acacia bussei (Pre, EKT), Acacia drepanolobium (Pre, Whistling thorn, EKTU), Acacia gerrardii (Pre, Grey-haired acacia, BEKMRTUZ), Acacia nilotica (Pre, Egyptian thorn, EKMTUZ), Acacia oerfota (Pre, EKTU), Balanites aegyptiaca (Pre, Desert date, BEKRTUZ), Balanites rotundifolia (Pre, EKU), Boscia coriacea (Pre, EKTU), Cadaba farinosa (Pre, Herd's boy fruit, BEKRTU), Calotropis procera (Pre, Apple of Sodom, EKTU), Combretum aculeatum (Pre, EKTU), Commiphora africana (Pre, Poison-grub commiphora, EKMRTUZ), Commiphora habessinica (Pre, Abyssinian myrrh, BEKRTUZ), Commiphora myrrha (Pre, Gum myrrh tree, EK), Cordeauxia edulis (Pre, Yeheb nut, EK), Cordia sinensis (Pre, Grey-leaved saucer berry, EKTUZ), Dobera glabra (Pre, EKUZ), Grewia similis (Pre, BEKRTU), Grewia tenax (Pre, Small-leaved white cross-berry, EKTU), Lawsonia inermis (Pre, Henna, EKTU), Salvadora persica (Pre, Toothbrush tree, EKMTUZ), Sesbania sesban (Pre, River bean, BEKMRTUZ), Sterculia africana (Pre, African star chestnut, EKMTZ), Tamarindus indica (Pre, Tamarind, BEKMTUZ), Tamarix aphylla (Pre, Athel tree, EK), Tamarix nilotica (Pre, Tamarisk, EKT), Ziziphus spina-christi (Pre, Christ thorn, EKTU)
  
  
• Charcoal
  Acacia mellifera (Cha, Honey acacia, EKTUZ), Acacia senegal (Cha, Gum arabic tree, EKRTUZ), Acacia seyal (Cha, White-galled acacia, BEKMTUZ), Acacia tortilis (Cha, Umbrella thorn, EKMTUZ), Acacia bussei (Pre, EKT), Acacia drepanolobium (Pre, Whistling thorn, EKTU), Acacia gerrardii (Pre, Grey-haired acacia, BEKMRTUZ), Acacia nilotica (Pre, Egyptian thorn, EKMTUZ), Balanites aegyptiaca (Pre, Desert date, BEKRTUZ), Balanites rotundifolia (Pre, EKU), Cordia sinensis (Pre, Grey-leaved saucer berry, EKTUZ), Sterculia africana (Pre, African star chestnut, EKMTZ), Tamarindus indica (Pre, Tamarind, BEKMTUZ), Tamarix aphylla (Pre, Athel tree, EK), Ziziphus spina-christi (Pre, Christ thorn, EKTU)
  
  
• Timber, Furniture, Construction
  Acacia etbaica (Cha, EKTU), Acacia mellifera (Cha, Honey acacia, EKTUZ), Acacia tortilis (Cha, Umbrella thorn, EKMTUZ), Acacia gerrardii (Pre, Grey-haired acacia, BEKMRTUZ), Balanites aegyptiaca (Pre, Desert date, BEKRTUZ), Boscia angustifolia (Pre, EKMRTUZ), Boscia coriacea (Pre, EKTU), Commiphora africana (Pre, Poison-grub commiphora, EKMRTUZ), Cordia sinensis (Pre, Grey-leaved saucer berry, EKTUZ), Delonix elata (Pre, Creamy peacock flower, EKRTUZ), Dobera glabra (Pre, EKUZ), Hyphaene thebaica (Pre, Egyptian doum palm, E), Lannea triphylla (Pre, EKTU), Sterculia africana (Pre, African star chestnut, EKMTZ), Tamarindus indica (Pre, Tamarind, BEKMTUZ), Tamarix aphylla (Pre, Athel tree, EK), Ziziphus spina-christi (Pre, Christ thorn, EKTU)
  
  
• Poles, Posts
  Acacia senegal (Cha, Gum arabic tree, EKRTUZ), Acacia seyal (Cha, White-galled acacia, BEKMTUZ), Acacia tortilis (Cha, Umbrella thorn, EKMTUZ), Acacia gerrardii (Pre, Grey-haired acacia, BEKMRTUZ), Acacia nilotica (Pre, Egyptian thorn, EKMTUZ), Acacia oerfota (Pre, EKTU), Balanites aegyptiaca (Pre, Desert date, BEKRTUZ), Balanites rotundifolia (Pre, EKU), Cordia sinensis (Pre, Grey-leaved saucer berry, EKTUZ), Delonix elata (Pre, Creamy peacock flower, EKRTUZ), Grewia similis (Pre, BEKRTU), Lawsonia inermis (Pre, Henna, EKTU), Sesbania sesban (Pre, River bean, BEKMRTUZ), Tamarindus indica (Pre, Tamarind, BEKMTUZ), Tamarix nilotica (Pre, Tamarisk, EKT)
  
  
• Beehives
  Delonix elata (Pre, Creamy peacock flower, EKRTUZ)
  
  
• Veneer, Plywood
  Sterculia africana (Pre, African star chestnut, EKMTZ)
  
  
• Tools, Tool handles, Shafts
  Acacia mellifera (Cha, Honey acacia, EKTUZ), Acacia senegal (Cha, Gum arabic tree, EKRTUZ), Acacia nilotica (Pre, Egyptian thorn, EKMTUZ), Balanites aegyptiaca (Pre, Desert date, BEKRTUZ), Balanites rotundifolia (Pre, EKU), Cordia sinensis (Pre, Grey-leaved saucer berry, EKTUZ), Delonix elata (Pre, Creamy peacock flower, EKRTUZ), Grewia tenax (Pre, Small-leaved white cross-berry, EKTU), Lawsonia inermis (Pre, Henna, EKTU), Senna alexandrina (Pre, Narrow-leaved senna, EK), Tamarix nilotica (Pre, Tamarisk, EKT)
  
  
• Carvings, Utensils, Walking stick, Bow, Arrow
  Acacia etbaica (Cha, EKTU), Acacia mellifera (Cha, Honey acacia, EKTUZ), Acacia gerrardii (Pre, Grey-haired acacia, BEKMRTUZ), Acacia nilotica (Pre, Egyptian thorn, EKMTUZ), Balanites aegyptiaca (Pre, Desert date, BEKRTUZ), Balanites rotundifolia (Pre, EKU), Boscia angustifolia (Pre, EKMRTUZ), Boscia coriacea (Pre, EKTU), Commiphora africana (Pre, Poison-grub commiphora, EKMRTUZ), Commiphora erythraea (Pre, EK), Commiphora myrrha (Pre, Gum myrrh tree, EK), Cordia sinensis (Pre, Grey-leaved saucer berry, EKTUZ), Delonix elata (Pre, Creamy peacock flower, EKRTUZ), Dobera glabra (Pre, EKUZ), Grewia similis (Pre, BEKRTU), Grewia tenax (Pre, Small-leaved white cross-berry, EKTU), Lawsonia inermis (Pre, Henna, EKTU), Sterculia africana (Pre, African star chestnut, EKMTZ), Tamarindus indica (Pre, Tamarind, BEKMTUZ), Ziziphus spina-christi (Pre, Christ thorn, EKTU)
  
  
• Boat building
  Tamarindus indica (Pre, Tamarind, BEKMTUZ)
  
  
• Farm implements
  Acacia etbaica (Cha, EKTU), Balanites aegyptiaca (Pre, Desert date, BEKRTUZ), Boscia angustifolia (Pre, EKMRTUZ), Commiphora africana (Pre, Poison-grub commiphora, EKMRTUZ), Delonix elata (Pre, Creamy peacock flower, EKRTUZ), Grewia tenax (Pre, Small-leaved white cross-berry, EKTU), Lawsonia inermis (Pre, Henna, EKTU)
  
  

Human consumption

• Edible fruit, Edible nut, Edible seed
  Acacia senegal (Cha, Gum arabic tree, EKRTUZ), Acacia tortilis (Cha, Umbrella thorn, EKMTUZ), Acacia nilotica (Pre, Egyptian thorn, EKMTUZ), Balanites aegyptiaca (Pre, Desert date, BEKRTUZ), Balanites rotundifolia (Pre, EKU), Boscia coriacea (Pre, EKTU), Cadaba farinosa (Pre, Herd's boy fruit, BEKRTU), Capparis decidua (Pre, Leafless caper, E), Combretum aculeatum (Pre, EKTU), Commiphora africana (Pre, Poison-grub commiphora, EKMRTUZ), Commiphora myrrha (Pre, Gum myrrh tree, EK), Cordeauxia edulis (Pre, Yeheb nut, EK), Cordia sinensis (Pre, Grey-leaved saucer berry, EKTUZ), Delonix elata (Pre, Creamy peacock flower, EKRTUZ), Dobera glabra (Pre, EKUZ), Grewia similis (Pre, BEKRTU), Grewia tenax (Pre, Small-leaved white cross-berry, EKTU), Hyphaene thebaica (Pre, Egyptian doum palm, E), Lannea triphylla (Pre, EKTU), Salvadora persica (Pre, Toothbrush tree, EKMTUZ), Tamarindus indica (Pre, Tamarind, BEKMTUZ), Ziziphus spina-christi (Pre, Christ thorn, EKTU)
  
  
• Vegetable, Edible leaves, Edible roots
  Balanites aegyptiaca (Pre, Desert date, BEKRTUZ), Cadaba farinosa (Pre, Herd's boy fruit, BEKRTU), Leptadenia hastata (Pre, EK)
  
  
• Seasoning, Flavouring
  Acacia etbaica (Cha, EKTU), Cadaba farinosa (Pre, Herd's boy fruit, BEKRTU), Tamarindus indica (Pre, Tamarind, BEKMTUZ)
  
  
• Drink, Soup
  Acacia seyal (Cha, White-galled acacia, BEKMTUZ), Acacia nilotica (Pre, Egyptian thorn, EKMTUZ), Commiphora africana (Pre, Poison-grub commiphora, EKMRTUZ), Cordia sinensis (Pre, Grey-leaved saucer berry, EKTUZ), Hyphaene thebaica (Pre, Egyptian doum palm, E), Lannea triphylla (Pre, EKTU), Tamarindus indica (Pre, Tamarind, BEKMTUZ)
  
  
• Edible oil, Edible gum, Edible inner bark
  Acacia mellifera (Cha, Honey acacia, EKTUZ), Acacia senegal (Cha, Gum arabic tree, EKRTUZ), Acacia seyal (Cha, White-galled acacia, BEKMTUZ), Acacia tortilis (Cha, Umbrella thorn, EKMTUZ), Acacia drepanolobium (Pre, Whistling thorn, EKTU), Acacia gerrardii (Pre, Grey-haired acacia, BEKMRTUZ), Balanites aegyptiaca (Pre, Desert date, BEKRTUZ), Commiphora africana (Pre, Poison-grub commiphora, EKMRTUZ), Cordeauxia edulis (Pre, Yeheb nut, EK), Cordia sinensis (Pre, Grey-leaved saucer berry, EKTUZ), Dobera glabra (Pre, EKUZ), Lannea triphylla (Pre, EKTU), Lawsonia inermis (Pre, Henna, EKTU), Sterculia africana (Pre, African star chestnut, EKMTZ)
  
  
• Medicine
  Acacia etbaica (Cha, EKTU), Acacia mellifera (Cha, Honey acacia, EKTUZ), Acacia senegal (Cha, Gum arabic tree, EKRTUZ), Acacia seyal (Cha, White-galled acacia, BEKMTUZ), Acacia tortilis (Cha, Umbrella thorn, EKMTUZ), Acacia drepanolobium (Pre, Whistling thorn, EKTU), Acacia gerrardii (Pre, Grey-haired acacia, BEKMRTUZ), Acacia nilotica (Pre, Egyptian thorn, EKMTUZ), Acacia oerfota (Pre, EKTU), Adenium obesum (Pre, Elephant foot, BEKUZ), Balanites aegyptiaca (Pre, Desert date, BEKRTUZ), Balanites rotundifolia (Pre, EKU), Boscia coriacea (Pre, EKTU), Cadaba farinosa (Pre, Herd's boy fruit, BEKRTU), Calotropis procera (Pre, Apple of Sodom, EKTU), Combretum aculeatum (Pre, EKTU), Commiphora africana (Pre, Poison-grub commiphora, EKMRTUZ), Commiphora erythraea (Pre, EK), Commiphora myrrha (Pre, Gum myrrh tree, EK), Cordia sinensis (Pre, Grey-leaved saucer berry, EKTUZ), Delonix elata (Pre, Creamy peacock flower, EKRTUZ), Dobera glabra (Pre, EKUZ), Grewia similis (Pre, BEKRTU), Grewia tenax (Pre, Small-leaved white cross-berry, EKTU), Lannea triphylla (Pre, EKTU), Lawsonia inermis (Pre, Henna, EKTU), Leptadenia hastata (Pre, EK), Salvadora persica (Pre, Toothbrush tree, EKMTUZ), Senna alexandrina (Pre, Narrow-leaved senna, EK), Sesbania sesban (Pre, River bean, BEKMRTUZ), Sterculia africana (Pre, African star chestnut, EKMTZ), Tamarindus indica (Pre, Tamarind, BEKMTUZ)
  
  

Animal consumption

• Fodder
  Acacia etbaica (Cha, EKTU), Acacia mellifera (Cha, Honey acacia, EKTUZ), Acacia senegal (Cha, Gum arabic tree, EKRTUZ), Acacia seyal (Cha, White-galled acacia, BEKMTUZ), Acacia tortilis (Cha, Umbrella thorn, EKMTUZ), Suaeda monoica (Cha, EKT), Acacia drepanolobium (Pre, Whistling thorn, EKTU), Acacia ehrenbergiana (Pre, Salam, E), Acacia gerrardii (Pre, Grey-haired acacia, BEKMRTUZ), Acacia nilotica (Pre, Egyptian thorn, EKMTUZ), Acacia oerfota (Pre, EKTU), Adenium obesum (Pre, Elephant foot, BEKUZ), Balanites aegyptiaca (Pre, Desert date, BEKRTUZ), Balanites rotundifolia (Pre, EKU), Boscia angustifolia (Pre, EKMRTUZ), Boscia coriacea (Pre, EKTU), Cadaba farinosa (Pre, Herd's boy fruit, BEKRTU), Cadaba rotundifolia (Pre, EK), Capparis decidua (Pre, Leafless caper, E), Combretum aculeatum (Pre, EKTU), Commiphora africana (Pre, Poison-grub commiphora, EKMRTUZ), Commiphora myrrha (Pre, Gum myrrh tree, EK), Cordeauxia edulis (Pre, Yeheb nut, EK), Cordia sinensis (Pre, Grey-leaved saucer berry, EKTUZ), Delonix elata (Pre, Creamy peacock flower, EKRTUZ), Dobera glabra (Pre, EKUZ), Grewia similis (Pre, BEKRTU), Grewia tenax (Pre, Small-leaved white cross-berry, EKTU), Hyphaene thebaica (Pre, Egyptian doum palm, E), Lannea triphylla (Pre, EKTU), Lawsonia inermis (Pre, Henna, EKTU), Leptadenia hastata (Pre, EK), Salvadora persica (Pre, Toothbrush tree, EKMTUZ), Sesbania sesban (Pre, River bean, BEKMRTUZ), Tamarindus indica (Pre, Tamarind, BEKMTUZ), Tamarix aphylla (Pre, Athel tree, EK), Ziziphus spina-christi (Pre, Christ thorn, EKTU)
  
  
• Bee forage
  Acacia etbaica (Cha, EKTU), Acacia mellifera (Cha, Honey acacia, EKTUZ), Acacia senegal (Cha, Gum arabic tree, EKRTUZ), Acacia seyal (Cha, White-galled acacia, BEKMTUZ), Acacia tortilis (Cha, Umbrella thorn, EKMTUZ), Acacia drepanolobium (Pre, Whistling thorn, EKTU), Acacia gerrardii (Pre, Grey-haired acacia, BEKMRTUZ), Acacia nilotica (Pre, Egyptian thorn, EKMTUZ), Adenium obesum (Pre, Elephant foot, BEKUZ), Balanites aegyptiaca (Pre, Desert date, BEKRTUZ), Balanites rotundifolia (Pre, EKU), Boscia coriacea (Pre, EKTU), Combretum aculeatum (Pre, EKTU), Cordeauxia edulis (Pre, Yeheb nut, EK), Cordia sinensis (Pre, Grey-leaved saucer berry, EKTUZ), Delonix elata (Pre, Creamy peacock flower, EKRTUZ), Grewia tenax (Pre, Small-leaved white cross-berry, EKTU), Lawsonia inermis (Pre, Henna, EKTU), Salvadora persica (Pre, Toothbrush tree, EKMTUZ), Sterculia africana (Pre, African star chestnut, EKMTZ), Tamarindus indica (Pre, Tamarind, BEKMTUZ)
  
  

Environmental services

• Shade
  Acacia seyal (Cha, White-galled acacia, BEKMTUZ), Acacia tortilis (Cha, Umbrella thorn, EKMTUZ), Acacia gerrardii (Pre, Grey-haired acacia, BEKMRTUZ), Acacia nilotica (Pre, Egyptian thorn, EKMTUZ), Adenium obesum (Pre, Elephant foot, BEKUZ), Balanites aegyptiaca (Pre, Desert date, BEKRTUZ), Balanites rotundifolia (Pre, EKU), Boscia coriacea (Pre, EKTU), Commiphora myrrha (Pre, Gum myrrh tree, EK), Delonix elata (Pre, Creamy peacock flower, EKRTUZ), Dobera glabra (Pre, EKUZ), Lawsonia inermis (Pre, Henna, EKTU), Salvadora persica (Pre, Toothbrush tree, EKMTUZ), Sesbania sesban (Pre, River bean, BEKMRTUZ), Tamarindus indica (Pre, Tamarind, BEKMTUZ), Tamarix nilotica (Pre, Tamarisk, EKT), Ziziphus spina-christi (Pre, Christ thorn, EKTU)
  
  
• Ornamental, Avenue tree
  Acacia tortilis (Cha, Umbrella thorn, EKMTUZ), Adenium obesum (Pre, Elephant foot, BEKUZ), Capparis decidua (Pre, Leafless caper, E), Commiphora africana (Pre, Poison-grub commiphora, EKMRTUZ), Delonix elata (Pre, Creamy peacock flower, EKRTUZ), Lawsonia inermis (Pre, Henna, EKTU), Sterculia africana (Pre, African star chestnut, EKMTZ), Tamarindus indica (Pre, Tamarind, BEKMTUZ), Tamarix nilotica (Pre, Tamarisk, EKT)
  
  
• Mulch
  Balanites aegyptiaca (Pre, Desert date, BEKRTUZ), Cordeauxia edulis (Pre, Yeheb nut, EK), Sesbania sesban (Pre, River bean, BEKMRTUZ), Sterculia africana (Pre, African star chestnut, EKMTZ), Tamarindus indica (Pre, Tamarind, BEKMTUZ), Tamarix aphylla (Pre, Athel tree, EK), Tamarix nilotica (Pre, Tamarisk, EKT)
  
  
• Nitrogen fixation
  Acacia mellifera (Cha, Honey acacia, EKTUZ), Acacia senegal (Cha, Gum arabic tree, EKRTUZ), Acacia seyal (Cha, White-galled acacia, BEKMTUZ), Acacia tortilis (Cha, Umbrella thorn, EKMTUZ), Acacia ehrenbergiana (Pre, Salam, E), Acacia gerrardii (Pre, Grey-haired acacia, BEKMRTUZ), Acacia nilotica (Pre, Egyptian thorn, EKMTUZ), Cordeauxia edulis (Pre, Yeheb nut, EK), Sesbania sesban (Pre, River bean, BEKMRTUZ), Tamarindus indica (Pre, Tamarind, BEKMTUZ)
  
  
• Soil conservation, Soil improvement
  Acacia mellifera (Cha, Honey acacia, EKTUZ), Acacia senegal (Cha, Gum arabic tree, EKRTUZ), Acacia seyal (Cha, White-galled acacia, BEKMTUZ), Acacia tortilis (Cha, Umbrella thorn, EKMTUZ), Suaeda monoica (Cha, EKT), Acacia nilotica (Pre, Egyptian thorn, EKMTUZ), Balanites rotundifolia (Pre, EKU), Boswellia rivae (Pre, EK), Capparis decidua (Pre, Leafless caper, E), Cordeauxia edulis (Pre, Yeheb nut, EK), Lawsonia inermis (Pre, Henna, EKTU), Salvadora persica (Pre, Toothbrush tree, EKMTUZ), Senna alexandrina (Pre, Narrow-leaved senna, EK), Sesbania sesban (Pre, River bean, BEKMRTUZ), Sterculia africana (Pre, African star chestnut, EKMTZ), Tamarindus indica (Pre, Tamarind, BEKMTUZ), Tamarix aphylla (Pre, Athel tree, EK)
  
  
• River bank, Sand stabilization
  Acacia senegal (Cha, Gum arabic tree, EKRTUZ), Acacia tortilis (Cha, Umbrella thorn, EKMTUZ), Suaeda monoica (Cha, EKT), Acacia ehrenbergiana (Pre, Salam, E), Acacia nilotica (Pre, Egyptian thorn, EKMTUZ), Cadaba farinosa (Pre, Herd's boy fruit, BEKRTU), Cadaba rotundifolia (Pre, EK), Calotropis procera (Pre, Apple of Sodom, EKTU), Capparis decidua (Pre, Leafless caper, E), Hyphaene thebaica (Pre, Egyptian doum palm, E), Lawsonia inermis (Pre, Henna, EKTU), Salvadora persica (Pre, Toothbrush tree, EKMTUZ), Tamarindus indica (Pre, Tamarind, BEKMTUZ), Tamarix aphylla (Pre, Athel tree, EK), Tamarix nilotica (Pre, Tamarisk, EKT), Ziziphus spina-christi (Pre, Christ thorn, EKTU)
  
  
• Windbreak
  Acacia seyal (Cha, White-galled acacia, BEKMTUZ), Suaeda monoica (Cha, EKT), Acacia nilotica (Pre, Egyptian thorn, EKMTUZ), Balanites aegyptiaca (Pre, Desert date, BEKRTUZ), Sterculia africana (Pre, African star chestnut, EKMTZ), Tamarindus indica (Pre, Tamarind, BEKMTUZ), Tamarix aphylla (Pre, Athel tree, EK), Tamarix nilotica (Pre, Tamarisk, EKT)
  
  

Other products

• Fibre, Weaving, Rope
  Acacia senegal (Cha, Gum arabic tree, EKRTUZ), Acacia seyal (Cha, White-galled acacia, BEKMTUZ), Acacia tortilis (Cha, Umbrella thorn, EKMTUZ), Acacia ehrenbergiana (Pre, Salam, E), Acacia oerfota (Pre, EKTU), Calotropis procera (Pre, Apple of Sodom, EKTU), Combretum aculeatum (Pre, EKTU), Cordia sinensis (Pre, Grey-leaved saucer berry, EKTUZ), Grewia tenax (Pre, Small-leaved white cross-berry, EKTU), Hyphaene thebaica (Pre, Egyptian doum palm, E), Lannea triphylla (Pre, EKTU), Lawsonia inermis (Pre, Henna, EKTU), Sesbania sesban (Pre, River bean, BEKMRTUZ), Sterculia africana (Pre, African star chestnut, EKMTZ)
  
  
• Thatch, Roofing, Mats, Baskets
  Suaeda monoica (Cha, EKT), Hyphaene thebaica (Pre, Egyptian doum palm, E), Lawsonia inermis (Pre, Henna, EKTU), Sterculia africana (Pre, African star chestnut, EKMTZ)
  
  
• Resin, Gum, Glue, Latex
  Acacia senegal (Cha, Gum arabic tree, EKRTUZ), Acacia seyal (Cha, White-galled acacia, BEKMTUZ), Acacia tortilis (Cha, Umbrella thorn, EKMTUZ), Acacia nilotica (Pre, Egyptian thorn, EKMTUZ), Acacia oerfota (Pre, EKTU), Balanites aegyptiaca (Pre, Desert date, BEKRTUZ), Boswellia rivae (Pre, EK), Commiphora africana (Pre, Poison-grub commiphora, EKMRTUZ), Commiphora erythraea (Pre, EK), Commiphora habessinica (Pre, Abyssinian myrrh, BEKRTUZ), Commiphora myrrha (Pre, Gum myrrh tree, EK), Cordia sinensis (Pre, Grey-leaved saucer berry, EKTUZ), Dobera glabra (Pre, EKUZ), Grewia tenax (Pre, Small-leaved white cross-berry, EKTU), Sterculia africana (Pre, African star chestnut, EKMTZ)
  
  
• Tannin, Dye
  Acacia etbaica (Cha, EKTU), Acacia senegal (Cha, Gum arabic tree, EKRTUZ), Acacia seyal (Cha, White-galled acacia, BEKMTUZ), Acacia tortilis (Cha, Umbrella thorn, EKMTUZ), Acacia bussei (Pre, EKT), Acacia nilotica (Pre, Egyptian thorn, EKMTUZ), Commiphora africana (Pre, Poison-grub commiphora, EKMRTUZ), Cordeauxia edulis (Pre, Yeheb nut, EK), Delonix elata (Pre, Creamy peacock flower, EKRTUZ), Lawsonia inermis (Pre, Henna, EKTU), Tamarindus indica (Pre, Tamarind, BEKMTUZ)
  
  
• Live fence, Dead fence
  Acacia mellifera (Cha, Honey acacia, EKTUZ), Acacia senegal (Cha, Gum arabic tree, EKRTUZ), Acacia seyal (Cha, White-galled acacia, BEKMTUZ), Acacia tortilis (Cha, Umbrella thorn, EKMTUZ), Suaeda monoica (Cha, EKT), Acacia drepanolobium (Pre, Whistling thorn, EKTU), Acacia gerrardii (Pre, Grey-haired acacia, BEKMRTUZ), Acacia nilotica (Pre, Egyptian thorn, EKMTUZ), Adenium obesum (Pre, Elephant foot, BEKUZ), Balanites aegyptiaca (Pre, Desert date, BEKRTUZ), Balanites rotundifolia (Pre, EKU), Combretum aculeatum (Pre, EKTU), Commiphora africana (Pre, Poison-grub commiphora, EKMRTUZ), Commiphora habessinica (Pre, Abyssinian myrrh, BEKRTUZ), Commiphora myrrha (Pre, Gum myrrh tree, EK), Cordeauxia edulis (Pre, Yeheb nut, EK), Lannea triphylla (Pre, EKTU), Lawsonia inermis (Pre, Henna, EKTU), Sterculia africana (Pre, African star chestnut, EKMTZ), Ziziphus spina-christi (Pre, Christ thorn, EKTU)
  
  
• Ceremonial
  Acacia seyal (Cha, White-galled acacia, BEKMTUZ), Acacia tortilis (Cha, Umbrella thorn, EKMTUZ), Balanites aegyptiaca (Pre, Desert date, BEKRTUZ), Commiphora africana (Pre, Poison-grub commiphora, EKMRTUZ), Cordia sinensis (Pre, Grey-leaved saucer berry, EKTUZ), Dobera glabra (Pre, EKUZ)
  
  
• Traditional uses
  Balanites aegyptiaca (Pre, Desert date, BEKRTUZ)
  
  
• Toothbrushes
  Acacia nilotica (Pre, Egyptian thorn, EKMTUZ), Boscia coriacea (Pre, EKTU), Cadaba farinosa (Pre, Herd's boy fruit, BEKRTU), Calotropis procera (Pre, Apple of Sodom, EKTU), Commiphora africana (Pre, Poison-grub commiphora, EKMRTUZ), Delonix elata (Pre, Creamy peacock flower, EKRTUZ), Dobera glabra (Pre, EKUZ), Grewia tenax (Pre, Small-leaved white cross-berry, EKTU), Lannea triphylla (Pre, EKTU), Salvadora persica (Pre, Toothbrush tree, EKMTUZ)
  
  
• Veterinary medicine, Vermifuge
  Acacia mellifera (Cha, Honey acacia, EKTUZ), Acacia senegal (Cha, Gum arabic tree, EKRTUZ), Acacia tortilis (Cha, Umbrella thorn, EKMTUZ), Acacia drepanolobium (Pre, Whistling thorn, EKTU), Acacia nilotica (Pre, Egyptian thorn, EKMTUZ), Acacia oerfota (Pre, EKTU), Adenium obesum (Pre, Elephant foot, BEKUZ), Balanites rotundifolia (Pre, EKU), Boscia angustifolia (Pre, EKMRTUZ), Boscia coriacea (Pre, EKTU), Cadaba farinosa (Pre, Herd's boy fruit, BEKRTU), Calotropis procera (Pre, Apple of Sodom, EKTU), Commiphora myrrha (Pre, Gum myrrh tree, EK), Cordia sinensis (Pre, Grey-leaved saucer berry, EKTUZ), Dobera glabra (Pre, EKUZ), Grewia tenax (Pre, Small-leaved white cross-berry, EKTU), Leptadenia hastata (Pre, EK), Salvadora persica (Pre, Toothbrush tree, EKMTUZ), Sesbania sesban (Pre, River bean, BEKMRTUZ), Tamarindus indica (Pre, Tamarind, BEKMTUZ)
  
  
• Toxin, Insecticide, Repellent
  Adenium obesum (Pre, Elephant foot, BEKUZ), Balanites aegyptiaca (Pre, Desert date, BEKRTUZ), Combretum aculeatum (Pre, EKTU), Commiphora africana (Pre, Poison-grub commiphora, EKMRTUZ), Commiphora erythraea (Pre, EK)
  
  
• Cosmetic, Soap, Perfume, Oil
  Balanites aegyptiaca (Pre, Desert date, BEKRTUZ), Balanites rotundifolia (Pre, EKU), Commiphora myrrha (Pre, Gum myrrh tree, EK), Cordeauxia edulis (Pre, Yeheb nut, EK), Lawsonia inermis (Pre, Henna, EKTU), Sesbania sesban (Pre, River bean, BEKMRTUZ)
  
  
• Brooms
  Combretum aculeatum (Pre, EKTU)
  
  

For more detailed information about the species occurrences see this excel workbook. It provides country specific information on species composition for this vegetation type. It also allows you to select a subset of useful tree species to provide desired products and services. For each species links to a number of websites / databases with information about this species are provided as well.

Conservation status

The table shows the area (km2) of the vegetation type and the percentage of this area explicitly designated for biodiversity, species or landscape protection (A) and areas designated for both protection and sustainable use objectives (B). Only the nationally designated protected areas were included.

A) Include the IUCN categories I - IV; B) Include the IUCN categories V - VI and the protected areas without IUCN classification. Read more

Links

Species selection tool
Other vegetation types
//vegetationmap4africa.org
Documentation

Citation and terms of use

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