Salvadora oleoides (Desert Grapes, Tuch, توچ, (Iran); Vann, Badapilu, Vridhipilu, Khakan, (India); ون/ਵਣ, vaṇ, (Punjabi); जाल / पीलू , jāl / pīlū, (Hindi);)
Botanical Information
| Family | Salvadoraceae |
| Genus | Salvadora |
| Species | oleoides |
| Category | Tropicals, Woody |
| Type | Tree (evergreen), Shrub (deciduous) |
| Origin | Tropical Africa, Asia, Egypt, Mascarene Islands and China. Sandal Bar- Punjab, Pakistan. Faridibad district, western Rajhasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and west Bengal and the Chilka lagoons of India. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | Burnt leaves yield and ash which when boiled is used to treat mange in camels. The wood is of little value and is used for cooking and building, however it is not often found in great quantities or size. Seed pods are used as animal fodder and may be stored dried for later use however in times of severe drought pods are consumed by humans. Branches are often lopped off and provide a fresh source of fodder for camels, cattle, goats and sheep. The roots and fine branches have been used as both toothpicks and toothbrushes. The leaves may be used as a salve for wounds and other medicinal purposes while and oil extracted from the seed is used a major component of soaps and candles. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cool season protection under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Height | 6-7 m |
| Spread | 1-2 m |
| Growth | Slow |
| Flowering Period | March, April |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | The tree generates large amounts of leaf litter and thus contributes to soil enrichment. The extensive root system reduces soil erosion while mature trees with their dense canopies can act as windbreaks, of provide shade and shelter. It is also tolerant of saline soils. |
| Landscape | A plant of substantial economic importance locally is is also a primary animal habitat species providing cover and food for insects, birds, rodents and reptiles. |
| Propagation | Easily through roots suckers or seed. |
| Habitat | A dominant species of the dry tropical thorn forest often found growing in association with Prosopis cineraria. |
| Flower Description | Small, greenish-white flowers. |
| Fruit Description | Yellow fruit that ripens from May-June. |