The Date Palm of the Desert and Its Virtues

The desert date tree, scientifically known as Balanites Aegyptiaca, is a small tree that is highly resistant to drought. It can reach heights of 8 to 9 meters and has numerous virtues. It is found in the arid Sahelian regions of Africa, as well as in East Africa, Arabia, and India. Indeed, this tree is very common in northern Senegal in the shrub savanna near villages. The climate there is hot and dry, and the soils are sandy and ferruginous. For cultivation, the seeds are softened in water and then sown in well-drained soil. Fast-growing, the desert date tree features drooping branches, composed of long green thorns and small leaves, which serve as fodder for ruminants.