Salvadora Plant

Salvadora:

TAXONOMIC CLASSIFICATION
Kingdom	Plantae
division	Magnoliopsida
class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Brassicales
family	Salvadoraceae
Genus	Salvadora
Species	Salvadora australis, Salvadora oleiodes Salvadora persica

                                                                                                          

·        Habitat

Salvadora is native to the hottest, driest areas of the East. Although the following species have different habitats:

ü  Salvadora persica- is widespread in thorn shrubs, desert floodplains, river and stream bank vegetation, and grassy savannahs. Also found in valleys, on dunes and on termite mounds. Highly salt tolerant, it can grow on coastal regions and inland saline soils.

ü  Salvadora oleiodes- commonly found in and around Sandal Bar.

ü  Salvadora australis-Alluvial soils, river banks and flood plains.

·         Ecological importance:

ü  Salvadora persica: Provides shade or shelter, planted as shelterbelts and windbreaks to protect farm habitation, gardens and orchards.

ü  Salvadora oleiodes: Erosion control, Shade or shelter, Reclamation:  S. oleiodes has potential for reclamation as it regenerates freely by root suckers, Soil improver, Boundary or barrier or support.

ü  Salvadora australis: They are considered critical in maintaining conditions favorable for the persistence of the associated herbaceous component.

·        Biological importance:

ü  Salvadora persica- also known as Miswak being used  as an oral hygiene tool due to its excellent mechanical plague-removing efficiency, has good antibacterial and  antifungal effects for maintaining  good  oral health including prevention of dental caries and periodontal disease.

ü  Salvadora oleiodes-it has several biological importance as it has many useful pruducts.It is a rich source of calcium .The tree is often lopped for camel fodder. Fruits fed to cattle are said to increase milk production. An important source of fuel wood and timber. Leaves are used to relieve cough, and are given to horses as a purgative. Root bark is used as a vesicant.

Economic Value:

Salvadora plant is economically valued by its production of fuel, timber and medicinal properties.