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GENERAL
Origin
:
Mediterranean,
sub-tropical
Vigour
:
fast growing
Humidity
:
very arid, semi-
arid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out,
cuttings
Maintenance :
low
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
resistant
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
none
Salinity/ppm :
high (3500 ppm)
Hardiness
:
-9°C
SHAPE
Type
:
shrub, tree
Height
:
4 m
Spread
:
6 m
Foliage
:
deciduous
FLOWER
Colour
:
white, lilac
Size
:
1.2 cm
Period
:
March - May
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
berry
Fruit size
:
0.5 cm
Toxicity
:
poisonous, edible
when processed
Lycium shawii is called awsaj or shaz in Arabic, while the English common name is Boxthorn
or Desert-Thorn. The shrub or small tree is distributed throughout the Arabian peninsula, sou-
thwest Africa and the Mediterranean basin. Lycium grows up to 4 metres high with a spread of
6 metres. It is densely branched and armed with tiny thorns. The small leaves are dark green.
The 7-mm-broad, star-like white flowers appear in spring. After flowering, edible pea-size red
berries develop. The plant attracts birds and bees. Lycium is adapted to desert conditions; and
can withstand drought, frost, wind, grazing and heat. The demands on the soil are less; it grows
on rocky clayey soil. Salt tolerance is very high. The shrub needs nearly no irrigation when once
established, and has tap roots. Pruning will improve dense growth, and seeds and cuttings are
used for propagation. Lycium can easily be found around Riadh. It is very useful for open country,
as a coloniser, hillside plantation species, slope stabiliser and for environmental consolidation. In
open landscape areas, the shrub is popular because it can be planted as a hedge or windbreak and
also provides fodder for livestock. Natural planting themes such as rock or steppe gardens can
be created with Lycium shawii planted as dominant, grouped plant or as a hedge. A relative of
Boxthron, the Goji, became very popular, because it is very healthy, rich in vitamins and mineral
nutrients.
195
Lycium shawii,
Solanaceae
Boxthorn,
Desert-Thorn, awsaj, shaz