camel’s thorn

plant

Also known as: Alhagi maurorum

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June 22, 2026

Quick Summary

Camel thorn refers to several types of spiny shrubs. One definition includes a low, spiny shrub (Alhagi camelorum) native to the Arabian desert, known for yielding manna. Another refers to a related shrub (A. maurorum). Additionally, it can describe East Indian shrubs (Zizyphus nummularius) used as fodder, or certain southern African acacias, particularly Acacia giraffae. The genus Alhagi itself consists of small desert shrubs found in North Africa and Asia Minor, characterized by simple leaves, spiny branches, and tough pods. The name "camel thorn" originates from the use of its seeds as feed for camels.12

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Certain resins produced by the camel’s thorn plant (Alhagi maurorum) are known as manna; it is a spiny-branched shrub less than 1 metre (about 3 feet) tall and is native to Turkey. An edible white honeylike substance known as manna forms drops on the stem of salt cedars, or French…
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Certain resins produced by the camel’s thorn plant (Alhagi maurorum) are known as manna; it is a spiny-branched shrub less than 1 metre (about 3 feet) tall and is native to Turkey. An edible white honeylike substance known as manna forms drops on the stem of salt cedars, or French…
Read More