For the people and animals that live in the Sahara the sparse covering of vegetation that is able to survive in such a harsh environment makes up both a large percentage of their diet and, for many, their livelihood. It would take days to list the wide variety of grasses, shrubs, trees and flowering plants that call the Sahara home; however, the following are those that are most well known among the inhabitants of the western world:
Acacia-Acacia trees are flowering trees whose leaflets and leafstalks have adapted to allow them to survive in intense sunlight. Their seeds are used for food in countries around the world and can be found in soups, curries, omelettes and stir fries. It is also an ingredient in many well known sweetened drinks, such as Fresca and Barq's Root Beer.
African Peyote Cactus-The African peyote cactus is the source of peyote for many shamanic rituals among the native tribes of the Sahara. The dried buttons of this cactus are eaten or brewed and alter perception to cause vivid hallucinations. The primary alkaloid found in African peyote, mescaline, has also been used experimentally to treat schizophrenia and other psychoses.
African Welwitchsia-African welwitchsia is a plant with extremely deep roots that can live to be hundreds or even thousands of years old.
Aristida- Aristida is a hardy grass found in the Sahara that has the unique abilities of a weed to populate and thrive just about anywhere.
Artemisia-Many species of Artemisia contain leaves that are used for both medicine and flavoring for the inhabitants of the Sahara. Coincidentally, Artemisia absinthium is one of the primary ingredients in both vermouth and absinthe.
Date Palm-The date palm is an excellent source of food for the people of the Sahara as well as a prime export, and they are an ingredient in certain drinks (both alcoholic and none), sweets and stockfeeds native to the region. Date leaves are also cooked as a vegetable, and in times of extreme scarcity the seeds are ground to make flour for bread.
Doum Palm-If you thought palm trees only lived in Florida, think again! The Doum Palm is native to the Nile River Valley, where it is used in tea or made into molasses, cakes and sweetmeats. The tree was considered sacred by the Ancient Egyptians, and their seeds are found in many Egyptian tombs.
Eragrostis-Eragrostis, or lovegrass, is another hardy grass that rapidly spreads and populates the Sahara by clinging to passersby.
Fig Trees-The Fig Tree is actually a shrub indigenous to western Asia that has been distributed throughout the Mediterranean. It thrives in a dry, warm-to-temperate climate and produces fig fruit with a nutty taste, making it a prime crop for the Sahara region.
Hoodia Gordonii-If you watch the news you've likely heard of Hoodia, the latest miracle diet drug. This plant, in its purest form, is used by the residents of the Sahara to help them survive in an area where food is a regular struggle because of its energizing, appetite suppressing properties.
Magaria. Magaria are light brown fruits that are roughly the size of a cherry. The inhabitants of the Sahara often use dried Magaria to make cakes.
Ocotillo-Also known as the vine cactus, Ocotillo appear to be an arrangement of nothing more than large, spiny stick poles. During the Sahara's infrequent rains this plant become lush with leaves that remain for weeks or months afterwards.
Oleander-Oleander is an evergreen shrub that is extremely poisonous. It is primarily used as a decorative plant and is often found in freeway medians throughout warm winter areas of the U.S. because of it unappealing nature-deer and other herbivores don't tend to snack on it often.
Orange Trees-Orange trees require no introduction, and they are wonderful source of hydrating fruit for the natives of the Sahara.
Panicum-Panicum, or switchgrass, is another hardy grass that thrives in the inhospitable Sahara.
Sahara Mustard Plants-The Sahara mustard plant is native to the Mojave desert in California but was believed to have been imported along with date trees from the Middle East
Tamarisks-Tamarisks are shrubs or trees that can grow up to 18m in height and thrive in saline soils. They are used as ornamental shrubs, windbreaks and shade trees by the inhabitants of the desert and are often used for carpentry or firewood.
Thyme-If you've studied your herbs you're familiar with thyme, a common herb used extensively in African and Middle Eastern dishes. This herb readily grows in the dry soil of the Sahara. The Ancient Egyptians used it in their embalming process, and the Greeks used it in their baths and incense (believing it to be a source of courage). It was also used as a sleep aid and placed in coffins to ease the journey into the next life.
Author Resource:-
Steve Habib is a recognized authority on the subject of growing and caring for a variety of plants. His site DESERT PLANTS: offers a wealth of information about how to keep your plants healthy and growing all year round.
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