Salt Bush

Four or five species of evergreen, salt-tolerant trees and shrubs make up this genus, known in drier areas of Africa, the Middle East, India, and China. Salvadora persica is found in seasonally flooded areas. The seeds of Salvadora species are rich in volatile mustard oils, which are similar in effect to those found in true mustards (Brassica juncea and B. nigra, See Mustard Greens and Black Mustard, and Sinapsis alba, See White mustard). Research suggests that S. persica, which was first found in Persia, is the plant described in the parable of the mustard seed (Matthew 13: 31-2): "which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree". All parts of S. persica are used locally for medicinal and veterinary purposes. Toothbrushes are made from sections of root by removing the bark from one end and fraying the inner wood, which is then chewed and applied to teeth and gums. The roots contain substances that are excellent for oral hygiene. Salvadora was named after Juan Salvadory Bosa (1598-1681), and apothecary in Barcelona.

Evergreen shrub or small tree with gray, pendulous branches and bright green, elliptic leaves, to 6cm (2½in) long. Tiny green-white, bell-shaped flowers are produced in panicles to 10cm (4in) long, throughout the year, followed by globose, red to purple, aromatic fruits.


Common Name:
Salt Bush
Other Names:
Toothbrush Tree, Mustard Tree
Botanical Name:
Salvadora persica
Genus:
Salvadora
Family:
Salvadoraceae
Native Location:
Africa, Arabia, and India
Cultivation:
Well-drained, seasonally moist to wet soil in sun.
Propagation:
By semi-ripe cuttings in summer, rooted in sand, at 18°C (64°F).
Harvest:
Leaves are picked as required for use fresh, or dried and powdered. Both leaves and wood are burned to a fine ash for external veterinary applications. Bark and wood are dried and powdered. Twigs and roots are cut as required for use fresh. Fruits are collected when ripe for use fresh, cooked, or dried. Seeds may be removed for use whole or crushed in oil.
Height:
2-6m (6-20ft)
Width:
5m (15ft)
Hardiness:
Min. 10-13°C (50-55°F)
Parts Used:
Leaves, twigs, wood, root bark, fruits, seeds.
Properties:
An astringent, stimulant herb that is diuretic and expectorant, and cleanses toxins (leaves), destroys parasites (leaves, bark), promotes healing (wood), improves appetite and bowel function, lowers fever, regulates the menstrual cycle (fruits), and stimulates the circulation (fruits, seeds).
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for cols, skin complaints, urinary problems, syphilis, gonorrhea, and intestinal parasites; constipation, enlarged spleen, poor appetite, and menstrual problems; rheumatism, and arthritis. Externally for abscesses and swelling (leaves), poisonous bites, bruises, and oral hygiene.
Culinary Uses:
Young leaves are added to salads and made into a sauce. Fruits are eaten fresh or dried; can be used as a substitute for mustard seeds.
Economic Uses:
Leaves are burned as a source of salt. Extracts are used to make chewing gum.
Bibliography:
The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995,2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg. 353