Haloxylon persicum aka White Saxaul Tree

Haloxylon persicum, or salt tree, belongs to the Amaranthaceae family. It grows as a shrub or small tree. Its native range stretches from Egypt across southwest and central Asia. It reaches northern Xinjiang, western Pakistan, and the Arabian Peninsula. Kew places it in a subtropical climate zone. It grows on desert dunes, sand ridges, and sandy hills. In these sites, it can form stands of its own species.

Plants For A Future lists a height of 15 feet [4.5 metres]. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. The species flowers from May to June. Each flower has both male and female organs. Seeds ripen from September to October. Its wide root system helps hold loose sand in place. This makes it useful for restoring tree cover on sandy land. Its value lies in soil protection as well as wood.

Give this desert plant full sun and soil that drains well. It cannot grow in shade and does poorly in wet conditions. Sandy or loamy soil suits it, including soil with few nutrients. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and alkaline ground. Plants For A Future also reports tolerance of very alkaline and salty soils. It can use dry or moist soil, provided drainage stays good. Once established, it can withstand drought. It tolerates temperatures below freezing, but the source gives no hardiness zone.

Its wood serves both as fuel and for general carpentry. It is heavy enough to sink in water. The wood lasts well, though it is brittle. It does not splinter, according to Plants For A Future. People in its native range value its strong heat when burned. The same source gives no known medicinal uses. It assigns the plant an edibility score of zero. It reports no known hazards, but provides no detailed safety assessment.

Sow seeds in a greenhouse in spring. Move seedlings into separate pots once they are large enough. Keep them under glass through at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer after expected frosts. Half-ripe cuttings offer another way to raise plants. Take these in July or August and use sand in a frame. Plants For A Future does not flag the species as weedy.