A genus of African and Middle Eastern trees that produce edible fruits and have been used medicinally and as a source of wood for centuries.
From Greek 'balanos' (acorn), named for the tree's acorn-like fruits. The genus name reflects traditional usage across Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
The balanites tree, also called the desert date, has fed people across Africa and the Middle East for thousands of years—its oil, wood, and fruit are so useful that it's sometimes called a 'complete plant' by communities that depend on it.
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