Camelthorn
(Alhagi maurorum) Economic Importance Camelthorn is unpalatable and injurious to some animals. Because of its deep root system, camelthorn grows successfully in dry, rocky, saline soil, making it weedy in rangeland against preferred forage. The species is also a potential alfalfa seed contaminant. Geographical Distribution Camelthorn is native to southeast Russia occurring primarily in dry open rangeland. Camelthorn now occurs in the Columbia Basin of central Washington, California, Nevada, Arizona, Australia, South Texas, and Africa. Habitat Camelthorn occurs principally in deep moist soil, but it also occurs in dry, rocky, or saline soils. The plant is especially abundant along riverbanks, canals, and irrigation ditches, but it sometimes spreads into cultivated fields. History Camelthorn was introduced into California from Turkey as an alfalfa seed contaminant and in packing materials around date palm offshoots. The only known population in the Pacific Northwest occurs on Bureau of Reclamation Land, Columbia Basin Project, Grant County, Washington. This infestation was first reported in 1956 along the lower Crab Creek drainage area and has since spread eastward toward Othello, where it now encompasses 20-25 sections of land. Growth and Development Camelthorn is a rhizomatous perennial that can give rise to aerial shoots up to 25 feet away from parent plant. Reproduction The species spreads by seeds and rhizomes. Response to Herbicides Tordon, 22K, 2,4-D, are effective in controlling camelthorn.
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Camelthorn
is a deep-rooted, rhizomatous, perennial shrub, with roots that
can extend six to seven feet into the ground. The spiny, intricately-branched
shrub reaches 1.5 to four feet in height. The plant, which is grayish
green and hairless, has simple, entire leaves that are alternately
arranged. The leaf shape is oval to lance-shaped. The small (3/8
inch), pea-like flowers are pinkish purple to maroon and are borne
on short, spine-tipped branches that arise from the leaf axils.
The reddish-brown to tan fruits are constricted between the seeds,
with a short narrow beak at the end.