Salvadora persica, Miswak Plant or Toothbrush Tree 30-50cm

Salvadora persica

Toothbrush tree is a small, evergreen shrub or tree that grows in hot, dry conditions in parts of Africa, the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula. It is valued as a medicinal plant by local people, since it contains a number of active compounds that promote good health. The fruits of S. persica are edible and have a pungent taste. Twigs and roots are widely used as tooth brush. E xtracts from S. persica are used also in some tooth pastes in Europe, and the contents of salt and resins are said to have a cleaning effect.