Seeds of the prickly pear tree

The Shalaf is a perennial wild shrub belonging to the Capparaceae family, creeping and climbing, fast-growing, and also produces honey from its nectar, which is the best type of beneficial honey for men's fertility. It has many thorny branches, and its fruits have many benefits for human health. Scientific name: Capparis Spinosa. Other names: Kabbar, Asf, Al-Qibar, Kibar, Lsf, Shafiḥ, Warda Al-Jabal, Lwasfa, Shalm, Al-‘Albib, ‘Aslub Dajaj, Sadr, Sadr. Family: Capparaceae. Native habitat: Grows in most Arab countries from the Arabian Peninsula to the Maghreb countries and the Mediterranean basin. Cultivation of Shalaf and environmental conditions: Shalaf is a shrub that grows in most different environments, capable of tolerating dry weather. It also grows on slopes and rocky areas; its growth and flowering increase the more it is pruned. Soil and fertilizer: Light sandy or good-draining clay soil. Fertilize with organic fertilizer in spring. Watering: Water regularly during germination, then according to climatic conditions and soil moisture. Sun exposure: Full sun. Propagation: By seeds and cuttings. Planting time: Planted in the first and third planting seasons. Flowering period: From May to September. Flowers and leaves: Its flowers are white tinged with pink, with light purple hairs protruding from them. They have a pleasant fragrance, up to 7 cm in size. Its leaves are thick, round, pale, and up to 2 cm long. Fruits: Its fruit is green, shaped like a pear or grape, and when ripe, it opens to reveal red pulp inside with seeds, and it is edible. Height: Can reach up to a meter or slightly more. Benefits of Shalaf: Shalaf contains a high amount of vitamins and minerals. Ground roots are used as a poultice to treat spleen disorders. The floral buds are used as a kidney disinfectant and as a tonic for arteriosclerosis. It is used to treat chills and as a dressing for the eyes. Shalaf lowers blood sugar and pressure. It is a gas and worm expeller. Used to treat asthma and cough. Boiled fruits are used as a gas expeller and to treat lower back pain and dropsy. It is used in making pickles.