Boscia senegalensis, commonly known as hanza, is a member of the family Capparaceae. The plant originated from West Africa. Still a traditional food plant in Africa, this little-known fruit has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development and support sustainable landcare. Boscia senegalensis is a perennial woody plant species of the genus Boscia in the caper family, Capparaceae. This plant is classified as a dicot. Native to the Sahel region in Africa, this evergreen shrub can grow anywhere from 2 to 4 m (6 ft 7 in to 13 ft 1 in) in height under favourable conditions. The leaves of the plant are small and leathery, reaching 12 cm × 4 cm (4.7 in × 1.6 in). B. senegalensis produces fruits, clustered in small bunches, in the form of yellow spherical berries, up to 1.5 cm (0.59 in) in diameter. These fruits contain 1–4 seeds, which are a greenish hue when mature. Boscia senegalensis is recognized as a potential solution to hunger and a buffer against famine in the Sahel region due to the variety of useful products it yields. It produces products for consumption, household needs, and medicinal and agricultural uses. Common names include: aizen (Mauritania and Western Sahara), mukheit (Arabic), hanza (Hausa), bere (Bambara), ngigili (Fulani), mandiarha (Berber), anza (Zarma) and 'taedent (Tamasheq). The fruits are also known as dilo (Hausa), bokkhelli (Arabic), gigile (Fulani) and kanduwi (Tamasheq).
Plan your green oasis based on your criteria: plant type, pet safety, skill level, sites, and more.
Distribution of Senegal boscia
Feedback
Habitat of Senegal boscia
Stony slopes, sand dunes, and cracking-clay plains.
Northern Hemisphere
South Hemisphere
Distribution Map of Senegal boscia
Senegal boscia predominately thrives in arid and semi-arid regions across Northwest and Northeast Africa. Its natural habitat spans the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, where it has adapted to harsh environments. Beyond its native range, senegal boscia does not have a significant introduced or cultivated presence in other global regions.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
More Info on Senegal Boscia Growth and Care
Feedback
Basic Care Guide
Transplant
15-20 ft (4.6-6 m)
For senegal boscia, the pinnacle period for relocation is the crescendo of spring, harnessing vigorous growth. Ensure a sun-kissed, well-drained locale to mimic its native milieu. Friendly tip: A gentle touch aids its settling into new environs.
Senegal boscia is indigenous to conditions with temperature ranges of 68 to 100 °F (20 to 38 ℃). It's accustomed to warm climates and displays optimal growth between these temperatures. During colder seasons, ensure the temperature does not drop below 68 °F (20 ℃).
This drought-tolerant shrub from arid regions requires minimal pruning to maintain shape and encourage fruiting. Key techniques include thinning out older branches and removing dead or diseased wood. Optimal pruning should be done during winter, in the dormancy period, to minimize stress and sap loss. Pruning senegal boscia improves air circulation and light penetration, pivotal for productivity and health.
A database of 400000+ plants and unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Botanist in your pocket
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
About
More Info
Distribution
More About How-Tos
Senegal boscia
Boscia senegalensis
Boscia senegalensis, commonly known as hanza, is a member of the family Capparaceae. The plant originated from West Africa. Still a traditional food plant in Africa, this little-known fruit has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development and support sustainable landcare. Boscia senegalensis is a perennial woody plant species of the genus Boscia in the caper family, Capparaceae. This plant is classified as a dicot. Native to the Sahel region in Africa, this evergreen shrub can grow anywhere from 2 to 4 m (6 ft 7 in to 13 ft 1 in) in height under favourable conditions. The leaves of the plant are small and leathery, reaching 12 cm × 4 cm (4.7 in × 1.6 in). B. senegalensis produces fruits, clustered in small bunches, in the form of yellow spherical berries, up to 1.5 cm (0.59 in) in diameter. These fruits contain 1–4 seeds, which are a greenish hue when mature. Boscia senegalensis is recognized as a potential solution to hunger and a buffer against famine in the Sahel region due to the variety of useful products it yields. It produces products for consumption, household needs, and medicinal and agricultural uses. Common names include: aizen (Mauritania and Western Sahara), mukheit (Arabic), hanza (Hausa), bere (Bambara), ngigili (Fulani), mandiarha (Berber), anza (Zarma) and 'taedent (Tamasheq). The fruits are also known as dilo (Hausa), bokkhelli (Arabic), gigile (Fulani) and kanduwi (Tamasheq).
Hardiness Zones
10 to 12
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Key Facts About Senegal boscia
Feedback
Attributes of Senegal boscia
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Plant Height
2 m to 4 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Color
Green
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
Gain more valuable plant knowledge
Explore a rich botanical encyclopedia for deeper insights
Plant care made easier than ever with our tailor-made smart care reminder.
Download the App for Free
Distribution of Senegal boscia
Feedback
Habitat of Senegal boscia
Stony slopes, sand dunes, and cracking-clay plains.
Northern Hemisphere
South Hemisphere
Distribution Map of Senegal boscia
Senegal boscia predominately thrives in arid and semi-arid regions across Northwest and Northeast Africa. Its natural habitat spans the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, where it has adapted to harsh environments. Beyond its native range, senegal boscia does not have a significant introduced or cultivated presence in other global regions.
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Temperature
Indoor
Indoor
Outdoor
Choose a site here for personalized care tips.
Requirements
Ideal
Tolerable
Unsuitable
Just like people, each plant has its own preferences. Learn about your plants' temperature needs and create a comforting environment for them to flourish. As you care for your plants, your bond with them will deepen. Trust your intuition as you learn about their temperature needs, celebrating the journey you share. Lovingly monitor the temperature around your plants and adjust their environment as needed. A thermometer can be your ally in this heartfelt endeavor. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you explore your plants' temperature needs. Cherish your successes, learn from challenges, and nurture your garden with love, creating a haven that reflects the warmth of your care.
Essentials
Senegal boscia is indigenous to conditions with temperature ranges of 68 to 100 °F (20 to 38 ℃). It's accustomed to warm climates and displays optimal growth between these temperatures. During colder seasons, ensure the temperature does not drop below 68 °F (20 ℃).
Regional wintering strategies
Discover information about plant diseases, toxicity, weed control and more.
Cookie Management Tool
In addition to managing cookies through your browser or device, you can change your cookie settings below.
Necessary Cookies
Necessary cookies enable core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.
Analytical Cookies
Analytical cookies help us to improve our application/website by collecting and reporting information on its usage.
Cookie Name
Source
Purpose
Lifespan
_ga
Google Analytics
These cookies are set because of our use of Google Analytics. They are used to collect information about your use of our application/website. The cookies collect specific information, such as your IP address, data related to your device and other information about your use of the application/website. Please note that the data processing is essentially carried out by Google LLC and Google may use your data collected by the cookies for own purposes, e.g. profiling and will combine it with other data such as your Google Account. For more information about how Google processes your data and Google’s approach to privacy as well as implemented safeguards for your data, please see here.
1 Year
_pta
PictureThis Analytics
We use these cookies to collect information about how you use our site, monitor site performance, and improve our site performance, our services, and your experience.
1 Year
Cookie Name
_ga
Source
Google Analytics
Purpose
These cookies are set because of our use of Google Analytics. They are used to collect information about your use of our application/website. The cookies collect specific information, such as your IP address, data related to your device and other information about your use of the application/website. Please note that the data processing is essentially carried out by Google LLC and Google may use your data collected by the cookies for own purposes, e.g. profiling and will combine it with other data such as your Google Account. For more information about how Google processes your data and Google’s approach to privacy as well as implemented safeguards for your data, please see here.
Lifespan
1 Year
Cookie Name
_pta
Source
PictureThis Analytics
Purpose
We use these cookies to collect information about how you use our site, monitor site performance, and improve our site performance, our services, and your experience.
Lifespan
1 Year
Marketing Cookies
Marketing cookies are used by advertising companies to serve ads that are relevant to your interests.
Cookie Name
Source
Purpose
Lifespan
_fbp
Facebook Pixel
A conversion pixel tracking that we use for retargeting campaigns. Learn more here.
1 Year
_adj
Adjust
This cookie provides mobile analytics and attribution services that enable us to measure and analyze the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, certain events and actions within the Application. Learn more here.
1 Year
Cookie Name
_fbp
Source
Facebook Pixel
Purpose
A conversion pixel tracking that we use for retargeting campaigns. Learn more here.
Lifespan
1 Year
Cookie Name
_adj
Source
Adjust
Purpose
This cookie provides mobile analytics and attribution services that enable us to measure and analyze the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, certain events and actions within the Application. Learn more here.
Lifespan
1 Year
Snap a photo for planting, toxicity, culture, and disease info, etc.