Salvadora persica (راك)

Salvadora persica, locally known as راك and commonly called the Toothbrush Tree, is a small evergreen tree or shrub native to arid regions of the Middle East and Africa. Its twigs have been traditionally used as natural toothbrushes (miswak) due to their antibacterial properties. The plant is also culturally significant and plays a role in traditional medicine.

Benefits of Salvadora persica (راك)

• Natural toothbrush (miswak) with proven oral health benefits
• Used in traditional medicine for dental, digestive, and skin issues
• Drought-resistant and thrives in harsh, saline soils
• Valuable for desert landscaping and windbreaks
• Supports biodiversity and soil stabilization

Care Tips for Salvadora persica

• Light: Requires full sun for optimal growth
• Watering: Very low; highly drought-tolerant
• Soil: Tolerates saline, sandy, and poor soils
• Pruning: Prune to shape or harvest miswak sticks
• Fertilizer: Rarely needed; grows well without supplements