Dobera glabra (Bekele-Tesemma, 2007)

Dobera glabra Salvadoraceae Indigenous

• Afargna: Garas
• Somaligna: Garas, Haras
• Tigrigna: Geresa

Distributed in north-east Africa, south to Uganda and Kenya and also in India. In Ethiopia, it occurs on rocky hillsides in dry areas and in saline, heavy, or calcareous loam soils. It does well in Dry and Moist Kolla agroclimatic zones in Shoa (Awash), Harerge, Bale and Sidamo, 400–1,300 m.

Firewood, timber (local use), utensils (containers, mortars, water troughs), food (fruit, seeds), fodder (leaves), shade, tooth brushes (stems), gum.

A much‑branched, evergreen shrub or tree to 8 m.

• BARK: Green to dark grey and patchy.
• LEAVES: Opposite, yellow to grey‑green, thick, smooth, veins hardly seen, up to 7 cm long, tip usually notched.
• FLOWERS: White, in branched heads.
• FRUIT: Ovoid to 2 cm, with 1–2 flat seeds in soft edible pulp.

Direct sowing at site, wildings, seedlings (sow in pots).

About 1,400 seed per kg. Germination 60—80% from fresh and carefully extracted seed within 40—60 days.

• Treatment: Not necessary.
• Storage: Seeds do not store well. Use fresh seed.

Slow growing but very hardy once established.

The fruits and seeds are a very important food during times of drought. It is sensitive to water logging.