Top 20 Most Common Trees in Mali

Img leaf left

Img leaf right

Top 20 Most Common Trees in Mali

Mali, with its dry and arid climate, is home to several resilient native trees that have adapted to the challenging conditions. Three emblematic trees in this region include Apple of Sodom, Senegal mahogany, and Baobab. These trees play a crucial role in the ecological balance and cultural heritage of Mali. They provide shade, shelter for wildlife, and contribute to soil fertility. Their importance in local folklore and traditional practices demonstrates the deep cultural connection between the people of Mali and their natural environment.

Most Common Trees

Apple of Sodom

1. Apple of Sodom

Apple of Sodom, or Calotropis procera, is an extremely poisonous plant. The fruit of this plant ripens and bursts, causing the seeds to scatter. In Jamaica, the fibers inside of the fruit are collected and used to stuff pillows.

Senegal mahogany

2. Senegal mahogany

The senegal mahogany is a medium-sized tree native to the tropical regions of West Africa. Its fruit changes from gray to black when ripe and discharges winged seeds to be dispersed by the wind. Its wood, Khaya senegalensis, is used for various purposes, including but not limited to interior trimming, construction, carpentry, and fuel.

Tamarind

Tamarind is a monotypic perennial tree grown for its timber and edible fruits. Tamarind trees yield brown seed fruits with a sweet, acidic pulp used in various varieties of cuisines around the world. The pulp is also used as a metal polish.

Your Essential Companion for Global Plant Exploration

From American natives to Philippine tropics, discover plants worldwide with our app.

Download the App for Free

Baobab

Baobab (Adansonia digitata) is indigenous to Africa, Australia, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula. It thrives in areas that are dry and hot. It lives longer than virtually all other living things, and there are specimens alive today that are 3,000 years old or more. It has a large, water-filled trunk that is 28 m or more in circumference.

Desert date

The desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca) is an important shrub in Africa because it provides edible fruit that grows in many conditions, from arid to flooded climates and in very poor soils. The plant is also used as wood for furniture, tools, and fuel. This tree is truly multipurpose since its sticky gum is also an effective glue.

Kapok tree

Kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra) is a rain forest plant that can shoot up to as much as 61 m. It towers over every other plant in its native habitat. The trunk can get as wide as 3 m in diameter. Its nooks and crannies are hosts to a staggering array of both plant and animal species, including birds and frogs.

Indian jujube

7. Indian jujube

The indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana) makes a delightful addition to subtropical gardens. Don't expect to find a non-cultivated variety! Over 400 cultivars of this specimen have developed over its staggering 4,000 years of domestication by humans. In Burma, the fruit is processed into a dark dye used in coloring delicate silks.

Common bushweed

8. Common bushweed

The common bushweed (*Flueggea virosa*) is a bushy shrub that produces white, waxy fruits favored by animals and birds. Native to Southern Africa on woodland margins and riverbanks, it has also become naturalized in Hawaii and parts of China, where it is invasive and disruptive to local ecosystems. Common bushweed branches are regularly used to create handmade fish traps.

Monkey guava

9. Monkey guava

Native to the African savanna, monkey guava (Diospyros mespiliformis) is an important food source for African animals. Grazing animals typically eat its leaves, while jackals, in particular, are fond of its fruit, leading to another nickname: jackalberry. It frequently grows over termite mounds because the termites aerate the soil around it, while it offers them protection from the sun.

Wild custard apple

10. Wild custard apple

Wild custard apple is a common fruit in African markets, sought for its pineapple-like smell, sweet taste and use for flavoring ice cream and other treats. It is also frequently grazed by livestock, and its bark is sometimes used to make insecticides.

Red spikethorn

11. Red spikethorn

The milky white flowers of the red spikethorn (Gymnosporia senegalensis) grow at intervals along its red branches. Despite its unpleasant spines, it is an important food source for African animals, with monkeys, rhinos, birds and even larval butterflies depending on its fruit, bark and leaves.

Moringa

Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that can reach impressive heights. In its native country of India, the moringa is popularly cultivated and harvested for its fruit and leaves. These components of the tree are then used as a source of food and oil extracted from the tree can be incorporated into cosmetics.

Sycamore fig

13. Sycamore fig

The sycamore fig (Ficus sycomorus) has had impacts on many cultures and religions. The Egyptian "tree of life," sycamore fig was prominent in ancient Egyptian agriculture, with its wood used to build coffins and its fruits buried with the pharaohs. It is also mentioned numerous times in the Bible as a sign of prosperity and sustenance.

Aroma

Aroma (Dichrostachys cinerea) is a legume species as known as sicklebush, Bell mimosa, Chinese lantern tree and Kalahari Christmas tree. Aroma is native to Africa, the Indian subcontinent and North Australia. This species is a serious invasive species problem in Cuba.

Buffalo thorn

15. Buffalo thorn

Branches of the buffalo thorn (Ziziphus mucronata) are used to mark the graves of Zulu chiefs in South Africa. Its leaves and fruits, small green to brown glossy orbs, are an important food source for grazing animals and livestock. Its paired thorns also carry meaning in South Africa: One faces backward, representing the past, while its partner faces forward.

Mango tree

Mango tree is a large tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It is most well-known for the tropical fruit it produces, and mango is the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Mango tree can also be used for wood after the tree’s fruit production is over. This type of wood is highly prized for making musical instruments.

Tallow wood

17. Tallow wood

This tropical tree, the tallow wood, produces leaves that smell like almonds. Although this tree is sometimes cultivated for its yellow fruits, it is often found growing wild in southern parts of the United States. The leaves and seeds contain cyanide.

Apple-ring acacia

18. Apple-ring acacia

The apple-ring acacia (Faidherbia albida) is a thorny tree from Africa and the Middle East. A versatile species, it can grow in dry floodplains, swamps, riverbanks, and across savannahs. The ring-shaped seed pods are favorites of livestock and wildlife alike. The apple-ring acacia's wood is used as firewood and to make canoes, and soap can be made from the ashes.

Elephant tree

19. Elephant tree

Elephant tree is a tree whose Latin name(Sclerocarya birrea) literally translates to 'long nut.' The strong bark is used to make ropes and supports the local African economy. It is an important tree due to its indigenous fruits.

Neem tree

Neem tree (*Azadirachta indica*) is a flowering tree species related to mahogany and with an appearance similar to that of the chinaberry tree. For centuries, it has played an important role in Indian culture. Commercially, the neem tree is used to produce neem oil, pesticides, and cosmetics.

Discover 4 Exciting Reasons to Choose PictureThis

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Identify toxic plants around you

Easily find your perfect green friends

Get full care tips and tricks for your plants

Download the App for Free

Africa > Mali

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

More Plants in Mali

Mask group

Most Common Toxic Plants

Mali's diverse environments, from the Saharan north to the Savannah south, provide variable conditions that could sustain an array of flora, including toxic plants. Factors like temperature fluctuations, rainfall patterns, and soil diversity can contribute to the prevalence of noxious vegetation. While some regions may support the growth of , others might favor or , raising concerns about the potential risks to humans, livestock, and wildlife. The vigilance for such species is necessary for managing their impact.

Mask group

Most Common Flowers

Mali's diverse climate and fertile soil provide the perfect conditions for a variety of native flowers to flourish. Among them, , , and stand out as the most characteristic blossoms. These flowers not only add to the visual beauty of the region, but also hold great symbolic and ecological importance. Trustworthy sources confirm the abundance of these unique blooms in Mali, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and floral enthusiasts alike.

Mask group

Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Mali welcomes Spring, the land awakes to milder temperatures and life-giving rains, setting the stage for its unique flora to thrive. Signature flowers like , , and begin to unfurl their petals. The vibrant symbolizes new beginnings, while the fragrant invites pollinators to its blossoms, crucial for local ecosystems. The rare adds a splash of color, celebrating the season's exuberance and diversity.

Mask group

Most Common Spring Fruits

In Mali, Spring breathes life into the arid landscape, showering it with rains that infuse the soil with vitality necessary for fruit cultivation. This season is marked by the blossoming of , , and , whose ripe offerings are eagerly awaited. Not only do they bring the promise of fresh, flavorful sustenance, but they also play a crucial role in local diets and economies, symbolizing the renewal and abundance of the season.

Mask group

Most Common Fruits

Mali's hot, dry climate and fertile alluvial soil along the Niger and Senegal rivers provide an ideal environment for cultivating local fruit plants. Among these, , , and stand out not only for their agronomic adaptability but also for their cultural resonance within the region, forming part of the local diet and traditional practices. These fruit plants hold a special place in Mali's societal customs, representing a blend of economic sustenance and heritage.

Mask group

Most Common Weeds

In the warm, sub-Saharan climate of Mali, garden weeds flourish under the sun-drenched skies and in the sporadically moist soils. Among the most common interlopers in gardens and landscapes, , , and have emerged as prevalent, demanding continual management. These weeds thrive, challenging gardeners as they vie with crops for nutrients and space, thus necessitating strategic control measures to maintain plant health and biodiversity.

Mask group

Most Common Tall Trees

Mali's diverse ecosystem, ranging from arid deserts to fertile grasslands, harbors conditions conducive to some remarkable arboreals. Amid this setting rise the monolithic , , and , trees of such scale they seemingly pierce the firmament. These botanical beacons play pivotal roles in both the environment and cultural heritage, standing as silent, steadfast giants that embody the resilience and permanence of the natural world.

Mask group

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Mali offers a serene and cold ambiance, serving as a surprising haven for certain flowers. Among the blooms that brave the chill are , , and . These resilient and beautiful flowers add a touch of color and symbolism to the frosty environment, showcasing nature's ability to thrive even in the harshest conditions.

Mask group

Most Common Plants

In Mali, you can find Pearl millet, Grain sorghum, African rice, Apple of Sodom, Pterocarpus santalinoides, and more! There are 50 types of plants in total. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you’re walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens.

Copyright © Glority LLC Limited. All Rights Reserved.