Toothbrush tree

The twigs of this shrub are made into the miswak – a natural toothbrush used on the Arabian Peninsula since the time of the Prophet.

An evergreen, spreading shrub or small tree growing 3–6 m tall, with drooping branches and fleshy, light green leaves. Its small, greenish-yellow flowers are borne in panicles, and its fruits are small, round berries that turn pink as they ripen and acquire a sweet, peppery taste. The roots and twigs contain compounds with antibacterial properties, as well as fluoride and silica. The shrub tolerates salty soils and drought well and grows on coastal plains and in dry wadis.

Significance in the country

Using the miswak is part of the Sunnah – the Prophet Muhammad recommended cleaning the teeth with it before prayer – so arak sticks are sold outside mosques, especially in Mecca and Medina. Dental research has confirmed its antibacterial effect, and arak extract is added to some toothpastes.

Where it grows

The Tihama coastal plain along the Red Sea, from Jazan to Tabuk, and the dry wadis of the Hejaz and Asir.

More: Wikipedia (en)