Miswak or Meswak tree

This straggling tree or a large shrub is very resistant to saline conditions; where many other plants cannot survive. It can be found growing on banks of creeks and also near other water bodies which are not saline. This tree is native to many countries, including India. The widespread growth of this plant around the wold may be due to migratory birds. Many birds relish fruits of Miswak. Many migratory birds flock near water bodies and through their droppings these plants may have been finding root in several countries around the world.

Salvadora persica tree

Salvadora persica tree

Salvadora persica flowers and fruit

Salvadora persica flowers and fruit

Miswak is traditionally used for dental care. Pieces of stems, about pencil thick are cut and used like a toothbrush. By chewing one end of the stick, fibers of the stick get separated like a brush. Our synthetic toothbrushes need to be used with toothpaste, as they do not have any germicidal properties. Miswak has germicidal, antibacterial and some other medicinal uses. Thus use of toothpaste is not needed. In many Arabic countries Miswak is being used as toothbrush from historic period.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miswak#/media/File:Miswak2.jpg)

Though Miswak is generally found near water bodies, it is quite drought resistant. Due to its tenacity to resist the drought, Miswak can be found in many deserts also.

Cistanche tubulosa is root parasite and gets its water and nutrients from its host, which is normally Miswak tree. I had photographed Cistanche tubulosa in desert of Pokhran in Rajasthan, India.

Cistanche tubulosa

Its scientific name is Salvadora persica. It is also known by other common names – Toothbrush tree, Mustard tree (due to its pungent taste like that of Mustard) and खारा पिलू, खाखन.