Calligonum
(from kallos, beauty, and gonu, a knee-joint; in reference to its leafless joint). SYNS. Pallasia, Pterococcus. ORD. Polygonaceae. A genus containing about a score species of very curious, erect, evergreen, hardy shrubs, found growing in dry, arid, sandy spots in Northern Africa and Western Asia. They will thrive in any well-drained sandy loam. Cuttings will root in spring or autumn if placed under a hand glass.
C. Pallasia (Pallas's). fl. whitish, in groups. May. fr. winged; wings membranous, curled and toothed, succulent, acid, edible. l. simple, alternate, exstipulate, deciduous, caducous, minute. Shoots rush-like, smooth, green. h. 3ft. to 4ft. Caspian Sea, 1780.