Balanites glabra is a species of tree or shrub, classified either as a member of the Zygophyllaceae or the Balanitaceae.

Balanites glabra is a spiny shrub or tree growing to a maximum height of 9m.

The young fruit is round but becomes more ellipsoid as it ripens when it changes colour to yellow, orange or pale red.

[3] The fruit is mildly poisonous to humans and may cause fever, diarrhoea and stomach ache.

[4] Balanites glabra occurs in eastern Africa in Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and northern Tanzania.