Prosopis cineraria, commonly known as the Khejri or Shami, is a small to medium-sized, thorny, evergreen tree that grows to a height of 3-5 meters, but can reach up to 10 meters under favorable conditions.
The tree is native to arid and semi-arid regions of Western Asia and the Indian subcontinent. It thrives in extremely dry conditions, often found in deserts and dry forests, and is highly drought-tolerant. The leaves are bipinnate, with 7-14 pairs of leaflets on each pinna. The flowers are small, creamy-yellow, and appear in dense, cylindrical spikes. The fruit is a pod, 10-20 cm long, containing several seeds.
Habitat
Prosopis cineraria is native to arid and semi-arid regions of Western Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
Planting and Care
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Propagation: Sow seeds in well-drained soil, preferably in a sunny location. Seeds typically germinate within a few weeks under optimal conditions.
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Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils.
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Watering: Requires minimal watering once established, but regular watering is beneficial during the initial growth period.
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Sunlight: Thrives in full sun.
Additional Information
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Wildlife Significance: Provides habitat and shelter for various bird species and small mammals, and the flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Pods and seeds are consumed by livestock and wildlife.
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Economic Value: The wood is hard and durable, used for construction, furniture, and fuel, and is also used for making agricultural tools and implements. Leaves and pods are an important source of fodder for livestock, especially in arid regions. Various parts of the plant are used in traditional medicine to treat ailments, and the Shami tree has cultural significance, often being worshipped during certain rituals and festivals.
