Shami Plant

Description

1. Botanical Information

• Botanical Name: Prosopis cineraria

• Common Names: Shami, Khejri, Desert Mesquite

• Family: Fabaceae

• Type: Deciduous, drought-resistant tree

2. Origin & Distribution

• Native To: Indian subcontinent, primarily in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana

• Widely found in arid and semi-arid regions; commonly used in agroforestry, landscaping, and reforestation projects.

3. Physical Characteristics

• Height & Spread: Grows up to 15 meters tall with a broad, spreading canopy.

• Leaves: Small, pinnate leaves that are green and feathery, reducing water loss in dry climates.

• Flowers: Yellowish-green, fragrant flowers that bloom in clusters, usually in spring.

• Fruits: Flat, elongated pods containing seeds; pods are edible for livestock.

• Bark & Trunk: Rough, greyish-brown bark; strong woody trunk.

4. Growing Conditions

• Light: Requires full sunlight for healthy growth.

• Soil: Thrives in sandy, loamy, and well-draining soils; highly tolerant of poor soil conditions.

• Watering: Extremely drought-tolerant; survives with minimal water once established.

• Temperature: Prefers hot, arid climates; can withstand high temperatures and low rainfall.

• Humidity: Can tolerate low humidity typical of desert regions.

5. Maintenance & Care

• Pruning: Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or diseased branches to maintain health.

• Fertilization: Benefits from organic compost during early growth; mature trees rarely need fertilization.

• Pests/Diseases: Highly hardy; few pest or disease problems.

• Propagation: Propagated through seeds or seedlings.

6. Uses & Benefits

• Environmental Benefits: Excellent for soil conservation, afforestation, and combating desertification; fixes nitrogen in soil.

• Cultural & Religious Significance: Sacred tree in India; worshipped during festivals like Dussehra.

• Medicinal Uses: Leaves, bark, and gum used in traditional medicine for fever, digestive disorders, and skin problems.

• Livestock & Agroforestry: Pods and leaves provide fodder for animals; tree used for shade in farms.

7. Lifespan

• Long-lived tree; can survive several decades, often over 50–60 years in arid conditions.