How to Grow Prosopis Cineraria?

Prosopis cineraria, also known as ghaf, khejri, jami, shami, or the king of deserts, is a flowering tree native to dry regions of Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan and India. In Hindi, it is commonly called खेजड़ी or जंद.

The khejri tree is well adapted to arid conditions and can grow in poor soil. It can tolerate high temperatures and long periods without rainfall. This makes it an ideal tree for growing in drought-prone areas.

The shami plant has many benefits. It provides shelter and food for humans and animals. Its pods and leaves are nutritious fodder for camels, goats and sheep. The flowers produce nectar which attracts bees for honey production. The bark and fruits have medicinal value. And it also helps prevent desertification by stabilizing sand dunes.

Benefits of Growing Prosopis Cineraria

Prosopis Cineraria, ghaf, khejri, jami, shami

Here are some of the top benefits of growing Prosopis cineraria:

It can survive and thrive in harsh desert conditions.
Provides shade and shelter from heat.
Produces pods and leaves that serve as nutritious animal fodder.
Attracts pollinators like bees with its flowers.
Fixes nitrogen in soil, improving fertility.
Helps control erosion and stabilizes sand dunes.
Bark and fruits have medicinal properties.
Provides fuelwood and timber.
Has cultural and religious significance in India.

Growing this sturdy tree can help support local communities in arid regions. Given its resilience and multipurpose uses, Prosopis cineraria is an excellent choice for reforestation efforts in dry areas.

Climate and Soil Requirements

Prosopis cineraria thrives in hot, arid regions with minimal rainfall. It can tolerate extreme temperatures up to 50°C. Prolonged frost or low temperatures below freezing are harmful to it.

This tree flourishes with annual precipitation of around 4 – 10 inches. Good drainage is essential as it cannot tolerate waterlogging.

The khejri tree can grow in a range of soil types – from stony, sandy soils to loam and clay soils. However, it prefers deep sandy soils for optimal growth. The soil should be alkaline with a pH range of 7.5 to 8.5.

Propagation Methods

Prosopis cineraria can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings and air layering.

Propagation by Seeds

The shami plant is commonly grown from seeds. Here is the process:

Collect seeds from fresh, mature pods during summer.
Remove pulp and wash seeds with water.
Soak seeds in water for 12-24 hours before sowing.
Fill seed trays or polybags with a sandy soil mix. Sow seeds about half inch deep.
Keep soil moist until germination, which takes 7-15 days.
Once seedlings have 3-4 leaves, transplant into larger containers.
Water regularly for initial establishment.

Propagation by Cuttings

The khejri tree can also be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings:

Take 6-8 inch long cuttings from healthy branches in spring.
Remove leaves from the lower half of cuttings.
Dip cut ends in rooting hormone powder.
Plant cuttings in pots filled with perlite/vermiculite mix.
Place pots in indirect sunlight and maintain uniform moisture.
Roots will develop in 4-6 weeks. Transfer to pots with soil mix.

Air Layering

Air layering is another suitable technique for propagating Prosopis cineraria:

Select pencil-thick branches on a healthy tree.
Make a 2 inch ringed cut into the bark without damaging the wood.
Wrap this cut portion with moist sphagnum moss.
Seal moss with plastic wrap and tie rope below cut.
Keep moss moist until roots emerge in 6-8 weeks.
Cut layered branch and plant with ball of moss in soil.

Planting Procedure

Follow these steps to plant Prosopis cineraria:

Dig pits 2 feet wide and deep in an area receiving full sunlight.
Fill pit with a mixture of farmyard manure, sand and topsoil.
Water pit thoroughly and allow excess water to drain.
Carefully remove plant from container without disturbing roots.
Place plant in center of pit. Ensure it is planted at the same depth as container.
Backfill pit with soil mix. Press firmly around base to remove air pockets.
Create a shallow basin around plant to hold water.
Water thoroughly after planting.
Add protective tree guard to protect from animals.

For mass planting, space Prosopis cineraria trees at least 10-15 feet apart. Wider spacing of 25-30 feet is suitable for orchards and windbreak plantations.

Caring for Prosopis Cineraria (Shami Plant)

Watering

Established khejri trees are highly drought resistant and need minimal irrigation.
Younger trees require regular watering for the first 2 years until root system is well developed.
Water deeply once a week during dry periods. Avoid frequent, light watering.
Suspend watering during rainy season to prevent waterlogging.

Fertilizing

Prosopis cineraria trees growing in poor, sandy soil benefit from occasional fertilizing.
Apply a balanced 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer or organic manure during spring.
Spread fertilizer in area below the tree canopy. Follow label directions for dosage.
For mature trees, fertilize every 2-3 years. Young trees need yearly feeding.

Pruning

Prune actively growing khejri trees in early spring. Remove dead, diseased or crossing branches.
Pruning helps develop a strong branching structure and open canopy.
Avoid heavy pruning which can negatively impact flowering and pod production.
Use sharp, clean secateurs for neat cuts that heal quickly.

Pest and Disease Control

Prosopis cineraria is relatively pest and disease resistant.
Monitor for galls, stem borers, scale insects and termites. Hand pick or prune out infested parts.
Spray neem oil solution to prevent fungal issues.
Improve air circulation and avoid overwatering.
Remove and destroy severely infected plants to prevent spread.

Harvesting Prosopis Cineraria

Pods ripen during May-August. Harvest pods when they turn brown and dry.
Collect pods by handpicking or shaking branches over tarps.
Spread pods in the sun for 2-3 days to dry further. Remove seeds and store.
Coppice and pollard trees in rainy season for firewood and fodder. New growth appears in 4-6 weeks.
Harvest bark peel from mature trunks during spring or fall. Sun dry for medicinal use.

Uses of Prosopis Cineraria/Khejri

The khejri tree has many traditional uses:

Food: Unripe pods are eaten as a vegetable. Ripe pods and seeds are used to make flour.
Fodder: Leaves and pods provide highly nutritious animal feed.
Fuel: Wood is excellent firewood and used for cooking. Also yields high quality charcoal.
Timber: Hard and durable heartwood used for furniture, tools, posts, wheels and agricultural equipment.
Medicine: Bark, fruits, leaves have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties in Ayurveda and Unani medicine.
Tannin: Bark contains tannins used for tanning leather.
Gum: Gum obtained from the bark has industrial uses.
Environmental: Planted for sand dune stabilization, windbreaks, sheltersbelts and soil improvement. Sacred tree in Hinduism.

Conclusion

The hardy Prosopis cineraria is a multifunctional tree ideally suited for dryland regions. With its nitrogen fixing ability and tolerance to drought, high temperatures and poor soils, the khejri tree offers ecological and economic benefits. With some care and protection in initial years, it can transform barren lands into productive agroforestry systems. Planting Prosopis cineraria helps conserve biodiversity, supports rural livelihoods and is a smart strategy for climate change adaptation.

FAQs

How fast does Prosopis cineraria grow?

In ideal growing conditions, Prosopis cineraria can grow up to 6 feet per year during initial years. Growth slows down as the tree matures. It can reach a height of 30 – 40 feet tall and live over 100 years.

What is the best time to plant Prosopis cineraria?

The shami plant is best planted during monsoon season to take advantage of rainwater for establishment. Alternatively, container grown plants can be planted in spring.

Where can I buy a Prosopis cineraria plant?

You can source Prosopis cineraria plants and seeds from reputable nurseries specializing in dryland plants. Local forest departments may also provide saplings under tree-planting programs. Buy from trusted suppliers.

Should Prosopis cineraria be pruned regularly?

Annual pruning is not required but occasional pruning helps maintain tree shape, size and improve pod yield. Remove dead branches and avoid over-pruning.

Is Prosopis cineraria resistant to pollution?

Yes, Prosopis cineraria is tolerant to air pollution and grows well in industrial areas. Its high tolerance makes it well-suited for urban landscaping.

Does Prosopis cineraria have any religious significance?

In Hinduism, Prosopis cineraria is associated with Yama, the god of death. It has great cultural importance and is protected in many parts of India.