Prosopis cineraria (Khejri, Jandi, Ghaf)

Botanical Information

FamilyFabaceae
GenusProsopis
Speciescineraria
SynonymsProsopis spicigera, Prosopis spicata, Mimosa cineraria
CategoryTropicals, Woody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginPunjab province, Pakistan and scattered throughout the Arabian peninsula.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		The pods are consumed as a vegetable as well as a source of forage for livestock. The wood is used in furniture, in tool handles and as a source of firewood.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9 - 11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cool season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH3 - H1c
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)4
Temperature (°F)26
Height3 m
Spread3 m
GrowthMedium

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA nitrogen-fixing species valued for its soil enhancing abilities.
ShapeRounded canopy.
LandscapeSuited to dry-land agroforestry since the deep root system does not compete with other plant species for moisture and nutrients. Mass plantings.
PropagationSeed.
CultivationPlant in full to partial sun in loamy to sandy, well-draining and nitrogen-rich soils.
HabitatOpen dry desert woodlands.
Bark/Stem DescriptionBranches and twigs bear short thorns approximately 3 - 6 mm long. Smooth woody mature bark.
Leaf DescriptionBipinnate leaves 1.5 - 5 cm long with 1 - 3 pinnae, bearing 7 - 13 pairs of sub-sessil leaflets 5 - 15 mm long.
Flower DescriptionAcute clustered spike arrangements, 5 - 20 cm long of small inconspicuous flowers approximately 5 - 10 mm wide.
Fruit DescriptionCylindrical hanging pods that measure between 8 - 25 cm long and 3 - 5 mm wide.
Colour DescriptionMedium green to tan-brown foliage. Medium brown mature bark and branches. Pale yellow twigs and leaf stems. Pale green pods and creamy-yellow flowers.
Texture DescriptionMedium.

Photographs