Khejri Tree

Khejri Tree Latest News

Recently, Lok Sabha Speaker has paid respects to Amrita Devi Bishnoi and all the martyrs who laid down their lives for the protection of Khejri trees in Khejadli village of Rajasthan during the 18th century.

About Khejri Tree

• Khejri (Prosopis cineraria (L.) Marbride) is considered a sacred tree in Rajasthan.
• It is also called jant or janti in areas like Alwar, Sikar, Jhunjhunu,
• Khejri is called the state tree of Rajasthan.
• Distribution: It is found growing in arid and semi-arid parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Delhi and some parts of southern India.

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Features of Khejri Tree

• The tree is frost and drought resistant and tolerates extreme temperatures ranging from 40–45 0C in summer to less than 10 0C in winter.
• It is capable of growing in areas of rainfall ranging from 100–600 mm.
• The tree can withstand the hottest winds, the driest season and stay alive where other plants cannot survive.
• It is a deciduous tree with finely divided, feathery leaves and small yellow flowers.
• It is known for its adaptability to arid conditions, the tree thrives in dry and sandy soils.

Significance of Khejri Tree

• It is a nitrogen-fixing tree which enhances the fertility of the soil.
• The fruit is used to make the very popular local dish ‘Sangri’
• The bark of this tress is used medicinally for a range of ailments.
• It plays a vital role in preserving the ecosystem of arid and semi-arid areas, mainly in the Thar Desert.
• Its highly nutritious leaves constitute an important source of fodder for livestock while nutritious pods are valued as vegetables for human beings.

Source: News On Air