Here's a detailed description of the Shami flower plant, also known as Prosopis cineraria — a culturally and ecologically important tree in arid regions of India and the Middle East.

🌳 Shami Flower Plant Description

The Shami plant (Prosopis cineraria) is a hardy, drought-tolerant tree native to arid and semi-arid regions of the Indian subcontinent and parts of the Middle East. It is revered in Indian culture, especially in Hinduism, and is known for its tiny yellow flowers, feathery leaves, and spiritual significance during festivals like Dussehra.

🔍 Botanical Overview
Feature Description
Common Names Shami, Khejri, Ghaf tree, Jand, Jammi, Sami
Scientific Name Prosopis cineraria
Family Fabaceae (Legume family)
Plant Type Deciduous or semi-evergreen tree
Native Range India, Pakistan, Iran, UAE, and other arid regions
🌿 Plant Characteristics
Feature Description
Height 5–12 meters (16–40 feet)
Trunk Rough, greyish-brown bark with deep fissures
Leaves Bipinnate, compound leaves with small leaflets giving a fine, feathery appearance
Thorns Present, short and sharp
Lifespan Long-lived and slow-growing
🌸 Flower Description
Feature Description
Color Bright yellow or pale yellow-green
Size Small, clustered in short spike-like inflorescences
Bloom Time Typically during spring and early summer, or after rainfall in dry areas
Fragrance Mild to none
Pollinators Attracts bees and other insects
🌰 Fruit and Seeds
Feature Description
Fruit Type Flat, narrow pods (10–20 cm long), brown when mature
Seeds Small, flat, brown seeds inside pods
Edibility Pods are edible and often used as fodder or food during scarcity (called Sangri in Rajasthan)
🌞 Growing Conditions
Requirement Ideal Conditions
Climate Hot, arid to semi-arid (desert conditions)
Sunlight Full sun
Temperature Tolerates extreme heat (up to 50°C); frost-sensitive when young
Soil Sandy, well-drained, poor soils; also tolerates saline soils
Watering Very low; survives on minimal rainfall (~100–400 mm/year)
Propagation Usually grown from seeds; slow germination
✅ Uses and Significance
Aspect Description
Cultural Worshipped during Dussehra and Navratri in India; symbolizes victory and prosperity
Medicinal Bark, leaves, and pods used in traditional medicine (for skin, digestion, and respiratory issues)
Agricultural Leaves and pods are excellent fodder for livestock
Ecological Improves soil fertility (nitrogen-fixing), prevents desertification, provides shade and shelter in arid zones
Economic Wood used for fuel and timber; pods are sold as food (Sangri)
📌 Interesting Facts

The Ghaf tree (same species as Shami) is the national tree of the UAE.

In the Mahabharata, the Pandavas are said to have hidden their weapons in a Shami tree during exile.

In Rajasthan, it's called the "Kalpavriksha" (wish-fulfilling tree) of the desert.