Prosopis cineraria
Prosopis cinerariafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. 67A1 — Prosopis cineraria
Prosopis cinerariaProsopis cinerariaProsopis cinerariaProsopis cinerariaProsopis cinerariaProsopis cinerariaProsopis cinerariaProsopis cinerariaProsopis cinerariaProsopis cinerariaProsopis cinerariaProsopis cinerariaProsopis cinerariaProsopis cineraria
IOverview
Overview
Prosopis cineraria, commonly known as the false tamarisk or khejri, is a hardy tree native to arid regions of Afghanistan, Gulf States, India, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. This member of the legume family thrives in full sun with dry to moist conditions and adapts well to light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. Growing up to 6.5 meters tall, it is known for its edible inner bark and seedpods, making it a valuable resource in its native range. One distinctive feature of this tree is its ability to grow in harsh environments, contributing significantly to soil stabilization and providing essential resources in arid landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Prosopis cineraria?
Prosopis cineraria, commonly known as the false tamarisk or khejri, is a hardy tree native to arid regions of Afghanistan, Gulf States, India, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Prosopis cineraria thrives in full sun and prefers dry to moist conditions. It grows well in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils. This tree is hardy in temperate regions with a tolerance for zones 10-12. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but avoid overwatering. Propagation can be done through seeds or cuttings from the inner bark and seedpods.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
6.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Prosopis cineraria for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Skip in a sunny spot, as it thrives in full sun and dry conditions.
- 1
What you'll need
Skip seeds or young plants, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Skip during the spring when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.5 for best results.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start young plants indoors before transplanting.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid waterlogging, ensuring the soil stays slightly moist but not soggy.
- 6
Ongoing care
Skip prefers dry conditions; water only when necessary and ensure good drainage.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young plants in late winter to encourage a strong structure, then remove dead branches as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, and not providing enough sunlight are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Inner barkSeedpod
Edible uses: Gum
Other uses:Fire starterAnimal feedGumPotashWind breakerErosion controlTanninLumberCoppiceNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
8 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
8 native · 1 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 8 native· 1 introduced
Asia7 regions
native (7)AfghanistanIndiaIranKuwaitOmanPakistanSaudi Arabia
Broader regions
native:Gulf States
introduced:Jawa
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 67a1f55b-650e-4f00-babb-adcb14a39453
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