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Prosopis juliflora

algaroba जंगली कीकर

Exotic Invasive

Commonly known as mesquite.

A small, thorny, aggressively spreading tree, and a genuine cautionary tale about introducing species without thinking through the consequences. Brought to Gujarat's Banni grasslands for land reclamation and fuel, it has since taken over vast stretches of wasteland and become deeply, sometimes controversially, woven into the local economy.

The plant

Habit Tree

Origin Exotic, Invasive

Flowering Monsoon, Winter, Summer

Edible No

Growing it

Started from Seed

Life it supports

No specific wildlife-relationship data recorded for this species.

The story

Historical and archival research shows that colonial and post-colonial land policies, shifts in political economy, local disputes, and environmental ideas all contributed to its spread and its complicated integration into the Banni grassland's socioeconomic fabric, a genuinely nuanced story rather than a simple 'good plant, bad plant' one.

What it is used for

Its wood is mainly used as fuel and for making lower-quality furniture, and the leaves serve as cattle fodder.
It was originally introduced specifically for land reclamation.

These uses are documented for information only and are not medical advice. Always verify the species and the plant part before use.

Where it is found

Introduced into Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Native to Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America.

Sources

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