About this seed
About this species
Prosopis cineraria is an accepted Fabaceae species native from the Arabian Peninsula and south-western Iran to India. Kew describes it as a shrub or tree of desert and dry shrubland habitats. It is widely known as khejri, jand or khejra and is adapted to heat and seasonal water limitation.
Sowing guide
- Abrade one small point of the hard seed coat carefully without cutting into the embryo.
- Soak treated seed in room-temperature water and note which seeds swell.
- Sow in a deep pot of very free-draining medium and cover lightly.
- Keep warm and evenly moist until emergence, never leaving the pot saturated.
Dryland adaptation does not mean a germinating seed can be left to desiccate. Maintain controlled moisture while roots establish, but preserve air in the medium. Untreated hard seed may remain dormant longer.
Seedling care
Give seedlings strong light gradually and excellent drainage. Water thoroughly during active growth, then allow the surface to begin drying. Pot on before the early root system is constrained and protect young plants from severe cold.
Plan for a thorny, woody dryland tree and ample root space. Check local rules before planting outside its native region, because Prosopis management differs widely. Seed is supplied for botanical cultivation, not as food or feed.
Seed note: Seeds are living material. Germination speed and percentage vary with seed age, storage, temperature, moisture and local conditions. Label the sowing date and treatment, keep the medium clean, and allow a reasonable period before judging the batch.