Home Page > Picture Archives > > Fabaceae > Prosopis cineraria
Adenanthera aculeata, Mimosa cineraria, Prosopis spicata, Prosopis spicigera
Banni, Chaunkra, Gandasein, Ghaf, Jammi, Jand, Janti, Janty, Kalapu andara, Kandi, Katu andara, Khar, Khejri, Lunu andara, Sami, Shami, Sumri, Vanni, Vanni-andara
Prosopis cineraria is a species of flowering tree in the pea family, Fabaceae. It is native to arid portions of Western Asia and the Indian Subcontinent, including Afghanistan, Iran, India, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. It is an established introduced species in parts of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia. Common names include Ghaf (Arabic); Khejri or "Loong Tree" (Rajasthan); Janty(जांटी) (Bishnois); Jand (Punjabi); Kandi (Sindh); Banni (Kannada);Gandasein(Burmese); Vanni (Tamil); Jammi (Telugu); Chaunkra, Jant/Janti, Khar, Khejri/Khejra, Sami, Shami (Marathi)and (Hindi); Sumri (Gujarat); Vanni-andara, Katu andara, Kalapu andara, Lunu andara (Sinhala).[+]
Prosopis cineraria, also known as the Ghaf tree, is a drought-tolerant, deciduous tree native to the Middle East and South Asia. In Qatar, it is considered a rare and endangered species. Studies have found that Prosopis cineraria is mainly distributed in the northern and central regions of Qatar, often growing in sandy soils and wadi (dry riverbed) areas. The tree plays a significant role in Qatar's ecosystem, providing shade, food, and habitat for local wildlife. Efforts are being made to conserve and protect this species in Qatar due to its cultural and ecological importance.
Bee on flowers of a Ghaf tree (Prosopis cineraria) in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, March 13, 2015
Al Furqan Street, Doha, Qatar
Yellow flowers of Ghaf tree (Prosopis cineraria) taken from Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, March 13, 2015Doha Expressway, Doha, Qatar
Ghaf tree (Prosopis cineraria) on Al Furqan Street in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, April 16, 2015Al Furqan Street, Doha, Qatar
Blooming ghaf tree (Prosopis cineraria) on Al Furqan Street in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, April 16, 2015Al Furqan Street, Doha, Qatar
Ghaf tree (Prosopis cineraria) on Al Furqan Street in Al Luqta area. Doha, Qatar, January 14, 2016Al Furqan St, Doha, Qatar
Big ghaf tree (Prosopis cineraria) near Salwa Road in area of Rawdat Ekdaim. Southern Qatar, April 8, 2016Salwa Rd, Qatar
Ghaf tree (Prosopis cineraria) near Salwa Road in area of Rawdat Ekdaim. Southern Qatar, April 8, 2016Salwa Rd, Qatar
Branches of ghaf tree (Prosopis cineraria) near Salwa Road in area of Rawdat Ekdaim. Southern Qatar, April 8, 2016Salwa Rd, Qatar
Ghaf tree (Prosopis cineraria) in a roadside depression near Route 77 to Ras Laffan. Qatar, April 16, 2016Unnamed Road, QatarObservations of Prosopis cineraria in Qatar reveal that the tree produces yellow flowers, as seen in Al Luqta area on March 13, 2015. The trees were found to be blooming in April, with bees visiting the flowers, indicating pollination activity. Ghaf trees were observed in various locations, including Al Furqan Street and near Salwa Road, with some trees appearing large and mature. The trees were also found in roadside depressions, such as near Route 77 to Ras Laffan. In January 2016, a Ghaf tree was observed on Al Furqan Street, suggesting that the tree remains present year-round. The observations span from March 2015 to April 2016, providing insight into the tree's growth and blooming patterns in Qatar's environment. The trees' presence in different areas indicates their adaptability to various conditions.
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