How to grow and care for Shami tree?

The Shami tree (scientific name: Prosopis cineraria), commonly known as Jand or Khejri, is a deep-rooted, perennial, multipurpose tree that is used to provide fodder for cattle in the drier areas of India and the Arabian Peninsula. Its bark is also ground up to make flour and is used during famines. It also has a plethora of ethnomedicinal benefits and commercial uses as well. It is native to Southern Asia and belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae.

How to identify a Shami tree?

It is a moderate-sized evergreen tree with conical thorns and light-green bluish foliage. The leaflets, which are dark green, have a tiny, pointy end. Shami tree is medium sized and has whitish bark and branches. The bark removes papery flakes and there are dark horizontal patches in the tree at frequent intervals. The flowers of the Shami tree are very small and insubstantial and yellow or creamy white in colour. 

The Shami plant is mainly known for its foliage, which is used to feed cattle and is a godsend in times of famines. In Indian culture, it is also known that keeping a Shami plant inside your house is said to be auspicious for your household. It is worshipped in many Hindu households and holds great significance in Hindu mythology. 

 

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Shami tree: Quick facts 

 

Scientific name	Prosopis cineraria
Family	Fabaceae
Common name	Jand, Khejri, Shami
Toxicity	Non-toxic
Sunlight	Full sun exposure required
Soil type	Sandy, loamy
Soil pH	Mildly acidic
Origin	Southern Asia
Mature size	15-20 ft. tall, 10-15 ft. wide.

What is Shami tree called in other languages?

 

Bangla: Saikanta

Hindi: Chhikur

Oriya: Gonharea

Sanskrit: Samee or shami

 

How to grow a Shami tree?

 

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Shami trees are very lenient when it comes to growing. They require little to no effort to grow and maintain and can adapt to higher temperatures easily. 

The Shami plant can be grown in two ways, through cutting and sowing. These two methods are known to be the most effective as they save time and are easy to learn as well. 

For growing through cutting, follow these simple steps 

• Take cuttings from a healthy plant and cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. Cut at least 3-4 stems to ensure certain growth. 
• Remove all the leaves from the stem’s sides. Removing the leaves at the top is optional. Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone after they are ready. You can make it at home by mixing three parts aloe vera gel with one part honey. This will accelerate the rooting process. 
• Create a potting mix consisting of loamy soil, compost and sand. Get a well-drained pot to avoid sand from draining out of the drain hole. You can choose to put some dishes or stones at the bottom of the pot and add the potting mix on top of it. Add it only to the bottom third of the container.
• Once prepared, use your fingers to poke a hole in the mixture. Dip or coat the Shami plant stem in a rooting hormone such that the bottom of the stem is covered in it. Place the cuttings into the soil and carefully fill the remaining spaces with the surrounding soil.

For growing with seeds

• You can purchase seeds from a nearby nursery or even order them online. 
• Soak the seeds for a minimum of 12-24 hours before potting to ensure healthy sprouting.
• After soaking, scrape the outer layer lightly, be sure not to hurt the embryo. 
• Bury the seed in potting soil and mist it slowly. 
• Keep the pot in direct sunlight to promote faster germination. 

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How to take care of the Shami plant ?

Grow the plant in a lot of indirect sunlight. The Shami needs a ton of light to grow, especially during the germination phase. Place the plant in a place with a bottom shade and plenty of light for the plant. Keep it in temperatures ranging from 9 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius for germination. Place it in a warmer spot once it has sprouted. In hotter states like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, provide the plant with plenty of shade as excess sunlight can damage it. 

 

More ways in which you can take care of Shami plant

Sunlight: Shami plants thrive in indirect sunlight, especially during germination. Place the plant in a well-lit but shady area to ensure it gets ample light without direct sun exposure.

 

Temperature: The ideal temperature for germination is between 9-20°C. As the plant matures, it becomes more resilient, but in extremely hot climates like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, Shami plants cannot tolerate direct sun. In such conditions, move the plant to a shaded area during the peak summer months.

 

Pruning: Although Shami plants don’t need frequent grooming, occasional pruning encourages healthy growth. Regularly remove any dry leaves or spent flowers to keep the plant vigorous and looking its best.

 

Watering: Once established, Shami plants are drought-tolerant and require minimal watering. Wait until the topsoil is dry before watering again. However, during the germination phase, the soil must remain consistently moist. Ensure water reaches all parts of the soil evenly during this period.

 

How do you take care of the shami plant at home?

Feed the plant plenty of water during the germination stage. Once it has passed, the khejri doesn’t require a lot of water. Water it every time the topsoil has dried. Don’t forget to keep the soil moist during the germination stage.

 

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Shami plant: Uses and benefits

Even though it seems far-fetched, the Shami plant is believed to be just as beneficial in terms of health as a tulsi plant. Its fruits, stamps, leaves, roots and juice; are all believed to have tremendous amounts of health benefits like anti-ageing, better heart health and improved digestion.

The Shami plant has proved to be of immense significance in the medicinal field. It is used in ayurvedic medicine for disorders like schizophrenia, respiratory tract infections, mental disorders, constipation, diarrhoea, and many other ailments. 

The dried bark is used to treat canker sores. It is crushed into a fine powder and applied externally to promote healing. A decoction of ground-up bark is also used to gargle to relieve sore throat and toothache. The tender leaves are also used as an antiseptic and a remedy for diarrhoea and dysentery. 

The extract from the leaves is used to treat parasitic infections and kill parasitic worms in the intestine. The pods are used to treat urinary disorders. 

 

According to Ayurveda, the Shami plant helps balance the body’s Kapha and Pitta doshas, with its bark and fruit commonly used for this purpose. It is also effective in treating conditions such as skin itching, scorpion stings, bleeding disorders, and burning sensations in the eyes and face.

For women who experience recurrent miscarriages, the Shami plant is often recommended for its therapeutic benefits. Additionally, a paste made from the plant’s fruit is traditionally used for removing facial hair.

Planting a Shami tree at home is believed to bring happiness, peace, and prosperity while also protecting the household from negative energy.

 

See also: All about indoors plants

 

Religious significance of the Shami plant

Trees that reduce Shani’s effects: According to Hindu texts, the Shami and Peepal trees are believed to help reduce the adverse effects of Shani (Saturn). Worshipping these trees is thought to mitigate Shani’s influence.

 

Planting for protection: To counteract the negative effects of Shani, it is recommended to plant a Shami tree near one’s home. Additionally, the flowers and leaves of the plant can be used in rituals to alleviate Shani’s impact.

 

Significance in the Ramayana: The Shami plant holds of religious importance, as mentioned in the Ramayana. Before declaring war on Lanka, Lord Rama prayed before a Shami tree, seeking blessings.

 

Role in the Mahabharata: The Shami tree is also important in the Mahabharata. During his exile, Arjuna hid his divine Gandiva bow in a Shami tree while disguised as Brihannal. The Pandavas, too, entrusted their celestial weapons to a Shami tree before their final year of exile, and upon their return, they found their weapons safe, thanking the tree for protecting them.

 

Worship of Shami leaves: Shami leaves are used to worship Lord Ganpati and Goddess Durga. The tree is particularly revered on the tenth day of Navratri and during Dussehra when people across India perform special rituals to honour it.

 

Lighting lamps on Saturdays: Devotees who worship the Shami tree light lamps under it every Saturday, seeking blessings and protection.

 

Maratha Dussehra tradition: During Dussehra, the Marathas would shoot arrows at the Shami tree and collect the falling leaves in their turbans, signifying a blessing.

Good luck symbol: The Shami plant is considered auspicious, and it is said that before leaving home for any critical work, one should look at the Shami plant for good fortune.

 

Where to keep Shami tree in house? / Vastu placement of the Shami plant 

North or east direction: According to the principles of Vastu Shastra, the Shami tree should be planted in the north or east direction of your property. This helps the plant get good amount of sunlight and positive energy.  Do not plant it near any structure whose shadow may fall on the tree. This is not good for the growth of the tree.

Front garden: Its recommended to plant the Shami tree near the garden areas as this stands for welcome, prosperity and safety for the residents of the house.  Note that it should not be planted  near the entrance of the house as the tree may obstruct the energy flow.

 

Housing.com POV

The Shami tree’s deep-rooted significance extends beyond its physical benefits as a source of fodder, medicine, and wood. Its rich presence in Indian culture and mythology elevates its importance, making it a tree that offers practical utility and spiritual symbolism. Planting or nurturing a Shami tree goes beyond an environmental act—it taps into a deeper connection with tradition, spirituality, and prosperity. Its ability to thrive in harsh climates, provide sustenance during famines, and protect households from negative energies reflects the enduring resilience and reverence it commands in the regions it inhabits.

 

FAQs

Can the Shami plant be placed indoors?

The Shami plant needs plenty of sunlight. It can be placed near the doorstep for religious purposes but should not be placed indoors.

Can you grow a Shami plant from scratch?

The Shami is a very beginner-friendly plant that can be grown from scratch. Buy seeds from a local nursery or online websites, and you’re good to go.

What Vastu guidelines should be followed for the Shami plant?

Place it in the south direction of your home and if there’s no direct sunlight, keep it to the east or northeast. It should be planted at an appropriate time during the day as well. Consult a Vastu expert for accurate information.

What are the uses of the Shami tree?

The leaves and pods of the Shami tree are used as animal fodder. Its wood is used for fuel and making furniture. It also has medicinal properties and is used to treat various ailments such as diabetes, fever, and respiratory problems. In addition, shami tree is considered a sacred tree in Hinduism and is used in religious ceremonies.

What are the environmental benefits of shami tree?

The Shami tree helps prevent soil erosion and desertification by anchoring the soil with its roots. It also provides shade and shelter for animals and birds.

What are the challenges associated with the Shami tree?

Growing a Shami tree can be challenging as the tree is prone to insect pests and diseases.

 

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you.Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com