The Tree of Life: Prosopis cineraria
Many turn to religion and mythology to explain the mystery of the Tree of Life. Discover its history, legends, and the secrets behind its resilience.
Plant specimen (2013-11-30) by gordontourOriginal Source: Ghaf by gordontour
Prosopis cineraria
Prosopis cineraria is the scientific name of a flowering tree species that is a member of the pea family, Fabaceae.
This tree has various names in addition to Prosopis cineraria, depending upon different regions. It is also known as Ghaf, Jand, Jandi, Janti, Shum, Banni, Khejri, Chhonkara, and Khijro, to name a few.
Plant specimen (1989-08-15) by York, E.BRIT Collections
Prosopis cineraria are located in dry and arid regions of India as well as Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Arabia, and United Arab Emirates. It is the national tree of United Arab Emirates, where it is referred to as Ghaf.
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Prosopis cineraria is a small evergreen tree ranging between 3-6.5 meters in height with a medium growth rate. The tree is one of the most drought-tolerant trees and thrives in arid regions with very little annual rainfall.
Plant specimen (2011-02-15) by LalithambaBRIT Collections
It is tolerant of strong winds, however it is intolerant to maritime exposure. This tree can also tolerate alkalinity, heat, poor soil conditions, salt, sand, and high pH.
Plant specimen (2018-10-25) by Dinesh ValkeBRIT Collections
The trees' green fan-like bipinnate leaves.
Prosopis cineraria has historically been utilized for food purposes. During India's Rajputana famine from 1868–1869, many lives were saved by consuming the bark of the tree.
Plant specimen (2018-04-13) by Vikram NankaniBRIT Collections
In addition to the inner bark of the tree, the seedpods are also edible and utilized as a food source. In India's Thar Desert, the seed pods are featured in traditional dishes such as Bhaaji and Kadhi.
Prosopis cineraria has been historically used as a folk remedy for various ailments. The flowers are used to prevent miscarriage and its ashes for hair removal. In addition, the bark has been used as a remedy for asthma, rheumatism, leprosy, and muscle tremors. The smoke from the leaves is said to aid in eye troubles.
Celebrated by Hindus worldwide
The tree is worshipped on the 10th day of the Dusshera festival (also known as Dasahra & Dussahera festival). During the festivities, some regions celebrate by liberating a jay, whilst other regions may shoot arrows into the crown of the tree.
Plant specimen (2012-10-19) by Alawadhi3000BRIT Collections
The Bahrain Tree of Life
One of the most famous Prosopis cineraria is the Tree of Life, or the Sharajat-al-Hayat, located at the highest point in Bahrain.
Plant specimen (2020-02-26) by ZaironBRIT Collections
The 32-foot-tall (9.75m) mesquite tree has lived in its remote desert location for over 400 years, its height allowing it to collect humidity from the air. The average temperature of its locale is 105 ℉ (41℃), though it occasionally heats up to over 120℉ (49℃).
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Although the tree's root system is capable of holding large quantity of water, there is no obvious visible water source present. Because of this, many have looked to religion and mythology to explain the mystery of this tree.
Some local legends suggest ancient deities like Enki, the Sumerian god of water, may have ties to the Tree of Life, while others speculate the site could be linked to the biblical Garden of Eden, though these theories remain unproven.
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Groups of visitors gather around, marveling at the beauty and mystery of the Tree of Life. Standing resilient in the desert, it’s more than just a tree—it’s a symbol of endurance, wonder, and the timeless connection between nature and humanity.
References:
Atimian, (2011). Shajarat-al-Hayat (tree of life). Atlas Obscura. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/tree-of-life
Duke, J.A., (1983). Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce. Handbook of Energy Crops. https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Prosopis_cineraria.html
Plants For a Future, (2022). Prosopis cineraria: (L.) Druce. Plants For a Future. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Prosopis+cineraria
Zisovska, S., (2017). The mysterious tree of life in Bahrain. Outdoor Revival. https://www.outdoorrevival.com/travel/mysterious-tree-life-bahrain.html?safari=1
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