India GO
Khejri
खेजड़ी
The state tree of Rajasthan, declared in 1982–83. A thorny, light-crowned tree with a taproot that reaches water no crop can, it also fixes nitrogen.
How to recognise it
A thin, open crown that casts almost no shade, small paired thorns on the branches, and long bean-like pods. Look for a single tree standing alone in the middle of a field rather than in a wood.
Where to see it
Ajmer
In 1730 at Khejarli near Jodhpur, Amrita Devi, her three daughters and 363 Bishnois in all were killed refusing to let khejri trees be felled for the Maharaja's palace. The green pods, sangri, are dried and used through the year in the Rajasthani dish panchkuta.
Maharana Pratap Smarak & Nag Pahar Ridge (often) · Foy Sagar Lake (Varun Sagar) (often)
Hyderabad
The state tree of Telangana, where it is jammi. On Dussehra people exchange jammi leaves as a token of victory, after the story of the Pandavas hiding their weapons in one during their exile.
KBR National Park (often) · Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park (often) · Hyderabad Botanical Garden (Kotla Vijayabhaskara Reddy) (often)
Jaipur
In 1730 at Khejarli, 26 km south-east of Jodhpur, Amrita Devi and her three daughters were killed refusing to let khejri trees be felled for the Maharaja's palace; 363 Bishnois died with them. Green khejri twigs are worshipped at home on Janmashtami, and the green pods, sangri, are one of the five vegetables of the Rajasthani dish panchkuta. Around Jaipur the tree is deliberately left standing in the middle of ploughed fields.
Nahargarh Biological Park (often) · Sambhar Salt Lake · Central Park (often)
Pushkar
In 1730 at Khejarli near Jodhpur, Amrita Devi, her three daughters and in all 363 Bishnois were killed refusing to let khejri be felled for the Maharaja's palace. The green pods, sangri, are dried and stored for cooking all year and are one of the five vegetables in panchkuta.
Pushkar Sand Dunes · Budha Pushkar Lake (Old Pushkar)