Khejri (Shami)

Khejri is a hardy, thorny tree of the legume family with small feathery leaves and long pods, able to survive extreme drought. It grows in the arid regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat and western India, and across Western Asia, where it is known as ghaf.

In Ayurveda and Indian tradition it is known as Shami, a sacred tree worshipped during Dussehra. The bark and pods have traditionally been used in preparations for skin care, and the pods are eaten as a desert vegetable.