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PLANTS OF ORNAMENTAL AND ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE IN
SINDH
LAND PLANTS
SCIENTIFIC
NAME: ACACIA NILOTICA
COMMON NAMES: BABUL / KIKAR
FAMILY: LEGUMINOSAE
SUB-FAMILY: MIMOSOIDEAE
Description
Acacia Nilotica is an evergreen, medium sized tree
approximately 14m tall. The flowers are bright yellow and grow
in clusters. Pods are indehiscent and range from 8 to 22cm in
length. The maturity of pods varies from one geographical location
to another. The tree has a thin, deep reddish-brown coloured bark.
Distribution, Habitat and Ecology
The tree is native to India, all four provinces
of Pakistan, Arabia and different parts of Africa.
Babul is a drought resistant tree that thrives in
dry areas, but can also withstand floods. It prefers areas where
the temperature range is between 20 to 40 degrees centigrade,
though it may grow in regions that fall below the minimum estimated
temperature. It can adjust to different levels of rainfall, from
less than 350 mm to more than 1500 mm annually.
Benefits or Uses
The wood of this tree is utilized as firewood, to
make furniture and charcoal. Its bark contains tannin, which is
an important chemical for dyeing and tanning leather. The tree
also produces gum that is used mainly in the printing industry.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: ACACIA
SENEGAL
COMMON NAMES: KUMBAT, GUM ARABIC
FAMILY: LEGUMINOSAE
Description
A shrub or small deciduous tree, Acacia Senegal
grows generally to a height of 2 -6m (occasionally to 15m). The
tree has many branches and twigs. The bark is typically yellow-brown
and smooth on younger trees, changing to dark grey and cracked
on older trees. It has double-pinnate, greyish green coloured
leaves. The white or cream coloured fragrant flowers grow in bunches
during the rainy season. Pods are yellowish to brown, papery and
oblong, and mature between January and March.
Distribution, Habitat and Ecology
Acacia Senegal is widespread in different parts
of Africa. In Pakistan, it can be found in lower Sindh and Balochistan.
It is a drought resistant tree that grows at a number
of sites with severe conditions, in elevations generally ranging
from 100-1700m. It tolerates high daily temperatures (mean maximum
temperatures of up to 45 degrees centigrade or more),
dry wind, and sandstorms. It grows on sites with annual rainfall
between 100-950mm and can endure 5-11 months of dry period. Generally
it is not known to withstand frost.
Acacia Senegal prefers coarse-textured soils with
approximately 800mm annual precipitation.
Benefits or Uses
Acacia Senegal tree is one of the main sources for
obtaining commercial Gum Arabic. Gum Arabic has been used for
at least 4,000 years by local people for preparation in food,
in human and veterinary medicine, in crafts, and as a cosmetic.
Today it is an important element in various industries like beverages,
pharmaceutical and vitamins, chemical and cosmetic, high fibre
formulation, and printing, colours and textile
The wood of this tree is valued for fuel wood and
charcoal. It is used in local construction for poles and fence
posts, tool handles etc. Strong ropes are made from the bark of
the tree's long surface roots. Dried and preserved seeds of the
tree are eaten as vegetables.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: ALBIZZIA
LEBBECK
COMMON NAMES: SIRIS/ INDIAN SIRIS
FAMILY: LEGUMINOSAE
SUB-FAMILY: MIMOSACAE
Description
This is a medium to large deciduous tree, reaching
to a maximum height of 30m. It has large, flat pods, which ripen
between June to September. The leaves are pale green when young
and grey-green at maturity. Fluffy cream coloured clusters of
flowers can be seen during April-May in abundance. The bark is
dark brown and cracked.
Distribution, Habitat and Ecology
Albizzia Lebbeck is native to the sub-Himalayan
region. In Pakistan it grows in a narrow belt in Sindh, Punjab
and NWFP.
It can grow on different types of soils from acid
to alkaline and saline. Normally it requires an annual rainfall
of 600-2500mm but has also been grown successfully in areas with
an annual rainfall of 400mm. The annual average temperature required
by the tree varies between 23.3 to 26.6 degrees centigrade. It
grows in elevations up to 1600m.
Benefits or Uses
The tree provides good quality fodder and wood,
which is used in construction work, furniture making and for fuel.
It also serves as an avenue tree and is often planted to give
shade to tea and coffee plantations.
Moreover, Siris is used as a folk remedy for many
ailments like the common cold, cough, eye diseases, ulcers etc.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: AZADIRACHATA
INDICA
COMMON NAMES: MARGOSA, NEEM
FAMILY: MELIACEAE
Description
Azadirachata Indica is a fast growing tree reaching
a height of 15-20m. It is an evergreen tree, but sheds most or
nearly all of its leaves when dry conditions persist for long.
The flowers are white and have a honey-like smell.
Distribution, Habitat and Ecology
Neem is widely distributed in Pakistan, India, Burma,
Nepal, Afghanistan, China and Sri Lanka. In Pakistan it is found
in Sindh, Southern Punjab, and lower Balochistan.
Arid, hot tropical and subtropical climates and
precipitation zone of 300-1150 mm/ year are the preferable conditions
for Neem to grow, although it is known to grow in all soils types
in the low land tropics. It survives temperature of up to 45-50
degrees centigrade. The tree cannot resist freezing cold climates.
Azadirachta Indica grows well, both in fertile and
dry soils. It is also reported to grow on some acidic soils but
cannot tolerate waterlogged or very saline soils.
Benefits or Uses
Neem’s importance as a pesticide, anti-bacterial,
anti-fungal and anti-viral agent has been well known for centuries.
It is believed to be effective in diseases such as malaria and
stomach worms.
Studies carried out in the last few years indicate
that Neem can be effective against more than 200 insect species,
mites, nematodes, fungi, bacteria and even viruses. It is also
used as a natural antibiotic for treating many diseases in animals
and humans.
The bark and oil of Neem has medicinal significance.
The bark and the twigs are considered as effective antiseptics
and are used as toothpaste in many Asian countries, including
Pakistan. The seeds contain 40% oil. Recent studies on its seed
shows promising future for its utility as a contraceptive agent
as it is found to be effective in preventing birth rate in various
mammals such as monkeys.
Besides its medicinal importance, Neem also helps
to control the land degradation in flood prone, waterlogged and
saline areas. It helps to maintain the fertility of the land.
The wood of Neem tree is used for construction work, fuel wood,
charcoal and furniture making. The leaves are used for fodder
and to make fertilisers as well.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: CARICA
PAPAYA
COMMON NAME: PAPAYA, PAPITA
FAMILY: CARICACEAE
Description
The papaya tree is one of the most distinctive plants
on earth. It is generally 4 to 5m tall and is unbranched. Its
leaves have a width of 75cm and form a helical cluster around
the upper part of the tree.
The tree starts to bear fruit 9-12 months after
plantation. The annual yield varies greatly, from as few as 12
fruits to as many as 150. The ripe fruit has yellow and green
skin and a sweet, semi-firm, yellow-orange pulp. When the
fruit is cut open, hundreds of tiny, dark grey seeds can be seen
attached to the center of the pulp
Distribution, Habitat and Ecology
The papaya tree is a native of Tropical America.
It also grows in different parts of the province of Sindh in Pakistan.
It requires well-drained soil with high organic
matter content and cannot endure floods even for short duration.
It grows best in regions with well-distributed rainfall throughout
the year but without floods and strong winds. The tree is cultivated
in semitropical areas around the world.
Benefits or Uses
Papaya fruit is rich in vitamins A and C and also
contains protein and carbohydrate. It is usually eaten fresh and
may also be used to make jellies, juices, pies, salads, sauces,
and beverages.
In addition, green, immature papayas are the source
of papain, an enzyme used as a meat tenderizer. It is also used
in the textile industry as it helps prevent wool and silk from
shrinking.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: DALBERGIA
SISSOO
COMMON NAMES: SHISHAM, TAHLI
FAMILY: LEGUMINOSAE
SUB-FAMILY: PAPILIONOACEAE
Description
Dalbergia sissoo is a medium to large sized deciduous
tree that can grow up to a maximum height of 25m and approximately
3m in diameter. Its leaves have a leather-like texture and are
compound. The flowers are fragrant, ranging from dull white to
pink in colour. Pods are oblong, flat, and 5-8cm long. Each one
contains 1-5 flat seeds. The wood is strong, heavy and dark brown
in colour.
Distribution, Habitat and Ecology
Shisham tree is native to India, different parts
of Pakistan and Nepal.
The tree is primarily found growing along river-banks
and streams in elevations up to 1300m. It can tolerate temperatures
up to 50 degrees centigrade and can withstand average annual rainfall
of 2000mm and 3-4 months of drought. Though the tree grows best
in well -drained soils, it can grow in slightly saline soils as
well.
Benefits or Uses
Shisham tree is the source of one of the best quality
timbers that is used in making furniture and for woodcarving.
Moreover, it is also an important source for fuel wood, shade
and shelter.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: MANGIFERA
INDICA
COMMON NAME: MANGO
FAMILY: ANACARDIACEAE
Description
A fast growing tree with a crown of evergreen leaves,
Mangifera Indica may reach a height of 30m. The bark of the tree
is thick and dark grey in colour. Tufts of dark green, leathery
leaves can be seen hanging from the ends of the branches. The
flowering season is from February to April. The flowers occur
in large clusters and are yellowish-green in colour. Not all flowers
are capable of developing into fruit, thus accounting for the
relatively low number of fruits being produced. One of the reasons
for this is that pollination is carried out by flies rather than
by bees. Another reason is the need for the right kind of soil
and the fact that many of the fruits drop to the ground during
the period of their development (Lötschert and Beese).
Fruit matures between May and July. Within each
fruit there is a large, flat, fibrous stone containing a single
seed. A wide variety of mangoes are grown which differ in size,
shape and taste. Generally, they are oval in shape and 8-12 cm
long. Ripe mangoes are greenish-yellow in colour with a juicy,
fragrant, yellowish-orange pulp. Each fruit weighs approximately
4-5 pounds.
Habitat, Distribution and Ecology
The tree is distributed widely in Burma, Nepal,
India and throughout the irrigated areas of Sindh and Sialkot
in Pakistan.
It is one of the most popular trees of the tropical
regions of the world. It can be grown on almost all kinds of well-drained
soils except heavy wet soils and is somewhat tolerant of alkalinity.
The tree requires a minimum annual average temperature of 19 degrees
centigrade and 1000mm of rainfall (Lötschert and Beese), growing
on elevations of up to 600m.
Benefits or Uses
The mango fruit, often referred to as the King of
Fruits, is eaten fresh and is also used to make jams, juices,
pickles and desserts. It is rich in vitamin A and C and is also
high in fibre and protein.
The wood of the tree is used in the manufacture
of boats and furniture.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: PHONEX
DACTYLIFERA
COMMON NAME: PALM TREE
FAMILY: PALMAE
Description
Phonex Dactylifera grows approximately 30m high.
It has a crown of glossy green, pinnate leaves, about 3m long.
Flowers bloom on the trees between February and June, and the
fruit ripens from June to December. Male and female flowers grow
on separate trees. Male flowers produce pollen and female flowers
develop into fruit.
The tree begins to bear dates in the eighth year
of its plantation. A cluster of date weighs up to 12kg and the
annual yield of a single tree may vary from 10-50kg, though in
certain cases it has been recorded to reach 270kg.
Distribution, Habitat and Ecology
Date palm is one of the oldest crop plants. Early
civilizations began to cultivate date palms at least 5000 years
ago. They grow throughout northern Africa and the Middle East.
Other important producers are Algeria, Pakistan, Iran and Iraq.
In Pakistan, they are found in the southern districts of Punjab
and NWFP and in parts of Sindh and Balochistan.
Date palms thrive in hot, dry climates with an average
temperature of 30 degrees centigrade. However, it can withstand
temperatures up to 45 degrees centigrade and grows well in saline
soils with plenty of moisture.
Benefits or Uses
In many parts of northern Africa, Iran and Arabia
dates are a chief component of food The fleshy part of the fruit
contains about 58% sugar and 2% each of fat, protein, and minerals.
People eat dates fresh or dried. Dried dates can be used in cooking
and can be easily stored and preserved.
Leaf stalks of date trees are used for basketry
and wickerwork; leaves are woven into bags and mats, and fiber
from barks is used to make ropes. The pits are also burned as
fuel or are used as animal feed when ground up.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: PROSPIS
CINERARIA
COMMON NAMES: JAND, KANDI
FAMILY: LEGUMINOSAE
SUB-FAMILY: MIMOSOIDEAE
Description
It is an evergreen large shrub approximately 12m
tall. It is thorny with the older shrubs having broad and conical
thorn bases. It bears creamy white to pale yellow flowers. Pods
are cylindrical and usually contain 10-15 seeds.
Distribution, Habitat and Ecology
Commonly found in Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab,
the tree is native to India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and many parts
of middle Asia.
Kandi grows well in different sandy soils, including
alkaline soils. It is considered to be an efficient drought resistant
shrub and can bear temperatures between 6-45 degrees centigrade.
It can grow on places as high as 450m and prefers hot arid, semi-arid
and tropical climates. It can also endure slight frost (-6°C minimum)
and high temperatures (40–50°C maximum).
Benefits or Uses
According to Burkart (1976) Prosopis cineraria is
not used commercially. During India's Rajputana famine (1868–69),
many lives were spared using the sweetish bark as food. It was
ground into flour and made into cakes.
The wood of the tree is used for boat frames, houses,
posts, and tool handles. Containing 31% soluble potassium salts,
the wood ash may also serve as a potash source. Pods and lopping
provide valuable fodder during dry season.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: PROSPIS
JULIFLORA
COMMON NAME: MESQUITE
FAMILY: MIMOSACEAE
Description
Prospis Juliflora is a thorny, evergreen large shrub
or small tree. Height ranges between 12-15m. It bears small, yellow-golden,
fragrant flowers. The fruits are yellow and contain hard seeds.
Distribution, Habitat and Ecology
This plant is a native of West Indies, south-western
United States and central and south America. In Pakistan it is
mostly found in dry plains and hills of Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan
and NWFP.
It normally grows on various sandy soils and even
on saline and very alkaline soils where the pH is 9.8. It can
grow well in temperatures ranging from 2 to 45 degrees centigrade
at altitudes of up to 1200m. Precipitation zone of 150-750 mm/
annum is required in hot arid or semi-arid climates.
An extended tap root system enables mesquite to
tolerate hard climatic conditions in deserts. It is not susceptible
to threats posed by insects and cattle. Usually it is difficult
to eradicate them once they are established.
Benefits or Uses
It helps in binding soil in deserts. It is also
effective at fixing nitrogen for plants, which helps in reducing
the cost of fertilizers. The wood obtained from these shrubs is
hard and can be used as fuel wood; for fencing, door and window
frames, light woodwork and in making charcoal.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: TAMARINDUS
INDICA
COMMON NAME: TAMARIND
FAMILY: LEGUMINOSAE
Description
Tamarind is a slow-growing, evergreen tree that
under optimum conditions can grow 25m high. It has leaves that
are pinnate and consist of 10 to 15 pairs of leaflets. It produces
small, scented, pale yellow flowers with pinkish stripes. These
can be seen hanging on the branches generally from April to June.
Fruits ripen from February to April. The pods are
dark brown in colour and vary in shape. They may be either long
or short, curved or flat. The seeds inside the pod are surrounded
by a sweet-sour flavoured, sticky, brown pulp.
Distribution, Habitat and Ecology
The Tamarind tree is native to Africa and southern
Asia. Arabs are credited for bringing the tree from Africa to
the sub-continent. It got its name from the Arabic word ‘tamar
hindi’ meaning Indian date. In Pakistan the tree is found in Sindh
and Punjab.
The tamarind is well adapted to semi-arid tropical
conditions, although it does well in many humid tropical areas
of the world with seasonally high rainfall. Young trees are very
susceptible to frost, but mature trees can withstand brief periods
without serious damage. Dry weather is important during the period
of fruit development.
Benefits or Uses
The pulp contained in the pods may be eaten fresh
or used to make curries, pickles, sauces, syrups, and drinks.
It is rich in vitamin B and high in calcium.
The tree is effective in the treatment of various
ailments from sore throat and the common cold, to digestive disorders,
burns, jaundice, haemorrhoids and so forth. The bark can be used
as an astringent on skin infections and made into ointments or
lotions to treat sores and rashes. Tamarind leaves and flowers
are used to treat swollen joints, sprains, burns and boils. The
powdered seeds are made into a paste to treat chronic diarrhoea
and dysentery and the fruit shells are burned and made into an
alkaline ash to be used as an ingredient in medicines.
Aside from the numerous medicinal uses, the tamarind
tree produces hard and durable wood for construction use, furniture
and cabinetwork. The wood is also useful as fuel for fire in deep
brick ovens and as charcoal for gunpowder.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: ZIZIPHUS
MAURITIANA
COMMON NAME: CHINESE DATE
FAMILY: RHAMNACEAE
Description
The Chinese Date isn’t a true date tree, but the
1 to 2 inch, edible fruits it produces resemble dates. This tree
grows from 15 to 25 feet high and provides a light, filtered shade.
Its spiny branches are covered with 0.75–2.5 inch leaves that
are quite pest-resistant.
In the early summer, the Chinese Date or Ber tree
produces small clusters of tiny, yellow flowers, followed by fruit,
which ripens in late fall. This tree ordinarily begins to produce
fruit in the first year it is planted. The fruit is fleshy and
may be rounded to oval in shape. The bark of the tree is dark
brown, hard and cracked.
Distribution, Habitat and Ecology
The Chinese Date is found in parts of North and
South America and South Asia. They are widely distributed in Pakistan
and can be found in all four provinces.
These deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs are
natives of warm climates. They grow best in dry places and at
low elevations.
Benefits or Uses
The wood is used for making agricultural implements,
for fuel and charcoal. The fruits of the tree can be eaten fresh,
dried or preserved. |
