Retam and Khejri: Keystone Trees of Bundi's Drylands

The semi-arid landscapes of Bundi district are characterised by two keystone tree species: retam (Calligonum polygonoides) on sandy soils and khejri (Prosopis cineraria) on the upland plains. The khejri is Rajasthan's state tree and sacred to the Bishnoi community; it is never felled and its lopping is the occasion of the historical 1730 Chipko-type movement where 363 Bishnoi villagers sacrificed their lives to protect the trees. Khejri pods (sengri) are a vital food and fodder resource, and the tree's nitrogen-fixing root system improves soil fertility. Retam's thread-like green branches and bright pink-white flowers are an ecological indicator of advancing desertification as retam colonises degraded scrubland. Both trees support nesting birds, provide shade for livestock, and serve as windbreaks. Village communities in Bundi protect khejri and retam through informal rules against cutting.