Kandi tree - Prosopis cineraria

Description and Uses

Prosopis cineraria (Kandi tree) is a tropical tree from North West India. It is mainly grown for its fuel crops (long shelflife), The crop is harvested by total removing. It starts flowering after 3 - 6 years. Regarding firewood production the tree`s growing speed is medium, its energetic value is 5000 ckal/kg and the wood`s drying speed is fast; for firewood production it is not ideal. After 25 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Prosopis cineraria has a lifespan of 400 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 7 meters tall. It is medium growing and tolerates not less light than full sun. Prosopis cineraria has a deep root-system and forms symbiotic relations (endo-mycorrhiza). It is able to fix nitrogen with Brucellaceae bacteria. Prosopis cineraria is evergreen and not allelopathic and has thorns.

Prosopis cineraria thrives in an altitude of 0 to 2000 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is -6°C and optimally between 5 - 50°C. The optimal rainfall is 245 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 120 - 250 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 5.0 - 8.0 in a soil texture of sand. To salt it is a bit tolerant to wind and to fire intolerant.

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Pests and Diseases

and diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are orthodox and can be stored for 3 months. There are approximative 36000 seeds/kg. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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