Kikar Tree - Botanical Name: Acacia nilotica (L.)

Kikar is a thorny small tree growing to a height of 7 m. Lives at least 60 years. It is found widely in Haryana as well as all over India.

Taxonomy, variation and plasticity: Nine sub-species are recognized. Hybridization between the various sub-species occurs and has been influenced by human's seed dispersal. Within the A. nilotica complex the pods are very variable.

Reproductive biology: The yellow sweetly scented flowers are nectar less and found in round heads. Most flowers are functionally male with a few hermaphrodites and are mainly bee-pollinated. Pods are indehiscent. Seed production is high (up to 175,000 seeds/tree) and yearly provided water is plentiful like along water courses. Leaf production and fall are affected by rainfall whereas temperature affect flowering and fruiting. Most of the leaf fall occurs during the dry period when the tree bears green pods.

Resilience and resistance: Species is sensitive to frost but is tolerant of grazing, drought (< 2 years), fire and salinity.

Environmental requirements: Requires water for seed germination and seedling establishment. Can regenerate under pioneer woody plants in seasonally flooding habitats and later out-compete them.

Products and uses: Extensively used as browse, firewood and timber. The bark and seeds are a source of tannin while bark, roots and flowers are used for medicinal properties. The gum is sometimes used. The wood is suitable for paper production. Planted for forestry or reclamation of degraded land.

Climate: Grows in areas where the mean monthly temperature of the coldest month is above 16^° C. It tolerates a wide range of rainfall from less than 350 mm to more than 1500 mm or more per year.

Site requirements: A. nilotica sub species indica is commonly found on soils with a high clay content, but in areas of higher rainfall it may grow on deep sandy loam. Often found growing close to waterways on seasonally flooded river flats.

Pests and diseases: Many wild mammals feed on seed pods and a large number of insect species attack the mature seed.