Prosopis Cineraria (Jammi Chettu in Telugu)

Prosopis cineraria (Jammi Chettu in Telugu) is a flowering tree belonging to the family Fabaceae. In Bharat is has been declared as the state tree of Telangana and Rajasthan. It also is the National tree of United Arab Emirates. A large and well known example of the species is the Tree of Life in Bahrain – approximately 400 years old and growing in a desert devoid of any obvious sources of water. The tree is found in extremely arid conditions, with rainfall as low as 150mm annually; but is indicative of the presence of a deep water table. Prosopis cineraria  has demonstrated a tolerance of highly alkaline and saline environments.  The tree is well-suited for an agro-forestry setting, because it has a single-layered canopy, it is a nitrogen fixer (thus enriching the soil), and its deep roots avoid competition for water with crops. 

According to mythology, the Pandavas had safely kept their arms on the tree while in exile (agnathavasam)and on completion of the term, they had offered prayers to the tree, taken off their arms and defeated the
Kauravas in the Mahabharata war.

The worship of Shami is called as "Shami Pujan". It is done with recitation of the following prayer-

Shami shamiyate paapam
Shami shatruvinashanam,
Arjunasya dhanurdhari
Ramasya priyadarshanam!!!

Meaning : The Shami Tree cleans sins and gives victory over enemies . It is lord Rama's favorite tree and in such a tree, pandavas hid their weapons. O Shami, Lord Rama has worshiped you. I now embark upon my journey to victory. May You make it pleasant and free from obstacles.

The leaves of this plant are high in Iron, Zinc and Magnesium. These leaves can be used as green fodder for cattle, goats and sheep. The paste made from the bark of this tree is useful in removing unwanted hair permanently. The concoction made from leaves and bark of this tree s helpful in mouth ulcers, tooth ache and bad breath. This plant being a nitrogen fixer can be planted around the field which helps in keeping the soil fertile and in turn better yield to the farmer.