What is Jhao Plant

Description: Jhao is a large sized ever green tree. The height is around 15- 18 meter. The bark is brown and glabrous. Wood is very hard but becomes cracked. It flowers in May and ripening of fruits requires one year. Sandy soil is very effective for afforestation with jhao plants.

Existence: Mainly coastal regions but it may be found in the different locations of the country.

Seed: Seeds are collected in the month of May-June.

Uprooting Seedlings: Seedlings of jhao are uprooted in the month of February.

Methods of Seed Collection: Fruits are to be collected directly from the plants. Collection of fruits from the base of the branches is the best as they are matured. The seeds are separated from the husk by stick after drying for 2- 3 days.

Seed Preservation: Seeds can be stored for 5- 7 months in air- tight pot after drying in the sun.

Methods of seed sowing: Seeds are sown in the seed bed or poly bag in January- February. Sowing seeds in the seed bed or poly bag mixing with treated soil is beneficial. Seed germination requires 25- 30 days. Measures should be taken for shade before seedling emergence. The shade should be removed after 40- 50 days.

Seedling Selection and Planting: Some seedlings are to be removed whenever they found higher number in the seed bed. Weeds are to be removed. If the roots of seedlings come out of poly bag, roots should be cut. Jhao is a fast growing plant. It is better to plant seedlings of age 6 months. Jhao plant grows well in sandy and saline soil. For this reason, jhao tree is planted during afforestation in the coastal regions.

Uses: It is planted beside the roads and highways for beautification as it is of triangular shaped. Since it has nitrogen adding capacity in soil, it is planted more in than coastal regions. Wood is very well as fuel. Wood is very hard; so it is used as pillar or fuel.