Category: Eco Park

This photograph was taken at the Sanjeevi Malai Eco Park area and features Dichrostachys cinerea, commonly known as Sickle Bush or Chinese Lantern Tree. In some parts of Tamil Nadu, it is also referred to as Veli Velam.

Belonging to the Legume family, this thorny shrub typically grows between 3 and 8 metres in height and is native to Africa and South Asia, including India. It is easily identified by its thorny branches, feathery leaves, and distinctive two-coloured flowers, with a pinkish-purple upper portion and a yellow lower portion. The plant also produces characteristic curved seed pods.

Sickle Bush plays an important ecological role. As a nitrogen-fixing species, it helps improve soil fertility and is widely used in dryland development, eco-restoration, afforestation, and scrubland rehabilitation projects. The plant attracts bees and other pollinators, contributes to soil conservation by reducing erosion, and can serve as a source of shade, firewood, and natural fencing. Its leaves are also occasionally used as fodder for goats.

Well adapted to harsh environments, the species thrives in full sunlight, requires minimal water, and grows successfully in poor, dry soils, making it highly suitable for drought-prone and hot climatic regions.