Earlier in our times, as a form of punishment, we were asked to chop out karuvelam trees by the elders of our panchayat who used to order this activity as a form of punishment. Even our parents used to punish us like this. We used the tree for firewood, only upon growing up we realized how terrorizing it was.
-Aramugam, Namakkal
What is Seemai Karuvelam (Prosopis Juliflora) ?
The Seemai Karuvelam tree, scientifically known as Prosopis juliflora, is an invasive species introduced to India during British rule. Originally native to Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina, it was brought in to prevent soil erosion, act as a windbreaker, and provide firewood in arid regions.
While initially helpful, Seemai Karuvelam maram has become a major ecological and agricultural concern across Tamil Nadu and other parts of South India.
Seemai Karuvelam in Tamil Nadu
The tree was initially seen as a solution to combat desertification by providing fuelwood and improving soil stability in areas suffering from extreme dryness.
The tree was a quick source of firewood. It used to help the poor people get quick cash, as the tree was everywhere
(Locals)
However, what was intended to be a beneficial introduction soon turned into an environmental crisis. The Seemai Karuvelam tree’s rapid spread across India, especially in states like Tamil Nadu, became a major ecological problem. The tree’s ability to thrive in poor, arid soils, combined with its fast-growing nature, made it an aggressive invader.
How Seemai Karuvelam Spreads
One of the main factors behind its unchecked spread is its prolific seed production. Each tree can produce thousands of seeds, which are easily dispersed by wind, water, and animals, enabling the species to quickly colonize vast areas.
The tree’s resilience and adaptability, while beneficial in its native range, have proven problematic in India. It competes aggressively with native vegetation, often outcompeting local species for resources like water and nutrients. This not only reduces biodiversity but also alters local ecosystems, pushing out indigenous plant and animal life.
In areas where it has spread, Prosopis juliflora forms dense thickets that make the land less accessible for grazing animals and more difficult for farmers to cultivate.
What’s the English Name for Seemai Karuvelam?
Seemai Karuvelam in English : In English, Seemai Karuvelam is referred to as mesquite or Prosopis juliflora.
Karuvelam Maram Disadvantages
One of the most significant issues caused by Seemai Karuvelam is its high water consumption. Its deep, sprawling root system competes with local plants for water and often consumes large amounts of groundwater.
This is especially problematic in arid and semi-arid regions, where water is already a limited resource. The tree is known to lower the water table, leaving surrounding plants and crops struggling to survive.
We could notice a difference between the places where the tree did and did not grow. Wherever we saw the trees, the place remained dry without a trace of any life. The soil used to be dry, to the point that it felt like bricks. Nothing apart from the tree itself grew there, and the air around used to be dry and dusty.
(Locals)
How to Destroy Seemai Karuvelam Tree
Removing this tree is not easy. Simply cutting it down doesn’t work because it resprouts from the roots. Burning only helps temporarily.
The most effective method involves digging out the entire root system. In some areas, chemical treatments are used to stop regrowth. However, these solutions are expensive and require coordination. Some districts have tried mass-removal drives with community support.
But unless the root is taken out, the tree always comes back. Awareness and long-term land monitoring are critical to keeping it under control.
Seemai Karuvelam Effects are Proven By Science
We heard from our parents that the government of India did sprinkle these seeds so that the local populace would stop cutting large trees for firewood
(Locals)
The long-held belief among Tamil Nadu farmers—that Seemai Karuvelam drains groundwater—is now verified by satellite-based research.
A study from Gujarat employed NASA GRACE satellite data alongside field measurements to track water use by Prosopis juliflora from 2002 to 2017. The authors concluded that “the consumption of groundwater by the tree species Prosopis juliflora is the cause [of] potable water shortages,” directly impacting village water supplies
Frantic Efforts by The Government
The biological nightmare had already spread to many parts of the Indian subcontinent. State Governments began to take notice of this and began widespread eradication of this thorny bush.
Some were successful, some were not.
The plant continues to thrive in many parts of the country, particularly in southern states. NGOs and local environmental organizations have worked to raise awareness about the negative effects of Seemai Karuvelam and have urged farmers to take measures to control its spread.
This includes better land management practices and encouraging farmers to remove the tree from their lands.
In some areas, local governments and communities have tried cutting down the trees and burning them to reduce their spread. However, the tree often resprouts from its roots, making this method ineffective in the long term.
The tree still continues to impact local fauna.
Source of the image – indiabiodiversity.org , Picture clicked by Vignessh – 28/4/15
Also read : Real estate may become unaffordable for the future generations
Also read: Many Indians struggle to be financially Independent
Leave a Reply