Prosopis juliflora
- Native of the Plant: Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean
- Distribution in India: Introduced by the British in the 1920s in Delhi; now widely spread across arid and semi-arid regions of India, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Locally known as Bellary jaali, Seemai karuvelam, Gando baval, Vilayati kikar, etc.
- Remarks: A highly invasive species, Prosopis juliflora aggressively outcompetes native flora, causes groundwater depletion, produces less oxygen, and even poisons soil and water. Though adaptable to a wide range of soils and altitudes, it leads to land degradation, loss of grasslands, and reduction in biodiversity.
