A dramatic climate gives rise to dramatic inhabitants. The more unpredictable a region’s climate, the more resilient its species must be. Nowhere is this resilience more evident than in India’s west, where life pulses in cycles dictated by harsh seasons.
Bursting into gold each spring, the Rohida tree stands as a symbol of adaptation and ecological vitality in India’s deserts.
As winter loosens its grip, a brief but crucial window opens, allowing dryland flora to awaken. These open landscapes, spanning deserts, grasslands, mesic regions, and woodland savannahs in Rajasthan, host a unique ensemble of plants that have mastered the art of survival in extremes. Their phenology swings dramatically between dormancy and vibrancy, in rhythm with the shifting seasons.
Between the fading chill of winter and the relentless onset of summer’s scorching heat, these plants have a fleeting opportunity – a chance to bloom, reproduce, and ensure their lineage before the land turns inhospitable once again. If this window is missed, they must endure another long, challenging year, battling landscape degradation driven by climate change and human pressures.
In this fight for survival, some plants shed their leaves to conserve energy, while others explode into a breathtaking display of colours. Did you think only animals put on elaborate courtship displays during breeding? Think again – plants, too, engage in a dramatic performance, transforming from seemingly lifeless forms into stunning spectacles. Those that appear dry and dormant for much of the year suddenly burst into life, painting the arid landscape with mesmerising hues.
The ephemeral magic they display – a brief yet spectacular moment when dryland plants reclaim their vibrancy – proves that in nature, resilience is as much about beauty as it is about survival.
These plants tell a story of survival in one of the harshest landscapes on Earth. Each bloom is not just an aesthetic marvel but also a testament to adaptation, an evolutionary dance against the backdrop of extreme climates.
This photo story celebrates the fleeting beauty of dryland flora, reminding us that even in the most unforgiving environments, life finds a way – not just to exist, but thrive.
The Desert’s Nutrient Bank: Capparis decidua. A master survivor of arid landscapes, Capparis decidua, or kair is a nutrient powerhouse as well as a lifeline for desert communities. This drought-hardy shrub thrives where little else can, offering food, fodder, and medicine in the harshest conditions.
During the flowering season, its normally leafless green branches transform into a fiery red canopy of flowers, bringing unexpected vibrancy to the barren desert. Beyond its beauty, kair’s edible fruits and buds are nutrient-rich, forming a staple in local cuisine. However, this gem of the desert is slowly disappearing, driven by shrinking commons where it has been traditionally protected and nurtured, amid shifting land-use patterns and increasing anthropogenic pressures.
A Freeloader in the Thar: Cistanche tubulosa. Known as desert hyacinth in English and bhumphod in the Thar region, Cistanche tubulosa is a unique parasitic plant. Unlike most flora, it thrives by attaching itself to the living or dead roots of desert shrubs such as Calotropis procera.
As winter recedes and water becomes increasingly scarce, this remarkable flowering plant emerges – a lifeline for many desert inhabitants. Its succulent body is a natural reservoir, storing precious moisture that sustains wildlife through the arid months. Species such as desert foxes are often seen feeding on its water-rich tissues, a rare oasis in an otherwise parched land.
The Sand Weaver of the Thar: Calligonum polygonoides. Locally known as phog or phogda, Calligonum polygonoides is a master of survival in the shifting sands of the Thar desert. Its deep roots anchor dunes, preventing erosion and shaping the fragile desert landscape.
As winter fades, the phog bursts into bloom, covering the arid terrain with delicate pinkish-red flowers. This ephemeral beauty is also cherished in local cuisine. Unlike many desert plants, individuals of this species grow together in dense clusters, rarely allowing other species to sprout around them. But with mounting grazing pressure and the gradual disappearance of its sandy refuge, this silent guardian of the dunes faces an uncertain future.
A Spiny Delicacy: Euphorbia caducifolia. A tough desert survivor, this plant forms dense, spiny thickets that prevent soil erosion and provide refuge for desert wildlife. Though it appears unyielding, the plant offers both sustenance and beauty to the arid landscape. In bloom, its bare stems are draped in maroon flowers, a striking contrast against the dry terrain. But its true secret lies in its young stem tips, which are harvested during the monsoon to prepare a seasonal delicacy cherished in traditional cuisine. A plant of contrasts, it thrives in harshness while offering both nourishment and shelter to those who understand its worth. The Asiatic wildcat or Indian desert cat is often seen denning amidst this natural fortress.
The Golden Teak of the Desert: Tecomella undulata Standing tall in the arid landscapes of western India, Tecomella undulata, or rohida, is the state flower of Rajasthan and a prized timber species, often called the ‘teak of the desert’. Its hardy nature allows it to thrive where few trees can, providing shade, fuel, and wood for rural communities. In spring, this resilient tree transforms, bursting into brilliant yellow blooms that brighten the dry terrain with golden hues. Traditionally, its flowers were used to make natural Holi colours, making it an important ingredient of cultural celebrations. However, excessive harvesting and habitat loss threaten its future like many wild denizens, making plant-focused conservation efforts crucial.
The Flame of the Aravallis: Butea monosperma. A striking presence in the woodland savannas of the Aravallis, Butea monosperma, or palash, sets the landscape ablaze with its fiery orange-red blossoms. Often called the ‘flame of the forest,’ it thrives in dry, rocky soils, adding bursts of colour to an otherwise muted terrain. Beyond its beauty, palash holds deep cultural and ecological significance. Apart from providing important nutrition to birds and insects, its flowers have traditionally been used to make organic Holi colours, while its leaves, bark, and resin serve medicinal and ritualistic purposes. As land-use changes threaten its habitat, preserving this iconic tree remains essential for the savanna’s biodiversity.
This article was originally published in the June 2025 issue of Sanctuary Asia.
About the Authors: Chetan Misher is an ecologist passionate about India’s grasslands and desert ecosystems. His research explores how new species reshape native wildlife communities and the ecological fabric of these arid regions.
Vijayant Khatri is a young filmmaker with a keen eye for the wild. Passionate about observing nature and sharing its wonder, he seeks to bring viewers closer to the landscapes and lives often overlooked. Chetan and Vijayant are working on ecosystem restoration with WCT in Rajasthan.
Disclaimer: The author is associated with Wildlife Conservation Trust. The views and opinions expressed in the article are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Wildlife Conservation Trust.
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