The trees that drink deep and store it: Nature’s answer to drought

New Delhi: As India braces for peak summer, researchers are highlighting a group of native trees that endure extreme heat by storing water inside their trunks, roots, and bark. Among them is Rajasthan’s Khejri, or Prosopis cineraria, a lifeline of the Thar Desert.

The tree survives arid conditions by drawing deep groundwater and retaining moisture in its woody tissue, allowing it to stay green even in drought years. For centuries, local communities have depended on it for fodder, fuel, and shade.

Far south, in Tamil Nadu’s forests, the rare Hildegardia populifolia uses a similar strategy. Found in parts of the Eastern Ghats, this endangered species has a swollen trunk that acts as a natural reservoir, helping it withstand long dry spells.

Botanists say these adaptations are critical in regions where temperatures routinely cross 45°C and rainfall is scarce. The stored water not only keeps the trees alive but also supports surrounding ecosystems, from birds and insects to grazing animals.

Conservationists warn that both species face pressure from habitat loss and overharvesting. While Khejri remains culturally protected in parts of Rajasthan, Hildegardia populations are limited to a few pockets and need active conservation.

Experts point to these trees as examples of natural resilience and argue that wider planting could aid climate adaptation in water-scarce regions. “They’re built for the extremes we’re seeing more of,” said one forest official.

With heatwaves growing more frequent, India’s own drought survivors are gaining new attention, not just for their biology, but for the lessons they hold.