For a Miyawaki forest in Pakistan, it’s essential to choose native plant species that are well-suited to the region’s climate and soil. Multan has a hot desert climate with extreme temperatures and limited rainfall, so drought-resistant and heat-tolerant species are ideal. The following plants, categorized by forest layers, can work well for Miyawaki forestation in Multan:
- Canopy Layer (Tall Trees)
These trees form the upper layer of the forest, providing shade and protection for the lower layers. Some suitable species include:
Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) – A hardy tree commonly found in Pakistan.
Amaltas (Cassia fistula) – Known for its yellow flowers, it tolerates heat well.
Neem (Azadirachta indica) – Drought-resistant and useful for its shade and medicinal properties.
Arjun Tree (Terminalia arjuna) – Provides shade and supports local fauna.
Siris (Albizia lebbeck) – Adaptable to dry conditions and provides dense foliage.
- Sub-Canopy Layer (Medium Trees)
These trees grow under the canopy layer and add diversity. Suitable species include:
Moringa (Moringa oleifera) – Known as the drumstick tree, highly drought-tolerant.
Kikar/Babul (Vachellia nilotica) – A resilient species that can withstand arid conditions.
Jungle Jalebi (Pithecellobium dulce) – Drought-tolerant and provides shade.
Ber/Indian Jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana) – Grows well in dry areas and produces edible fruit.
Sukh Chain (Pongamia pinnata) – Thrives in hot and arid conditions.
- Shrub Layer
These are smaller plants that add density to the forest and cover lower layers.
Phulai (Acacia modesta) – A shrub-like tree that grows well in dry areas.
Chilra (Dodonaea viscosa) – A tough, drought-resistant shrub.
Henna/Mehndi (Lawsonia inermis) – A shrub known for its cultural use and resilience.
Lantana (Lantana camara) – Hardy and suitable for hot climates.
Desert Teak (Tecomella undulata) – Native to arid regions and well-suited for the shrub layer.
- Herb Layer
These small plants grow close to the ground, adding to soil health and providing habitat for insects.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) – Drought-tolerant and suitable for hot climates.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) – Thrives well in different soil types and can grow in semi-arid areas.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – Hardy, drought-tolerant medicinal plant.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) – Can tolerate the heat and grows well in this layer.
Dhatura (Datura metel) – Native, hardy, and drought-tolerant herb.
- Ground Cover
These low-lying plants cover bare soil, conserve moisture, and prevent erosion.
Native Grasses – Select species like Lasiurus scindicus or Cenchrus ciliaris, which are native to arid regions.
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) – Adds ground cover and is relatively hardy.
Asiatic Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) – Spreads quickly and tolerates heat.
Considerations for Success in Multan
Irrigation: Due to Multan’s arid climate, these plants will need initial watering, especially in the first 2-3 years.
Organic Mulching: Mulching is essential to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and protect roots from the intense heat.
Local Adaptation: Using native and drought-tolerant species ensures the forest can withstand the climate in Multan without intensive maintenance.
These species create a layered, dense, and self-sustaining Miyawaki forest that can adapt to Multan’s hot, arid climate, providing shade, reducing dust, and improving local biodiversity over time.
