Thar desert is an important geographic unit in North Western India. It is spread over 3 states: Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat. But it is a well documented fact that 75% area of the   desert is lying in Rajasthan. Here it accounts for 61% area of state, and includes 12 districts. Since this area is a separate unique geographical entity so it also has its own unique ecosystem including unique Flora and Fauna. Desert is of two types-sandy and stony nature, both have scant vegetation.

Of course where ever underground water has been discovered, greenery and oasis have developed in a localised manner.  This piece is about certain type of flora of desert. In botanical terms majority of plant species are termed as xerophytes, further named as herbs, shrubs, grasses, creepers and trees.

In general desert has monotonous appearance exhibiting vast expanse of sand dunes and isolated hillocks. Anyone who has seen desert in summer months would not like to come again. But come rainy season and this area is covered with greenery. And those who have come here in rains, always have a desire to come again. There are more than 150 plant genera with 600 species. Most of the plants are having wild growth, i.e. not regularly cultivated. But grow on their own.

Apart from greenery these wild plants also develop beautiful flowers with variety of colours which give beautiful appearance to desert. In fact, all hues and shades of rainbow are represented like white, yellow, blue, purple. These plants were photographed by this author during last 5 years at different locations in desert.  Pictures of these plants are displayed below.  Many desert plants are also having medicinal properties, so effort should also be made by concerned agencies to preserve and protect these wild plant species.