Ehretia aspera Willd.

Ehretia aspera Roxb., commonly known as Chirbilva, is a deciduous tree or shrub from the Boraginaceae family, widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, including Rajasthan. It thrives in dry deciduous and scrub forests, particularly in the Aravalli Hills, parts of eastern Rajasthan, and southern districts like Udaipur and Banswara, while its occurrence is sporadic in the arid western regions. Morphologically, the species is characterized by its rough, scabrid leaves, brownish-gray bark, small fragrant white to pale yellow flowers, and drupaceous orange-red fruits that support bird and insect biodiversity. It prefers sandy loam to rocky soils and tolerates semi-arid climatic conditions, making it well-adapted to Rajasthan’s dry landscapes. Ecologically, it plays a crucial role in soil stabilization and serves as a food source for various wildlife.its distribution is patchy and localized.As a result, Ehretia aspera is considered uncommon in Rajasthan,primarily restricted to forested pockets with favorable soil moisture and climatic conditions.Despite its resilience, habitat degradation threatens its population, necessitating conservation efforts to maintain its presence in Rajasthan’s forest ecosystems.