|
Last
monsoon, during a visit to Haridwar, we were glad to see massive tree
plantation being undertaken in a part of the city. But soon to our dismay
we realised that of the hundreds of trees being planted, most if not
maximum were Gulmohar (Delonix regia) saplings.
This did not make sense in
a region which has such favourable climate, good soil and water and
consequently boasts of a great native tree variety ( we saw the fragrant
Kapur tree growing magnificently). Gulmohar on the other hand is not a
native variety, grows fast but has short life, and weak wood. Yes it is a
beautiful tree especially when it blooms, but so are our many native trees
which warrant to be propogated more. Additionally our native trees are
attract more birds, etc., many have medicinal value, some improve the soil
....
Have you ever observed the
trees around your home, or while travelling. An inclination of planting a
few limited varieties is clearly evident. As a result we have more number
of Ashokas, Alstonias, Acacia, Papri and that to at the cost of other
species.
Recently during a visit to
a residential colony in Delhi, we found that the gardens though having
numerous trees, had almost only Ashoka and Nerium/ Kaner growing. Thus
though it looks very neat and ornamental, they provide no shade in eight
long scorching months, attract lesser birds and so on. There was no scope
left for planting any shady or flowering trees as these two species
occupied almost all the space left for growing trees.
Well, my submission is that
all tree species have some beauty or characteristic, but let us not be
overwhelmed by just a few at the cost of losing others.
Delhi can have more then
150 species of trees growing well, but not more than 30 species are found
growing commonly. Thus, we must plant a variety of species and not
restrict to a few species only. Nature has, of course, provided us with a
wide variety and we are suggesting a few colourful species of trees to
make your garden beautiful this monsoon.
We suggest planting those
trees which absorb pollution, provide shade during summers and are native
to the environment.
The following list would
help you to discover the wonder world of trees.
|
Flowering
trees
Bauhinia variegata (Kachnar)
Butea monosperma (Palas)
Cassia fistula (Amaltas)
Crataeva religiosa (Barna)
Erthyrina indica (Indian coral tree)
Lagerstroemia flos-reginae (Zarul)
Magnolia grandiflora (Champa)
Thespesia populnea (Bhendi)
Fast Growing
Indian Trees
Anthocephalus cadamba (Kadam)
Ficus religiosa (Peepal)
Ailanthus excelsa (Maharuk)
Aegle marmelos (Bel)
Albizia falcataria (White Albizia, Sengon)
Bauhinia variegata (Kachnar)
Medicinal
trees
Aegle marmelos (Bel)
Azadirachta indica (Neem)
Bauhinia variegata (Kachnar)
Butea monosperma (Palas)
Cassia fistula (Amaltas)
Cinnamomum camphora (Kapur)
Emblica officinalis (Amla)
Ficus glomerata (Gular)
Ficus religiosa (Peepal)
Madhuca indica (Mahua)
Memecylon umbellatum (Anjan)
Michelia champaca (Champak)
Moringa oleifera (Drum stick)
Saraca indica (Ashoka)
Syzygium cumini (Jamun)
Terminalia arjuna (Arjun)
Terminalia bellerica (Bahera)
Terminalia cheluba (Harda)
Trees
with fragrant flowers
Albizia lebbeck (Siris)
Pyerospermum acerifolium (Kanak Champa)
Michelia champaca (Champak)
Alstonia scholaris (Satni)
|