Firang Roots ….Sudeshna.Chatterjee
As the BMC prepares to conduct a survey of the city’s rare trees, we bring you a list of five that, despite being native to other countries, thrive in Mumbai’s weather
As the BMC prepares to conduct a survey of the city’s rare trees, we bring you a list of five that, despite being native to other countries, thrive in Mumbai’s weather
It’s not just humans who have come from far away countries and made India their unlikely home. Across the concrete jungle that is Mumbai, there are several trees from nations with starkly different climates that, some how, have managed to thrive in our city’s weather.
In the tree census that is to begin in June, the Brihanmumbai municipal Corporation will, besides taking into account the GPS location of each tree, also make a notes of their species and population. This census will, for the first time, highlight the city’s rare trees, estimated to be within the rather large range of 100-200. We bring five such trees most of which, experts say, were first introduced to the city by the British and are over a hundred years old.
GUICUM (ZYGOPHYLLUM OFFICINALE)
Usually seen in Myanmar
Usually seen in Myanmar
IDENTIFICATION MARK: Moss-green leaves and violet flowers
USES: its sap from the trunk has medicinal value
FOUND HERE AT: Jijamata Udyan, where an entire avenue has been dedicated to this tree
RUDRAKSHA (ELAEOCARPUS GANITRUS)
Usually seen in cold reagions such as the foothills of the Himalayas, Nepal, South-East Asia, Indonesia, Australia and New Guinea
Usually seen in cold reagions such as the foothills of the Himalayas, Nepal, South-East Asia, Indonesia, Australia and New Guinea
IDENTIFICATION MARK: It’s easy to confuse this tree with a mango tree. But, before you climb its branches looking for kairis, remember that the leaves of the Rudraksha tree are a lighter shade of green. Additionally, the fruit that this tree bears are small and red in colour.
USES: The seeds of this tree are popularly used as prayer beads
FOUND HERE AT: Jogger’s Park, Bandra (W), and at Bhavan’s College, Andheri (W) Caption: The tree was planted at Jogger’s Park a couple of years ago and stands between a Christmas Tree and a hibiscus shrub
TREE OF HEAVEN (AMHERSTIA NOBILIS)
Usually seen in Myanmar
Usually seen in Myanmar
IDENTIFICATION MARK: Also known as the Pride of Burma, the tree’s extravagant flowers hang from the stalk and are bright red at the tip. The flowers stay in bloom for a month
USES: The flowers are considered sacred in Myanmar and are offered to Lord Buddha
FOUND HERE AT: Byculla’s Jijamata Udyan, three at Rajabai Towers and two at diamond merchant Kamlesh Jhaveri’s bungalow at JVPD
PALM TREES (BISMARCKIA NOBILIS)
Usually seen in South Africa
Usually seen in South Africa
IDENTIFICATION MARK: It’s a dwarf-sized tree with large leaves. While the leaves are a bottle green colour, they have a silver sheen on them
USES: None that are known or have been identified
FOUND HERE AT: Mahalaxmi and Nandadeep Garden at Kalanagar, Bandra (E)
BAOBAB (ADANSONIA DIGITATA) OR GORAKH CHINCH
Usually seen in South Africs. It is seen in India, but usually in dry regions
Usually seen in South Africs. It is seen in India, but usually in dry regions
IDENTIFICATION MARK: The trunk of the tree is massive, as much as 11m in diameter and is shaped like a bottle.
USES: Dr Kothari says the pulp of the fruit makes for a refreshing drink
FOUND HERE AT: Jijamata Udyan, Mahakali in Andheri (E), in front of Chhatrapatii Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya at Kalaghoda, near Podar school on SV Road and Bandra (Opposite Bhabha Hospital)