Flowering trees

Once Lord Krishna visited Indra Loka along with his dear wife Satyabhama.  There Satyabhama was attracted by the Parijata flowering tree and loved to take it to her Kingdom Dwaraka.  When Krishna and Satyabhama started taking the tree to their motherland, Indra objected.  Furious battle erupted and ultimately Lord Krishna had to use his Sudarshana Chakra to defeat Indra.  Humbled Indra had no way and had to let the beautiful tree to be taken to Bhuloka, the earth! This well known story called 'Sri Krishna Parijata' is a popular theme for Indian poetry, music, dance and drama.

But this legendary effort of Lord Krishna was just one more addition to the host of flowering trees already on this earth. Right now we are in the midst of spring season (March-May).  Entire world is beautified by the glory of flowering trees which are in their full bloom!  It is a pleasure to watch them while walking and travelling. Often we fumble to identify their names and origins and hence this humble effort of mine.

1.Parijata 

Common name: Night Flowering Jasmine

Origin: Indian Sub-continent

Flowering season: March-April

Local Name: Parijata in most Indian languages

During morning walks, we find these paritaja trees on roads and parks.  Often we feel like bending down to pick these white petaled-orange stemmed flowers lying down.  Some even just shake the branches of these trees when it falls down in large numbers. People pick them for performing morning pooja.                               

2.Golden shower

Common name: Golden shower

Origin: Mountains of Southern Europe

Flowering season: April-June

Local name: Laburnum, Amalthas in Hindi, Haldi Hoo in Kannada

This late flowering tree blossoms when most other trees are past their bloom and hence it ensures a sort of extended spring. Stem of this tree is quite strong and used in making agricultural equipments.

3.Flame tree (May Flower)

Common name: Flame Tree OR Mayflower

Origin: Madagascar

Flowering season: April-May

Local name: Palash in Hindi, Gulmohar in many Indian languages, Gentige Hoo in Kannada

This beautiful tree is fast growing and hence brittle.  Most of the city corporations have found this tree falling during heavy rains disturbing the traffic.  Many Corporations are now avoiding fresh plantings and therefore it is less seen now-a-days.
4.Garlic pear tree (Crateva)

Common name: Garlic Pear Tree

Origin: Europe

Flowering season: March-June

Local name: Barna in Hindi, Niravala in Kannada

This tree named after the great Greek naturalist and Physician Cratevas, is a medicinal tree too.

5.Bauhinia

Common name: Bauhinia

Origin: India

Flowering season: April-May, Sep-Oct

Local name: Kachnaar in Hindi, Basavana Paada in Kannada

It is a beautiful ornamental tree with a wide range of colours like purple, lavender and pink.

6.Jacaranda

Common name: Jacaranda

Origin: Brazil

Flowering season: Feb-March

Local name: Neelkanth in Hindi

Jacaranda comes in both blue and pink colours.  A treat to watch the tree when in full bloom.

7.African tulip tree

Common name: African Tulip Tree

Origin: Africa

Flowering season: August to December

Local name: Fountain Tree, Rugtoora in Hindi, Neerukai (Uchhe kai) mara in Kannada

These commonly found and strong stemmed trees are distinct with thick green leaves and large dark red flowers. Flowering lasts for longer time.  The buds of the flower are soft with water (neerukai) inside. During childhood we used to play pranks with each other by  spraying the water inside by pressing the buds.
8.Red silk cotton tree

Common name: Red Silk Cotton Tree

Origin: Asia

Flowering season: March-May

Local name: Kantisenbal in Hindi, Boorugada mara in Kannada

Stem of the tree is thick and spiked. The nut of the tree gives rise to cotton which is used for making beds. This tree is also called 'silent doctor' as its parts are used as medicine for treating many ailments.

9.Canon ball tree

Common name: Canon Bal Tree

Origin: South America & West Indies

Local name: Naaga Linga in most Indian Languages

Strangely flowers of this tree is in the trunks.  This flower is considered sacred in India as it resembles 'Shivaling' with serpent-like arch covering it!  The fruits of this tree are spherical in shape and large in size.
10.Indian beech tree

Common name: Indian Beech Tree

Origin: India, Australia & China

Flowering season: March-april

Local name: Karanja in Hindi, Honge mara in kannada

Flowers of this tree are not prominent.  The tree is known for thick green leaves and provides the most comfortable shade.  There is a proverb in kannada which says 'taayee madilu, honge neralu' meaning this tree's shadow is as comfortable as the mother's lap!  The nut of this tree is used in extracting non-edible oil which is also a medicine for body-massage. The size of this tree is modest and quite stable by constitution.  Therefore almost all municipalities/corporations are planting this tree in large numbers.
India is blessed with a wide variety of trees.  Trees spread their branches and  leaves around to attain grace, balance and beauty much beyond the imagination of the most creative artist!  Their roots go deep into the soil holding it in tact.  They clean the environment by absorbing carbon dioxide to prepare food and release the much needed oxygen for all of us.  With clock-wise precision they keep time with seasons to bear fresh leaves, flowers and fruits for benefit of all living beings.  But thankless man keeps axing them for meeting his selfish needs.  They want trees all over the city, but not one in front of their house!

Let us learn to live like trees.  Let us plant more trees, protect them and save this wonderful nature for our coming generations.

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