On World Environment Day, out with Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus, exotic and introduced, has had a complex relationship with the Indian forest landscape, impacting biodiversity and the water table.
Category: Trees
Encounter: The darling buds of May
May is just behind us, but the familiar trees that lend their signature flush to this month are still in riotous flower One reason I look forward to May, despite the sweltering heat it brings, is the blooming of Gulmohar (Delonix regia), often called ‘Mayflower’ locally. The tree is also…
Tree or no tree, who gives a fig?
A fig tree in fruit is a forest in itself: every creature in the vicinity is attracted to the sprawling canopy to eat the ripe red fruits, or the fruit-eaters. Sadly, these lovely fig trees are disappearing with our appetite for wider roads
Indian Laburnum – the Vishu tree
Wherever you go in the world, Mallus can be identified on Vishu’s eve as they strip Golden Shower trees bare of flowers! On that cheery note, Happy Vishu!
Assassins in the Garden – Part 1
For 20 years the mango tree that my father planted had stood its ground. It took less than 20 hours to bring it down.
Encounter – Monsieur Baobab
The Baobab trees of Pondicherry were lost in time and rediscovered in the 13-acre forest patch inside the now defunct Swadeshi Cotton Mill Complex