वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम् !

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ is a Sanskrit phrase found in Hindu texts such as the Maha Upanishad, meaning, "the world is one family". Today, as we face global challenges like climate change, environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity, this ancient wisdom becomes more relevant than ever. It promotes a global perspective and prioritizes the greater good over individual or family interests. It encourages considering the welfare of others, fostering global solidarity and responsibility on various issues, including climate change, sustainable development, peace and tolerance of differences. It reminds us that our existence is woven into a larger, intricate tapestry of life that transcends borders, species and differences. 

The philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam does not limit itself to human solidarity but extends to the entire natural world. Trees, animals, rivers, oceans, mountains - all are part of this one cosmic family. They do not merely exist for human benefit; they have intrinsic value and their own roles in maintaining the balance of nature. The world thrives because of this delicate interconnectedness. Any disruption to one part of the system can ripple outward, affecting all life, including ourselves. In simple terms: no one can sustain alone. 

Nature’s Self-Sustaining Systems

Nature, in its pure form, is the epitome of self-sustainability. Every element of the natural world plays a role in a grand cycle of renewal:

• Forests regulate the climate, produce oxygen, purify air, encourage rainfall and prevent soil erosion. They provide habitat for countless species, ensure biodiversity, and act as carbon sinks.
• Oceans absorb a significant amount of the world’s carbon dioxide and regulate weather patterns.
• Soil nourishes plants, and in return, plants protect and enrich the soil.
• Animals and insects participate in pollination, seed dispersion and maintaining the health of ecosystems.

These systems operate harmoniously without human interference. When left undisturbed, nature has the incredible ability to regenerate, repair and sustain itself. Every fallen leaf, every decaying animal, every raindrop and every gust of wind plays its part in the endless cycle of life and death, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.

The Disruption of Balance

However, humans - driven by self-centered motives and unchecked greed - have increasingly disrupted this equilibrium. Our activities have introduced pollutants, destroyed forests, overexploited resources and driven countless species to extinction. Despite experiencing firsthand the adverse effects of pollution, global warming and climate instability, concrete corrective actions are lacking.

One of the gravest challenges that we currently face is waste management. The exponential rise in solid and liquid waste generation has overwhelmed natural systems. Rather than reducing the waste production, even many developed countries rely on temporary solutions like incineration. While incineration may reduce the volume of waste, it releases harmful pollutants into the air, exacerbating environmental problems instead of solving them. Landfills, another common method, leak toxic chemicals into the soil and groundwater. Our failure to implement sustainable waste management systems highlights a deep disconnect from the values of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

A Call to Action

If we are to survive and thrive, we must realign ourselves with nature’s principles. Here’s what we must urgently pursue:

• Reduce Waste Generation: Adopt minimalistic lifestyles, prioritize recycling and promote industries that use sustainable materials.
• Conserve Forests and Biodiversity: Protect existing ecosystems and support reforestation & biodiversity conservation initiatives.
• Promote Eco-friendly Technologies: Invest in clean energy, waste-to-energy plants and technologies that emulate nature’s zero-waste processes.
• Educate and Spread Awareness: Instill the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam in educational curricula and community programs.
• Support Circular Economies: Shift from a linear ‘take-make-waste’ economy to a circular economy where resources are reused, repaired and regenerated.

Nature, when respected and protected, has the innate power to sustain itself and all life within it. The ancient idea that the Earth and all its beings are one family is not a sentimental ideal; it is a fundamental truth critical for our survival.

We are not outside nature; we are part of it. Our wellbeing is deeply intertwined with the health of forests, oceans, animals, insects and the soil beneath our feet. Recognizing this interconnectedness and acting on it with responsibility and compassion is not optional - it is essential. The time has come to live by the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, not just in words, but in every choice and action we take. 

On the occasion of 15th anniversary of Gifting Trees, let us embrace the wisdom of the past to heal the future - because when we protect nature, we protect ourselves.

The Black Ebony Tree

Here is the tree which is described in a perfect manner by its name. The generic name is derived from greek word dios which means ‘divine’, and pyros meaning ‘fruit’, referring to the excellent fruit of the genus. The specific name melanoxylon means ‘dark wood’. The Tendu (Diospyros Melanoxylon/टेंभूर्णी, टेमरू, तेंदू) is medium-sized handsome tree, which is also known as Black Ebony. Its small flowers appear from April to June on new shoots.

Tendu, though a minor forest produce (MFP) in Central India, is very underutilized tree. The most economically significant use of this species is that its leaves are used to roll bidis (an indigenous traditional cigarette, which uses the kendu leaf for rolling instead of paper). The leaves possess unrivalled qualities of flavour, colour, flexible and leathery texture, decay resistance and easy workability, which make them admirably suitable for wrapping bidis.

However, most of the harvest goes waste as the fruit has never been explored for its nutritional aspects. This lesser known fruit is edible & is delicious too! Once fully ripen, the yellow pulp is soft & has a pleasant and sweet taste.

Tendu is a seasonal fruit available mainly in summer. The fruit ripening takes almost a year. These edible fruits are largely eaten & disseminated by birds, notably hornbills. The tree produces good seed in alternate years. The fruits and powdered seeds are sold in local markets and eaten. 

The tree is deciduous or evergreen depending on its habitat. In a dry locality, it is leafless for a short time in the hot weather, regaining its leaves in May-June. In a moist locality, it is evergreen. Though the tree has small flowers, the tree is regularly visited by insects and butterflies. It is the larval host plant for the Symphaedra nais & Spindasis vulcanus butterflies.

The tree has been revered in Ayurvedic medicine. The seeds have been prescribed as a cure for mental disorders, nervous breakdowns and palpitations of the heart. The fruits have a cooling and an astringent effect. Dried flowers are reportedly useful in urinary, skin and blood diseases. The bark is astringent; its decoction is used in diarrhoea. Its regeneration is through seeds, cuttings and root suckers. Soaking seeds for about 12 hours in cold water improves germination. Stump planting has been found to be as good as direct seeding. 

Tendu is the most widely distributed and tolerant species when considered to soil requirements. It grows on poor denuded soils, hot and dry hill slopes, stony soils and also heavy clays. It demands light; it is drought and frost hardy but sensitive to water-logging. It is coppiceable & tolerance to pruning makes it a good fodder tree. The tree also pollards well, although the growth of the pollard shoots is slow. Its cultivation on field boundaries or distributed in field crops, such as oilseed and cereal crops, appears to be a feasible and attractive proposition. Its deep tap-rooting habit would minimize competition with annual crops. It gives good quality charcoal. 

The fruit tree being rich in nutritional, medicinal and processing qualities can play a very significant & vital role in the livelihood security of the rural communities through enhanced household income, employment generation and environmental protection. Tendu fruits have a great potential for commercial cultivation. In fact, plantation of Tendu tree along with other local fruits of our region like Ber, should be done in city gardens and residential areas.

The Yellow Snake Tree

Trumpet flower tree or Padal (Stereospermum Tetragonum/पाडळ) is a moderate sized deciduous tree, often buttressed. Flowers are fragrant, yellow with reddish-purple veins and velvety at the mouth, trumpet shaped in panicles. Flowering occurs during May to July. The fruit is long, curved and brown in colour. This, probably, is the source of its common name, Yellow Snake tree.

Padal is often grown as an ornamental tree, valued for its fragrant flowers. It grows best in a sunny position, tolerating light shade. The tree succeeds in a wide range of well-drained soils. The tree can survive forest fires. It is one of the commonest trees to be seen in the savannah lands of India, apparently able to shoot up yearly in spite of fire, and to grow on into a tree if only a short period of immunity from fire can be obtained. 

The tree can be propagated easily from seeds, cuttings and root-suckers. Its flowers and tender young fruits are known to be edible and eaten as a cooked vegetable. The Padal provides an excellent fuel; the wood also makes a good charcoal.

The tree is associated with the famous Padaleeshwarar temple at Tiruppathiripuliyur (pathiri is tamil name of Padal), Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu. It is believed that Goddess Parvathi reached Tiruppathiripuliyur after worship of 1008 Shiva sthalams. She worshipped the Lord Padaleeshwarar installed under a Padal tree. After years of penance, Lord Shiva appeared and he united with the Goddess under the sacred Padal tree, which is now the sthala vruksha (holy tree) of the temple. The tree is associated with the Ekapatala, sister of Goddess Parvathi who took only one Patala leaf for food. The tree is also sacred to the Jains, as the 12th Tirthankara - Bhagwan Vaspujay Ji attained enlightenment under this tree. 

The Padal root is one of the ten ingredients in reputed Dashamula, a popular Ayurvedic formulation for fatigue. Padal is reported to be astringent, cardiotonic, cooling, diuretic and tonic. It relieves the three doshas, overcomes anorexia, difficulty in breathing, oedema, piles, vomiting, hiccough and thirst. Parts from the tree are used as anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic, antiemetic and febrifuge; also in perfumes and medicines. The flower is used for removing intestinal worms and is also used to treat mental disorders, jaundice and venereal diseases. 

The sacred & hardy tree easily performs well in the urban settlements and grows moderately fast. Its beautiful fragrant flowers add grace to the city gardens. 

The Complete Elm!

Indian Elm (Holoptelea Integrifolia/वावळ, पापडी) is a large deciduous, fast-growing tree with good canopy. It is densely foliated tree. Though its tiny flowers are not conspicuous, the circular samara fruits give an attractive appearance to the tree; also making the tree easy to spot. It has wind-pollinated male and hermaphrodite flowers. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow to brownish & pubescent.

Indian Elm tree flowers in January-February months and it fruits from March to May. During this period, the tree attracts loads bees and butterflies. It is the larval host plant for the Chilades Pandava butterfly. The fruits of Indian Elm, just like figs, are largely eaten by Langurs. The leaves are used as animal fodder. It can be coppiced. The unripe fruits are edible. Fruits also serve as a good source of Essential oils. This Elm gives good quality charcoal. 

Though Indian Elm grows slowly in initial stages, once established, the species can be fast-growing. It propagates from seeds & cuttings. The papery fruits can be just sprinkled on soil and regular water-spraying helps in their germination. It is resistant to gaseous pollutants. The tree is known to purify air by trapping dust & particulate pollutants. 

The tree is mentioned in Charaka-Samhita, Sushruta-Samhita and other traditional systems. It pacifies vitilated kapha and is known to be useful in skin diseases, haemorrhoids, colic, flatulence & vomiting. Its leaves are also used for diabetes, leprosy & baldness. This herb is also mentioned for the treatment of localized swelling, nausea, indigestion, rheumatism, ringworm infectin, scabies, ulcers and acts as blood purifier. The tree has also been found to have some antibacterial properties. Name the disease and this elm have remedy for that! It is commonly called Chirabilva in Ayurveda. 

Indian Elm is also used in ecological forestry for its heat & drought tolerance and regenerative abilities. It’s a very hardy tree that survives well in the extreme climate. Its root system helps in erosion control of soil and dune stabilization. The leaves also provide useful mulch in good quantity. It’s crushed leaves & bark has a characteristic smell. This virtue makes the tree resistant to pest and these parts can also be used as a pest repellent.

The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine, food, and as a source of oil and wood. The attractively dense tree is commonly spotted on roadsides across the city and in gardens as well. 

The Grewias

The tree is known for a refreshing drink prepared from the fruits, commonly known as Phalsa Sherbet or squash, is considered a delicacy throughout the hot summer months in India. The Phalsa tree (Grewia Asiatica/फालसा) is a small-to-moderate sized deciduous tree.

Phalsa is a beautiful tree with small orange-yellow flowers, borne in densely crowded axillary cymes. The ripe fruits are eaten as a dessert. Their taste and flavor are very much liked. Due to fruits, the tree is often found pollarded to keep its branches low and within reach.

According to Ayurveda, different parts of this plant possess different pharmacological properties. Leaves have antimicrobial, anticancer, antiplatelet and antiemetic activities; fruit possess anticancer, antioxidant, radio-protective and anti-hyperglycemic properties; while stem bark possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. The fruits are a cooling tonic, astringent & aphrodisiac; they allay thirst & burning sensations, remove biliousness, cure inflammation, heart & blood disorders and fevers. The fruit is also good against throat trouble. The bark is used as a demulcent, febrifuge and treatment for diarrhea. It cures urinary troubles and relieves burning sensation. The root bark is employed in treating rheumatism. The leaves are applied on skin eruptions and they are known to have antibiotic action.

The tree improves the soil and also aids in reclamation of degraded land. It has been proved that the plantations of Phalsa increased organic Carbon, available Nitrogen, Phosphorus & Potassium in the soil and reduced Calcium Carbonate, pH & bulk density due to litter production greater than that of other fruit trees. It is propagated easily by seeds.

Phalsa can be grown on a wide range of soils, even those that are slightly alkaline, clay or sandy soils. But for fruit production, ideal is a rich alluvial soil. The tree grows in both tropical and subtropical climates but will tolerate other climates, except at high altitude; however, it does best in regions having distinct summer and winter seasons. It is very hardy, drought-tolerant species and capable of existing under severe conditions and is suitable for arid regions.

The fresh leaves are valued as fodder. The mucilaginous extract from the tree obtained after pounding in water is used to clarify sugarcane juice during the preparation of gur, the traditional brown sugar made in India. Ropes or cordage can also be obtained from the tree. Furthermore, there is no serious pest or disease of this species.

There is a similar close cousin of Phalsa from the same genus, the Dhaman (Grewia Tiliifolia/धामण, धामनी) is a moderate-sized deciduous tree.

The yellow flower resembles the Phalsa flower very much. The main difference is in the leaves. The leaves of Dhaman are oblique heart-shaped.

The tree is harvested from the wild for local use of its fibre and edible fruit. The black, globose, 2-3 lobed fruit is about the size of a pea, having a nice flavor. Fruit is a good source of micronutrients such as anthocyanins, phenols, flavonoids and vitamin C. They have a moderate antioxidant activity and make an excellent, healthful addition to the diet.

Dhaman grows rapidly in full sun and light shade. It is successful in a range of well-drained soils. It also serves as a larval host plant for the Coladenia Indrani species of butterflies. It is also propagated by seeds.

The tree has numerous medicinal properties. It is employed in dysentery & applied externally to remove irritation from itch. It also has emetic properties. Leaves and twigs are lopped for fodder. The leaves contain 1% tannin and are sometimes employed as a soap substitute for washing hair. 

Sandpaper Raisin or Rough-leaved Raisin (Grewia Flavescens/खटखटी) is a large shrub or small tree, with beautifully bright yellow flowers. It is multi-stemmed and densely branched, forming a very irregular leafy canopy. Leaves are simple, alternate, hairy and light green on both sides, being more hairy underneath; with irregularly toothed edges. The fruit is berry-like and hard. The skin of the fruit is said to be the hardest amongst the Grewia species. The fruit are eaten by birds, especially hornbills, and also by monkeys. 

The species is also known for its ornamental value and is used as a vegetable, fodder and to make baskets. The fruits are used as food and for traditional medicinal treatments.

The fruits of Grewias attracts many birds and is also consumed by monkeys and antelopes. Leaves are food plants for the larvae of moth-like Skipper butterflies. The trees also serve as important pollinators, food source for many animals and provide a good support for the ecosystem. These species have high potential in agroforestry practices as well as have high ornamental value. Hence it is great have one of these beauties near house!

The White Fig

White Fig (Ficus Virens/लघुपिंपरी, पायर, पाईर) is a moderate to large sized deciduous fig with a spreading canopy. It is a beautiful shade tree wirh dense green foliage. New leafs emerge in March with colors of purple, red & bronze, giving the tree a wonderful look, very pleasing to the eye. The color transformation goes on till April. The aerial roots commonly wrap around the main stem instead of forming props.

The leaves have similar texture as that of Peepal tree and have a whitish midrib. The stipules are short, measuring less than 1 cm. The pea-sized figs appear in pairs and greenish-white to brown in colour with spots.

It is interesting to now that figs have a unique form of fertilization, each species relying on a single, highly specialized species of wasp that is itself totally dependant upon that fig species in order to breed. The tree produces three types of flower; male, a long-styled female and a short-styled female flower, often called the gall flower. All three types of flower are contained within the structure we usually think of as the fruit.

The female fig wasp enters a fig and lays its eggs on the short styled female flowers while pollinating the long styled female flowers. Wingless male fig wasps emerge first, inseminate the emerging females and then bore exit tunnels out of the fig for the winged females. Females emerge, collect pollen from the male flowers and fly off in search of figs whose female flowers are receptive. In order to support a population of its pollinator, individuals of a Ficus species must flower asynchronously. A population must exceed a critical minimum size to ensure that at any time of the year at least some plants have overlap of emission and reception of fig wasps. Without this temporal overlap the short-lived pollinator wasps will go locally extinct.

This tree is a fig belonging to the group of trees known as Strangler figs, which often begins life as an epiphyte. The seeds are dispersed by birds which tend to germinate on other trees. They grow to strangle and eventually kill the host tree, thus establishing itself as a winner.

According to Ayurveda, the tree has several medicinal properties to its name. It is known to be useful in treating cough, bronchitis, fever, headache and cold. In folk medicine it is used as a diuretic, for rheumatism of joints and muscles for gout, for bladder and kidney diseases. A decoction of the bark is used in the treatment of leucorrhoea. The herb is used for stomach complaints with hyperacidity, prophylaxis and therapy of stomach ulcers and for diarrhoea in children.

White fig is a potential agroforestry species; or rather in some parts of India, it is being used as one. The leaves are used as animal feed. The tannin and dye obtained from the bark has been used in respective industries. The tree is harvested for local use as a medicine, food and source of latex. It is sometimes cultivated as shade tree in coffee plantations. The tree is occasionally used as host tree for lac insects. The fig gives shelter to many birds, insects and arboreal mammals. The leaves are eaten boiled as a vegetable in Northern Thai curries.

White fig is also grown as an ornamental and shade tree along avenues. This tree has become popular as an avenue tree in and around the cities of New Delhi and Noida. It is suitable for plantation in parks and large gardens.

The Tree with Stars!

From a distance, the flowers may appear like stars or snow flakes on a tree giving a beautiful appearance to the tree. This summer-bloomer is easy to spot either due to the flowers or its typical pods. Sweet Indrajao or Pala-Indigo (Wrightia Tinctoria/ काळा-कुडा, दुधी) is a small, deciduous tree with white, fragrant flowers. Due to its small size, the beauty & medicinal properties, the tree strongly needs to be introduced to urban areas.

When in bloom, it is one of the spectacular beauties to see. You just can't take your eyes off the tree. The fruits appear in pendulous pairs and coherent only at the tip. The hairy seeds are released as the fruit dehisces. 

It is a good agroforestry species as it inter-crop well. It can stand a wide range of soil types and is suitable for arid, semi-arid and moist regions, especially dry sandy sites or hillsides and valleys. The tree parts are known to be used as food in many regions. The flowers, leaves, fruits and seeds may be eaten as vegetables. The branches are trampled into the puddle soil in rice field for green manuring. Thus it acts as a soil improver. It coppices well & grows moderately fast. The leaves are lopped for livestock fodder.

The tree is known as Dudhi in India because of its preservative nature. Supposedly a few drops of its sap in milk prevent curdling and enhance its shelf life, without the need of refrigeration. The leaves yield a blue dye called Pala Indigo.

The pods contain floss or cotton-like substance, which is used for stuffing cushions. The liquid latex of tree can be used as a renewable source of hydrocarbons and intermediate energy resources. Latex is also a source of rubber. It is also useful in dyes & tanning industries.

In Indian traditional medicine, the bark and leaves are used to treat psoriasis, stomach pains and dysentery. The seeds are said to be aphrodisiac and anthelminthic. Seeds also yield deep red, semi-drying oil, which has medicinal value. 

So many uses and relatively very easy to propagate from seeds. Isn’t it a wonderful species?! A very important & attractive tree for city gardens and tree lovers!

The Blue Mist Tree

Ironwood tree or Anjani (Memecylon Umbellatum/अंजनी) is a small, evergreen tree with amazing bright blue flowers and with dense, dark green foliage. The tree is a predominant arboreal species in the dry evergreen and semi-deciduous tropical forests along the western and eastern coasts. It is also known as ‘Pride of Matheran’ as it is found in abundance at the famous hill station Matheran, in Maharashtra.

The flowers are mildly scented and are so beautiful that they look almost unreal. The tree produces showy clusters of tiny purple flowers, which are grouped in great quantity in axillary umbrellas, close together and compact, appear in the lower part of the branches having no leaves. The trees bloom once or twice a year and are then indeed a beautiful sight. As the flower petals are shed, the soil below appears purple in colour. May be that’s why the tree is also called Blue Mist tree. 

The fruits of Ironwood tree are small, about 1cm and are green, turning red then black as they ripen. The fruits are pulpy, astringent & edible and were consumed in the past during famine periods. The leaf edges look golden if held against light. All together flowers, fruits and leaves make it a wonderful play of colours. 

This tree is not only beautiful, but also useful. It provides hard timber used for making boats. Dyes employed in the textile factories are extracted from its leaves and flowers. Although the species is widespread in nature and is much appreciated by the local populations, it is relatively little known in urban localities. It is a tough species having a long tap-root system. It usually & easily reproduces by seeds and the growth is moderately fast. 

The tree had a long history of traditional uses for wide range of diseases. It has been proved that various parts of the plant were used in traditional systems of Ayurveda to treat various ailments. In recent years it has been experimentally proved that the plant possess analgesic, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, anti-spasmodic, nephro-protective and hepato-protective activity. In Ayurveda, the leaves are used as a cooling astringent and are given in leucorrhoea & gonorrhea. The leaves are reported to possess antiviral activity and also used in snakebite. The seeds are used to cure cough and sedative. Anjani is one of the important medicinal plants used by Paliyan tribes in Sirumalai hills of Eastern Ghats of India, especially for skin diseases.

We should not underestimate its potentiality as Agroforestry species. The tree can be used as windbreaks at farms. Also it does not compete with adjacent plants for water due to the long tap-root. Without doubt, it is an ornamental plant having showy blooming which, almost entirely, covers the branches in the part bearing no leaves. The flowers and fruits are visited by bees, butterflies and birds; increasing its natural beauty beyond limits! 

Our Ecosystems : Trees!

Gifting Trees... turns three today. So fast time flies! When we look back at our journey with trees and with all you readers, it bring us immense joy that more & more tree-lovers are not only asking about native trees, but also trying to plant a few. We would like thank all of them for their love and support!

Few readers also asked us whether we do it for money or as a business. We are sorry for disappointing them as our prime motto is to spread awareness about Native trees & Green Living; and not to earn money! :)

I, personally, am really sorry for not writing any post in last few months. I was busy in my professional work. Also I just don't want to repeat the similar facts/things which are published in previous posts. Instead, I would like to have some reciprocation from you guys if you want to know anything more. May it be any native tree or anything else related to Mother Nature. Like, one of the readers asked me about 'How bad is Plastic?' There definitely will be a post in upcoming time, throwing some light on this very subject. Few readers also suggested to have more articles on native trees. "Sure..!" :)

In last year, We have planted 15 native saplings and saved a Acacia & a Jujube tree from felling. How many trees have you..? Let there be few native trees dedicated to your loved ones..! Because these trees silently teach us many important lessons. Have a heart like trees and learn how to be grateful to the ones who have ever helped you.

Trees love us selflessly, they grow, fight against adversities and dedicate their whole life serving us. But instead of expressing our gratitude, we cut them down insensibly.

They are one of the greatest resources of the Mother Earth and the most gracious & faithful company. They offer shelter, delicious foods and beautiful life, give us fresh strength by purifying air and teach us wise lessons to live a happy and motivated life. They serve humanity in every possible way only to return our single help of seeding them. Today, we have distinct sympathy with nature...we no more feel their pain when we tear their leaves, no more hear the scream when we chop them down, no more hear the part of their joy when its raining; which leads us to accomplish the most shameful acts such as deforestation and our own destruction.

If you love trees, show it and act likewise! Just remember these line by an unknown author... “We say we love flowers, yet we pluck them. We say we love trees, yet we cut them down. And people still wonder why some are afraid when told they are loved..!”

Let us join hands...

Ever thought, why everyone is talking about Global Warming? What are these Greenhouse gases? Why there is so much rise in Tree Plantation Campaigns? Why Green has become the catchy & coolest colour around the world? If not, I am sure you must have thought about the increasing incidents of droughts, sun-strokes, cloud-bursts, floods, land-slides and number of deaths associated with it.

After just three years from Al Gore's documentary film An Inconvenient Truth was released, we are facing the unstable and extreme climatic conditions. In recent years, we have seen record temperatures on every continent. Animals and insects are changing their migratory patterns. Invasive species and insects such as malaria-carrying mosquitoes are spreading into new territories. Glaciers in the arctic regions, on Mount Everest in Asia, on Mount Kilimanjaro in Kenya, Mount Fuji in Japan and throughout Europe & Americas, are melting, causing the world’s oceans to rise. People in small island nations in the Pacific Ocean have already been forced to abandon their homes. The death toll from floods and mudslides rises every year.

The worst thing is as ocean temperatures increase, coral reefs die, hurricanes increase in frequency and strength and weather patterns change. Droughts and floods are more common than ever before. Global surface temperature has increased by about 0.74 °C (1.33 °F) during the 20th century. This much of increase of temperature in the lower troposphere is resulting in unstable climate we are facing nowadays. Imagine, how much this condition will worsen if we continue to destroy & pollute our nature. If the temperature continues to rise, the impact will be significant..

Here is a anticipated statistic.. If temperature increases by -
2°C: Coral reefs will become extinct,
+3°C: Rainforests will turn to desert,
+4°C: Melting ice caps will displace billions of people
+5°C: Sea levels will rise by five to nine metres.
And then a day will come when it will be impossible for us to breathe also; forget about food & water!

Deforestation and Climate Change are intimately connected. Globally, deforestation releases nearly 2 billion tons of Carbon dioxide per year and is responsible for nearly 25% of man-made CO2 emissions. The destruction of the world's forests not only harms the wildlife and communities that depend on them, but increasingly affects us all. As lands are cleared, releasing carbon into the atmosphere - more carbon but less trees to remove it. Introducing all this formerly-stored carbon into the atmosphere, with no corresponding mechanism to take it back out, has also contributed to the current high levels of CO2 in the atmosphere. And these are not my imaginary thoughts! Search web.. Internet is loaded with such information.

We, the Indians, also are not behind. In our hunger for wood, more then 44 million hectares of forests have been felled since Independence, making this country a land with one of the lowest areas under forest cover as compared to total land available.

Every year, the equivalent of 40 billion tons of carbon dioxide enters the global atmosphere, the result of the ever increasing use of fossil fuel. This increase in atmospheric carbon, in combination with the loss of forests has made global climate change worse. Global food security is declining, as is the world's supply of safe drinking water. Unfortunately air pollution does not respect international boundaries! So soon or later, we all are going to suffer.

'Who cares?'
'In no way, we are related to this!' Some might think. Then just have a look at these statistics..
Since the year 1997, according to Government figures, over 150000 farmers have committed suicide and even more have left farming in India, due to unstable monsoon & droughts as one of the main reason. Maharashtra alone accounts for 20% of the total number of the deaths. It is estimated that, on average, one Indian farmer committed suicide every 32 minutes between 1997 and 2005. Think.. The producer is suffering today; tomorrow We, being the consumer, certainly will..!

Droughts and land degradation are not purely natural calamities. They are proven to be the result of a process of systematic neglect of the rain-fed lands and people depending on them. The continued erosion of the productive capacity of the natural resources in the rain-fed regions has made these sections of the population much more vulnerable to the vagarious climate.

I need not tell you about the cutting & killing of trees occurring in Nashik. And this is occurring all around the planet at an alarming rate. Trees are markedly decreasing in numbers and are replaced by concrete jungle. How many trees, do you think, are cut around the world? Believe it or not, but between three to six billion per year! And for what purpose? To make up for the world demand of wood, paper, furniture and other wooden products! Trust me, this is just one aspect out of number of others which are causing detrimental and disastrous effects on our environment.

Everyone loves to talk about the climate crisis. But talking alone is not going to stop lands from degrading, glaciers from melting, sea-levels from rising or the rain-forests from disappearing. We have to do something to stop it. For starters, let us plant native trees and decrease the use/demand of wooden products. It's the simple, only effective way to reduce & offset the carbon emission caused by us! It's a permanent way to impregnate the soil of the degraded land!!!

Because a large tree inhales 20.3 kg of CO2 in a year and exhales enough oxygen for a family of four for a year. If the native trees are planted, nurtured in urban areas and our forests are not cut, there is a ray of hope for ALL OF US :-)

Remember, when there is a war raging, it is impossible to stay out of it.
One day the war will get to You...

Madhugandha..Sweet Odoured Tree

With its small shiny, thick, narrow, pointed leaves, straight trunk and spreading branches, it is a prized ornamental specimen. Indian Medlar or simply, Bakul (Mimusops Elengi/बकुळ, सुरभी) is a medium-sized evergreen tree having a well shaped dense, rounded canopy with rough dark grey bark.

Bakul is a very beautiful tree. The tree bears creamy white fragrant flowers and ovoid berries. The flowers have such a great fragrance that it fills the night air with the delicious heady aroma. Flowers are small, star-shaped with a crown rising from the center. In the morning the fragrant flowers which so graciously scented their surroundings with their deep, rich fragrance during the evening hours, fall to the ground. People love to collect them as they retain their odor for many days after they fall. They are offered in temples and shrines throughout the country.

The tree provides a dense shade. Also it gives useful green manure. Besides, due to its moderate size, it is a perfect candidate for urban plantations and home gardens. It is preferred along roads. The tree is said be useful in Apiaries and as a windbreak. Bakul has innumerable synonyms portraying its peculiarities like Surabhi meaning 'fragrant', Madhu gandha meaning 'sweet odoured' etc.

Bakul tree is one of the herbs mentioned in all ancient scriptures of Ayurveda and has been used for medicinal purpose since centuries. In Meghaduta, one of the highly esteemed ancient poetry of the great poet Kalidasa, there is a mention of Bakula tree. Sushruta has cited it to have astringent property and beneficial to alleviate kapha and pitta doshas in Sushruta Samhita. Chakradatta has also mentioned about its usefulness in dental diseases. The bark, flowers, fruits and seeds are cooling, anthelmintic, tonic and febrifuge. 

In Indian mythology, it is said to put forth blossoms when sprinkled with nectar from the mouth of lovely women. The Bakul tree is associated with Lord Trimurti and Bakula is one of His several names. The flower is offered to Gods and Goddesses throughout India. The tree is also sacred to the Buddhists and the Jain. Because of the flowers' ability to hold on to their fragrance for many days after they fall from the tree, the offering of the flower has a symbolic meaning - the flower signifies unwavering devotion. :-)

The Trees for Taste

Here is a tasty treat for you that you will surely enjoy! :)

Although it may not be what you would choose for an afternoon snack, we consider Lemons (Citrus Limon/लिंबू) as powerhouses when we want to bring out the flavor of other foods. Lemon tree is becoming more and more popular as landscaping plant, offering not only fruit but an attractive form of year-round, glossy, deep green foliage and fragrant flowers that would rival any!

Lemons are oval in shape and feature a greenish-yellow, textured outer peel. Like other citrus fruits, their inner flesh is encased in 8 to 10 segments. While most of them are tart, acidic & astringent, they are also surprisingly refreshing. Slices of Lemon are served as a garnish on food or with iced or hot tea, to be squeezed for the flavorful juice.

The fruit is very nutritional. It contains vitamin A, B complex, C and E with number of minerals like Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium, Iron, Selenium, Manganese, Copper, Zinc etc in good quantity. Probably that is why it is used tremendously in cooking. A drink made from Lemon juice a cool, refreshing one. Lemon juice, fresh, canned, concentrated & frozen or dehydrated & powdered, is primarily used for lemonade, in carbonated beverages or other drinks. It is also used for making pies and tarts, as a flavoring for cakes, cookies, cake icings, puddings, sherbet, confectionery and preservatives.

But beyond cooking, in the world of traditional medicine, the lemon is widely known for its healing powers and is used in many different ways. Lemon juice is valued in the home as a stain remover, and a slice of lemon dipped in salt can be used to clean copper-bottomed cooking pots. Lemon juice has been used for bleaching freckles and is incorporated into some facial cleansing creams. Lemon peel is the source of lemon oil, pectin and citric acid. Lemon oil is added to frozen or otherwise processed lemon juice to enrich the flavor. It is much employed as a flavoring for hard candies. It is also much used in furniture polishes, detergents, soaps & shampoos. It is important in perfume blending, especially in colognes.

Not only the fruit juice but oil expressed from lemon seeds is also employed medicinally. Lemon juice is widely known as a diuretic, anti-scorbutic, astringent and febrifuge. Lemon juice in hot water has been widely advocated as a daily laxative & preventive of the common cold. Lemon juice and honey, or lemon juice with salt or ginger, is taken when needed as a cold remedy.

The lemon tree is a very hardy tree. It doesn't require much care and grows moderately fast. It has the reputation of tolerating very infertile, very poor soil. It is easily propagated from seeds.

The Lemon tree is a suitable species for urban home gardens. But it can also be a good agroforestry tree. The fruit peel & foliage can be used a s a cattle-feed. The aromatic flowers may serve as bee-forage. The tree also controls soil erosion with the help of dense network of roots. Furthermore, it gives green manure which is useful in farming. It is a ideal species for fencing or as a windbreak.

The another species to add taste to your food is the Kokum tree (Garcinia Indica/कोकम, आमसूल, रातंबा, भेरंड) which is a graceful, tall evergreen tree. It is indigenous to the Western Ghats region of India, along the western coast which is gifted with rich soil, adequate rainfall and very good sunshine.

Kokum tree has dark green foliage & a pyramidal shape. The tree blooms in winter and the fruits ripen in summer. The Kokum fruit or Ratamba looks similar to small variety plum and has dark purple color when ripe. Fruits are harvested when ripe and only the rind is preserved by drying in the Sun. That is Kokum or Aamsul. Sometimes salt is rubbed onto the rind to speed up the drying process. It is used as a slightly sour spice in recipes from Maharashtra that yields peculiar taste and dark red colour. It is preferred in curries and other dishes from Konkan. It is widely used in Konkani cuisine, in Gujarat and some cuisines of South India.

Kokum is mainly used as a souring agent. It has a fruity & distinctive tangy flavor. It is commonly utilized as a garnish in Indian cuisine and is an essential ingredient to a tasty local curry, Sol Kadhi. It is a popular drink used during hot summer months to quench thirst and to provide gastric relief. 

The fruit tree has culinary, pharmaceutical and industrial uses. The tree is also ornamental, with a dense canopy of green leaves and red-tinged, tender, emerging leaves. It is found in forest lands, riversides & wasteland and also gets cultivated on a small scale. It is rainfed, does not have any pest or diseases & is almost a 'zero-attention' species. It does not require irrigation, spraying or fertilizers. Those researching on the tree see it as having a bright future. It is propagated from seeds.

Kokum has a long history in Ayurvedic medicine as it was traditionally used to treat sores, dermatitis, ear infection and to relieve gastric problems like acidity, flatulence, constipation & indigestion. The tree pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, obesity, hypercholestremia, diarrhea, colic, ulcers, inflammations and hyper-perspiration. Kokum is known to strengthen the cardio-vascular system and stabilize liver function. The hydroxycitric acid present in the fruit fights cholesterol and curbs lipogenesis, thus aiding weight loss.

Kokum fruits contain rich amounts of anti-oxidants that bind with free radicals and prevent oxidative damage to body cells. They also promote cell regeneration and repair. Kokum juice is also thought to be effective against allergies due to bee stings and other insect bites, sun exposure symptoms and acidity. It is mixed with yogurt and salt to make a natural antacid, the perfect addition to spicy Indian feasts.

Kokum seed contains 23-26% oil, which remains solid at room temperature and freezes to form Kokum butter. It is extensively used in the preparations of confectionery, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry as it works wonders on dry, chapped, sensitive, irritated or burnt skin. Kokum butter is rapidly gaining popularity over Cocoa butter as an intensive skin moisturizer. Due to its soothing and healing properties, it is also applied directly to wounds and infected areas on the skin. It is rich in healthy fats like stearic and oleic acids and can also be used as edible oil.

Kokum sherbet/juice is a healthier and far more refreshing option as compared to commercial bottled drinks. It acts as an appetite stimulant and has anti-helmintic properties. It also helps in bringing down fever and allergic reactions. Kokum juice is extremely popular during scorching summer months as it has a cooling effect on the body and shields the body against dehydration and sunstroke.

Kokum can be an excellent agroforestry species. It grows moderately fast & provide good quantity of green manure. It usually can be seen as shade or wind-break species.

Finally here is a tree which is actually not native to India. It originated in tropical Africa, including Sudan. Its the Tamarind tree (Tamarindus Indica/चिंच). Surprisd?? But that's right! The tree was so long ago introduced into and adopted in India that it has often been reported as indigenous here; and it was apparently from this Asiatic country that it reached the Persians and the Arabs who called it tamar e hind (Indian date, from the date-like appearance of the dried pulp), giving rise to both its common and generic names. Marco Polo mentions the tree in the year 1298. In the Indian Brahmasamhita scriptures, the tree is mentioned between 1200 and 200 B.C. and in Buddhist sources from about the year A.D. 650. May be due to this very very long period, the tree has become familiar to the birds, insects and wildlife if India.

It is a long-lived evergreen tree with wide, dense crown. It grows well over a wide range of soil and climatic conditions. It tolerates a great diversity of soil types, from deep alluvial soil to rocky land & porous limestone. It withstands salt spray and can be planted fairly close to the seashore. Its extensive root system contributes to its resistance to drought and wind. The evergreen habit and the beautiful flowers make it suitable for ornamental planting in parks, along roads and riverbanks.

Just like Kokum, Tamarind is mainly used as a souring agent. All kitchens of India (especially south Indian) will have Tamarind, which is used in a variety of preparations. The fruit pulp, mixed with a little salt, is a favourite ingredient of the curries and chutneys popular throughout India. The ripe fruit of the sweet type is usually eaten fresh, whereas the fruits of sour types are made into juice, jam, syrup and candy. Fruit is marketed worldwide in sauces, syrups and processed foods. It has a high content of vitamin B (Thiamine & Niacin) as well as a small amount of Carotene and vitamin C. The flowers, leaves and seeds can be eaten and are prepared in a variety of dishes. 

The soft, succulent pulp is used as a confectionery and an ingredient sherbets and beverages. The fruit is equally nutritious too; containing protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber. The tender pods can also be eaten as a vegetable, cooked or pickled. Once the seeds are extracted and the pods removed, Tamarind pulp can be stored for several months in a compressed form. Ripe tamarind fruit has a widely recognized and proven medicinal value. The fruit is said to reduce fever and cure intestinal ailments. Its effectiveness against scurvy is well documented. It is a common ingredient in cardiac and blood sugar reducing medicines. The pulp is also used as an astringent on skin infections. It is even used as a laxative. Leaves and flowers, too, are useful as they are both edible and the leaves make a good poultice for boils; also an infusion from them makes a fine yellow dye which is used to give a green colour to silks previously dyed with indigo.

The foliage has a high forage value and is coppiciable. Flowers are reportedly a good source for honey production. It also provides an excellent charcoal. The tree usually employed as shade species or as a wind-break. It is easily propagated by seed.

Without these trees, there would be hardly any taste left..not only in our cuisines, but also in Nature! Yummy na?! :-P

Neem and Neem!

We all are aware of importance of the Noble tree Neem. Today we will get acquainted to two tree species which, though closely resembles Neem, are in no way related to it.

The Curry Leaf (Bergera Koenigii/कढीनिंब, कढीपत्ता) is a small evergreen tree which is a fast grower. It is known so because it has the 'leaf that is used to make curry' and it is present in almost all the dishes of Tamil Nadu state. In other states of India also, the leaves are a must and are absolutely necessary for the authentic flavour!

It is also known as Sweet Neem since the appearance of the leaves is similar to the unrelated medicinal Neem tree. Similarly in Gujarati, it is known as Meetho Leemdo (means Sweet neem). The leaves are highly aromatic. It is a good source of vitamin A, Calcium & Iron. The leaves primarily used in providing a flavour in Indian food. The flowers are small, white & fragrant. The small black shiny berries are edible and are very nutritious.

The Curry leaves are highly valued as seasoning or a natural flavouring agent in southern and west-coast Indian cooking, and especially in curries, though can be used in many other dishes to add spice like chutneys, soups, pickles, vegetables, buttermilk preparations etc.

The leaves and fruits are also used as a herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Their properties include much value as an anti-diabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hepato-protective, anti-hyper-cholesterolemic and many more. It can help in reducing blood sugar level. Curry leaves are cool, stimulant and also known to be good for hair, for keeping it healthy and long. It also helps prevent premature hair greying. A volatile oil extracted from leaves is used as a fixative for soap perfume. This plant is quite ornamental due to its compound leaves. It can, therefore, be used as a hedge and as an ornamental species. It is also known for its soil-binding ability, hence prevents soil-erosion.

Curry Leaf tree does not require much maintenance or care. The tree is easily propagated from its numerous root-suckers or seeds.

The other species which is frequently confused with Neem tree is Bead tree or Persian Lilac (Melia Azedarach/बकाणनिंब). It is a moderately-sized, fast-growing tree. Locally, it is also known as Bakain.

The tree appears very beautiful due its bright green foliage. It produces dense, shady and well rounded canopy. In landscapes, it is usually pruned to form an umbrella shape.

Bead tree is a tough survivor and is usually grown in gardens or as a street tree where it provides cool shade on hot summer days. The tree produces bright and lush green foliage in spring followed by beautiful clusters of tiny, pale-purple or lilac blooms that draw attention to their presence by their delightful fragrance. The cherry-like green fruits grown abundantly.

Like Neem, it is naturally resistant to pests, termites and fungal infection. Extract from the bark and fruit has pharmacological properties and is used to kill parasitic roundworms. It is well known for its medicinal uses. Its various parts have antihelmintic, antimalarial, cathartic, emetic properties and are also used to treat skin diseases. Seed-oil is used in rheumatism. Leaves and fruits are insect repellent. Dried ripe fruit is used as an external parasiticide.

The hardy tree is drought-tolerant and is easily propagated by seeds. It also withstand coppicing and lopping as for fodder and leaves are highly nutritious. It also gives good quality charcoal. Fruit stones make ideal beads and are used in making necklaces & rosaries.

Bead tree is a well-known ornamental avenue tree, for its scented flowers and shady, spreading crown. But it is also widely used as a shade tree in coffee plantations or as windbreak. It also provide abundant green manure.

It seems, its best to have these Neems! :-)

The Indian Bread-fruit

A unique fruit tree..Jackfruit (Artocarpus Heterophyllus/फणस) is a handsome & stately tree, 30-70 ft tall, with evergreen, alternate, glossy, somewhat leathery leaves. Jackfruit tree is unique in the fact that it produced huge fruits directly from its stem.

It is a beautiful tree which has played a significant role in Indian agriculture. Archaeological records revealed that the tree was cultivated in India 3000 to 6000 years ago. It has  individual flowers borne on an elongated axis and forming a racemoid inflorescence. Male spikes produced singly, elongated, whitish-green or dark green with smooth skin, becoming yellowish & rough when mature. Female spikes either solitary or paired, oblong or cylindrical with rough, light to dark green skin and green annulus. Flowers are pleasantly aromatic but the fruits are more interesting! Its not a fruit, but a collection of fruits.

A multiple fruit can be seen consisting of several achenes (syncarp), each of which is indehiscent and one-seeded. Inside are the fruit-lets, which are the true fruits! It is composed of fleshy aril and the seed. The aril is golden yellow to yellow-orange in colour and is sweet & aromatic. It is a good source of dietary fibre and contain various nutrients like vitamins & carotenes. May be due to this nutritious fruit, Jackfruit is one of the three auspicious fruits of Tamil Nadu state, along with Mango and Banana.

Jackfruit is a relatively hardy tree with a long taproot. It grows well in a warm, humid climate. It tolerates a wide range of soils including shallow limestone & rocky substrates. It can also withstand lower temperatures and frost. The tree can be grown from seeds & cuttings.

Jackfruit tree plays important role in erosion control. It can be planted to control floods and soil erosion in farms. It also provide delicious fruit which when young is cooked as a vegetable, pickled or canned in brine or curry. Pulp of ripe fruit is eaten fresh or made into various local delicacies, chutney, jam, jelly & paste; or preserved as candy. The pulp is also used to flavour ice-cream & beverages and reduced to a concentrate or powder to be used for preparing drinks. Even the seeds are eaten after boiling or roasting, dried and salted as table nuts. They are also ground to make flour that is blended with wheat flour for baking. They are nutritious too as rich in vitamin A, sulphur, calcium & phosphorus!

The tree also has other uses. Leaves can be cropped as fodder for cattle & elephants. Trees planted at a close spacing act as a windbreak and are sometimes used as shade for coffee. It gives a dark, water-soluble resinous gum containing tannin & can be made into varnish. A rich yellow dye can be produced which is used for silk and the cotton robes of Buddhist priests. The latex is commonly used as adhesive for mending broken earthenware, caulking boats, mending holes of buckets. In India and Brazil, the latex serves as a substitute for rubber.

Jackfruit tree is equally revered for its medicinal properties. It is used to treat various ailments like ulcers, skin diseases, diarrhoea, boils, stomach-ache & wounds. Pulp and seeds of the fruit are regarded as a cooling tonic. Seeds are said to be an aphrodisiac. The sap is an anti-syphilitic and a vermifuge. The bacteriolytic activity of the latex is equal to that of Papaya latex.

There is one more astounding fact about the fruit. When fully ripe, the unopened Jackfruit emits a strong disagreeable odor, resembling that of decayed onions, while the pulp of the opened fruit smells of Pineapple & Banana.

Jackfruit is a great tree, frequently planted in neighbourhood of villages, often surviving the village and remaining a monument to one time human occupation. Due to its beautiful foliage, it can also be planted in urban societies and gardens.