Flowering Trees of Pune (A published article)

The roads of Pune are lined with many kinds of flowering trees, which also beautify numerous gardens.Different trees flower at different times, and so through much of the year enchant us with their vivid blossoms. Quite a few of the trees are not native but have been brought in from different parts of the world, many during British rule. Some may have been planted later for their ornamental nature. Though a tree may have originated in one continent, it is often hard to tell where it came from just before it reached Indian shores. Many trees and plants adorn lands other than their native ones and are now found in different and strange parts of the world. One of these is the ubiquitous Bougainvillea.

Discovered in Brazil in 1768, by an admiral in the French Navy, Louis Antoine de Bougainville, the plant has been propagated through the tropical and subtropical regions, and can be found in many places with a warm climate. Its popularity is well deserved, for this spectacular plant adds both colour and beauty to any garden or landscape. In Pune it is found almost everywhere, brightening the roads and gardens with its myriad vivid hues.

Another frequently found flowering tree is the Frangipani or Plumeria. Commonly known as Champa here, its pink and yellow or white and yellow blooms, which grow close together, hold a sweet intoxicating fragrance. Treasured by the Polynesian Islanders for their durability, fragrances and colors, these flowers are also used by the Hawaiians for making their famous Leis

In winter we are often delighted by the sight of the pretty pink Gliricidia blooms. Often used as a live fencing, this is a native of Central America has many names there. Madre Cacao, Cacao de nance, Madriado, or even Madre are some of the names it is known by. The flowers are clustered at the tips of branches or borne along the stems on older wood. Gliricidia beautify many a hill and roadside here in Pune.

More uncommon, but beautiful in their pink red profusion, are the flowers of the Cassia marginata, popularly called red shower tree, red or rose cassia or even rainbow tree. Another rather rare but extremely beautiful tree is the Petrea Volubilis. Its delicately fashioned blooms in shades of violet and lavender, are quite different from many others. Another native of Central America, its more common names are, Queen's wreath, Purple wreath, Bluebird vine and Sandpaper vine (from its sandpaper textured leaves).

Along some streets the yellow trumpet like flowers of the Tabebuia argentea (also known as Tabebuia caraiba ), bloom in thick clusters. This herald of spring, commonly called the Silver trumpet tree, is certainly a breathtaking sight to behold, when in full bloom.

Another beautiful spring bloom is the Jacaranda. On some trees though, a few flowers are found almost year round. The Jacaranda has been planted profusely in the streets of Harare, Zimbabwe. During spring in the Southern hemisphere, the sight of the purple Jacarandas lining the roads in endless queues, seen from a height, is incredible. In Pune though, the trees are not planted so close together and one may be lucky to see two or three trees together once in a while. The thickly growing flowers are a beautiful sight indeed.

Now spring has turned to summer and the mercury is climbing ceaselessly. While we may groan under the relentless heat, summer brings its own pleasures. From mid March the male cuckoo has begun cooing its sweet mating call. Bare trees have been covered with shiny new leaves and pretty blossoms. On many roads pinkish powder puffs or fairy dusters, beam from their glossy, verdant canopies. The glorious ‘Sun mohur’ trees transform the landscape with their bright and cheery blossoms. They are aptly named ‘Roadside flowers’ as they cover the pavements with soft yellow carpets.

As April advances the best has begun to appear, for no tree can compare with the stunning grandeur of the Delonix Regia. The flamboyant Gulmohur, resplendent with its fiery blooms, is the most stunning of flowering trees. These will continue to adorn the streets till the monsoon