Shaded avenues

This is an indigenous plant and grows naturally in the deciduous and scrub forests and even in the countryside. It is also found in Ceylon, Burma and Java. That Mumbai has a Laburnum street is proof enough to show that the tree has endeared itself to us Indians.

This is a small tree growing up to seven to 10 mts in height. Its trunk is straight and short. It has small spreading branches and compound leaves. In summer, when it is almost leafless, the tree bursts into heavenly hanging sprays of golden yellow flowers (February to March). This tree is one of the earliest to flower in summer. The fruits — pipe-like pods — are long and smooth. They are dark green when young and turn black on maturity (July to February). All parts of the tree have medicinal values. The pulp of the fruit and the root-bark have purgative qualities and are widely used in Indian medicines. The fruit is used in treating leprosy, heart and abdominal diseases.

The Indian Laburnum is planted along city avenues, in gardens and parks. It can also be planted in the compounds of both large and small houses. In urban areas it is sought after as an ornamental plant.

Rain Tree

Originally from Brazil, it is now commonly planted throughout India and elsewhere. Sometimes you can find the tree spraying drops of water, which in fact, is due to the Cicada insects infesting the trees. Hence the name `Rain Tree’. These insects at times discharge tiny drops of water.

It is a fast growing tree attaining great sizes, with a large trunk and wide-spreading stout-branches. The tree is deciduous and its leaves are bipinnate compound. The trees look beautiful during spring with flowers that are pink and fluffy — like a powder puff. Its fruits are slightly flattened pods containing chocolate-like sweet pulp on which animalsfeed fondly.

During cloudy days and nights, the leaves fold and hang downwards, which is characteristic of its family viz. Mimosaceae. Since the leaves are sensitive to light, the absence of light makes them close their leaves and it also helps avoid predation during night time.

The leaves are shed in early winter and fresh foliage appears before the commencement of summer in February-March. In fact, it is one of the few trees that gives dense, cool shade in summer, covering large areas below it (20 to 25m in diameter in its shade).

The tree is planted mainly for shade along broad roads and in parks. However they should never be planted near buildings as the roots are surface-feeders and may damage the structure.