2 days ago
Here are some heritage trees of Chennai threatened by urban development and need conservation
You've probably passed by them countless times without noticing. But it's time to stop and look, as some of these indigenous heritage trees in Chennai are quietly vanishing from sight
Once upon a time, before Madras became Chennai, these heritage trees indigenous to the landscape could be found in abundance in the city. Over the years, due to development projects and a lack of understanding of their ecological value, most of these were cut, and their numbers dwindled.
'Many are in unprotected public spaces and hence removed overnight. Ironically, a heritage tree, an etti maram, was removed for a parking lot in Semmozhi Poonga. A huge Brazilian ironwood tree was removed from Alwarpet for the metro rail project,' says T D Babu of Nizhal Foundation. Here are a few such trees left in urban public spaces, which need to be conserved for their ecological significance, rarity, and age.
Vanni [or] khejri (Prosopis cineraria)
The Marundeeshwarar Temple in Thiruvanmiyur is worth visiting just for a glimpse of this rare vanni or khejri tree, fenced in the corner.
At least 100 years old, this drought-resistant deciduous tree has a deeply penetrating root system. 'It is the tree of palai (drought area) which is interspersed in the mullai landscape. In the Guindy forest, you can find a few wild vanni trees, indicating a palai landscape. We lost one in Kalakshtetra campus, and the one at Marundeeshwarar might be the only one left in the core city.
' The species is of historical significance since 363 Bishnois sacrificed their lives to protect a grove of vannis in 1730 following the Khejarli massacre, he adds.
It is the state tree of Rajasthan, as it has historically played a significant role in the economy of arid regions. A nitrogen-fixing species, it is host to lac insects. It is believed that the Lord appeared before Agastya Muni and explained to him the formulae of various herbs under this particular tree.
Nunnera [or] button tree (Anogeissus acuminata)
Step inside the Egmore Museum compound, and on your way to the museum theatre, you will find this tree on your left.
The nunnera often grows on rocky soils where nothing else grows well and is highly tolerant of dry climates. It's a preferred species for reforestation and a source of fuel, fodder, gum, tannin, and timber. The timber can be used for making tools and furniture. There is one more at the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation Limited on Pantheon Road.
Mavalingam [or] sacred garlic pear (Crateva adansonii)
On the left-hand side of the Gandhi Mandapam bus shelter is this Mavalingam.
A drought-hardy tree frequented by birds and butterflies, it grows even in rocky soils. 'It was abundant in Chennai's wetland areas like Pallikaranai and Guindy. Recently, a huge tree was felled to construct a memorial for Rettamalai Srinivasan, and large numbers of mature trees were felled to widen the Pallikaranai road near Tamarai Kulam.
A lone tree is left near the entrance of the Appasamy building,' says Babu.
It loves sunny weather and blooms profusely in congenial soils. Mavalingam is considered sacred in Hinduism.
Purasu [or] flame of the forest (Butea monosperma)
Right next to the Gangadeeswarar Koil at Purasawalkam is this purasu tree. Purasawalkam is said to have been full of these trees, which is why the name, but not many are left now. The bright red flowers could make entire mountain ranges appear to be on fire, hence the English name 'flame of the forest'. Purasu is a pioneer species — the first to grow in gaps in the forest — and tolerates nutrient-poor, waterlogged soils, as well as heat and drought.
The leaves grow in triads and are said to represent Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva. The tree is called Kimshuka in Sanskrit, referring to the curved parakeet-shaped flowers. 'Its leaf litter can convert saline lands fertile and hence it's of high ecological significance to a coastal city like Chennai,' says Babu.
Thumbili [or] black and white ebony (Diospyros malabarica)
Pass by the TN Highway Department depot at Nandanam, and you will find this tree with distinct pink leaves jutting out. Thumbili is a characteristic riparian species often found along hilly streams, and the bark extract can be applied to boils and tumours. The leaves are used for black dye, while the hardwood is used for furniture. 'The tree is 100 years old, and maybe just a couple of them are left in the core city,' says Babu.
