Trees of Delhi

Delhi is dotted with parks, some of them quite interesting. Deer Park, for instance, sprawls across lakes and medieval ruins and includes a large enclosure for deer. The best bit for me, however, is a section where some venerable old trees have actually been identified, by both their common and scientific names. Ficus religiosa or the Peepal tree
A large fig tree with beautiful heart-shaped leaves, the Peepal is considered sacred by Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists. You will be hard put to find one in Delhi without a collection of flowers, idols, and offerings adorning its base and trunk. The famous Bodhi tree under which Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment was a Peepal tree, and its descendant in Bodh Gaya is today an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. The Peepal tree is also used in traditional medicine.

Ficus benghalensis or the Banyan tree
Oh, the gorgeous and mysterious Banyan. Large and spreading, dropping aerial roots downward from its branches. An entire forest could be just one tree! If I had to write a fantasy story about a tree, it would definitely be about a Banyan. It is considered a sacred tree in India, and you will often find a little temple sheltered underneath it.

Azadirachta indica or the Neem tree
The Indian lilac is a hardy, drought-resistant evergreen tree that has acted like a local pharmacy for millennia. It has been widely used in traditional medicine and natural insecticides.

Mangifera indica or the Mango tree
The mom of the succulent Indian mango is the biggest fruit tree in the world. And also, if I might add, one of the most beautiful. Large, lush, dark-green canopy – just perfect!

Cassia fistula or the Amaltas tree
The Indian laburnum is a beautiful deciduous tree also called the Golden Shower tree because of its appearance during the flowering season. It is also the national tree of Thailand.