Sunday, May 26, 2013

Laburnum and Peltophorum, the flaming red flowers of Gulmohar

SUMMER SHOWS ITS TRUE COLOURS



    Even as Mumbai reels under the blazing summer, flowering trees lend the city their bright and vibrant hues—especially yellows, violets and reds. While yellow flowers have bloomed on trees like Laburnum and Peltophorum, the flaming red flowers of Gulmohar are also making their presence felt in Mumbai, said botanist Nudrat Sayed. TOI features some of the trees that are currently in full bloom and have painted the town in various shades

JARUL (Scientific name: Lagerstroemia Speciosa)
    
Jarul is also known as the ‘Pride of India’ and locally as ‘Tamhaan’ (in Marathi). It is currently in bloom with lovely violet flowers. The tree is also known for its medical properties as it can be used to treat high blood pressure and cholesterol. Jarul is also seen in the Western Ghats and can be 30-ft to 40-ft tall.


COPPER POD
(Scientific name: Peltophorum Pterocarpum)
    
This upright, handsome and semi-evergreen tree has a rounded canopy that showers yellow flowers during summer. The tree’s dark green, delicate, feathery leaflets provide a softening effect for the tree’s large size and create a welcoming, dappled shade. From May to September, the entire canopy of copper pods is covered with a yellow blanket of flowers, appearing in showy, terminal panicles and exuding a delicious, grape-like perfume. These trees are seen prominently in Mumbai and its suburbs.


GULMOHAR
(Scientific name: Delonix Regia)
    
Delonix Regia is noted for its fernlike leaves and flamboyant display of red-orange flowers. It is widely cultivated for its ornamental value and can be used as a refuge from heat especially in hot and tropical conditions. The compound leaves have a feathery appearance and are a characteristic light and bright green in colour. Gulmohar flowers are large with four spreading scarlet or orange-red petals that are up to 8-cm long. During the peak of summer, i.e. in May, the flaming red flowers make Gulmohar look like a ‘tree on fire’.


INDIAN LABURNUM
(Scientific name: Cassia Fistula)
    
With its radiant bright yellow flowers that delicately dangle from its branches, the Indian Laburnum is the season’s show-stopper. Cassia Fistula is widely grown as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical areas. It blooms in late spring. The Indian Laburnum flowers profusely, covering the entire tree in a yellow blanket and many a time, no leaf can be spotted.

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