Delonix regia (Gulmohar or May Flower)
Come May, the roads inside Kerala Agricultural University are laid with the red carpet of May flowers. This tree profusely produces the strikingly red blossoms in the peak of summer heat. A very common avenue tree, this "Green Umbrella" is almost everywhere in Kerala.
No doubt, the flowers are beautiful. When in bloom (during the hot period), the tree is leafless, only the flowers will be there in thousands. Maybe it is also feeding the bees and other insects and birds as well.
But, come rain, the tree is a nuisance to road travellers. It gets broken down along with the thundershowers. It is also easily wind-thrown.
Delonix regia comes under the plant family Ceasalpiniaceae. This family derives it name from the great botanist Andreas Ceasalpini.
I think the pods (it's fruits are technically called by this term)-hard and bony- make an excellent fuel. I have noticed people scavenging this for subsequent burning.
No comments:
Post a Comment