Mahogany makes Margosa an evergreen road

Mahogany makes Margosa an evergreen road
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: On a single day in May, heavy winds claimed 128 trees in the City. But one variety of trees stood strong. The Mahogany.

Welcome to Margosa Road in Malleswaram. The place has many Mahogany trees on both sides. There has not been a single incident of a living Mahogany being uprooted in the area for a long time. Perhaps no other tree other than Mahogany is safer for the city, say experts.

Bangalore’s Conservator of Forests V. Rangaswamy says Mahogany are hardwood trees and deep-rooted and hence, they withstand the strongest winds.

‘‘They are safer than the softwood trees and are idal to be planted on the sides of roads. They do not harm the road, footpath or buildings. We have to think of the future while planting the trees on the footpath and Mahogany trees are a better choice in any city. They give good shade also,’’ he says.

Malleswaram ward horticultural Assistant Inspector Siddappa says Gulmohar, Specrutina, Fentoforum and other trees that were on footpaths are not as strong and deep-rooted. ‘Other varieties of trees are uprooted frequently by strong winds and rain. But, Mahoganies are firm and live up to 85 to 90 years. Even after death they do not fall down for a few months. They have small leaves and not many branches, therefore they can withstand winds,’’ he explains. The Horticulture department preferred Mahogany saplings while replacing dead trees.

‘‘Maintaining a Mahogany is easy, as we water them only for a initial couple of years. Even cattle do not eat its leaves. There are two types of Mahogany on Margosa road, both Micro-crop Mahogany and Svitenia Mahogany have better wood value too,’’ he says.

Few senior residents of the area have developed an emotional attachment with the Mahogany trees here.

Ramakrishnaiah, a 72-year-old general merchant running his shop on Margosa road for last 33 years, recalls the good old days and said that a walk here was heavenly. ‘‘Mahogany trees are like the members of our family and they do not harm anybody.’’

Once monsoon makes an appearance incidents of tree falls are reported in plenty. But, the Mahoganies on Margosa road still stood strong, proving their invaluable contribution to safety and greenery.

‘‘Mahogany trees are the peculiar feature of this road and the tradition of planting them was started by the British. The Bangalore City Corporation (BCC) horticultural department has continued with the tradition of planting and maintaining Mahoganies on Margosa,’’ Siddappa says.