‘Close shave’ for rare species

‘Close shave’ for rare species


Arare avenue tree is fighting for its survival in Garden City. Native to Mexico, the shaving brush tree (Pseudobombax ellipticum) is known for its flowers that resemble a shaving brush.
Of late, developmental activities have shrunk the number of these trees in Bangalore and plant-lovers fear only three such trees are left in city, of which two are in Lalbagh. Another tree is on the IISc campus.
According to urban ecologist M B Krishna, there are only three to four such trees remaining in Bangalore. “The shaving brush tree is a large deciduous tree. It is coveted for it’s unique brush-like flowers in late winter (February). The leaves are an attraction as well. Leaves are first bright red in colour, turning a fine green as they mature.’’
Apparently, a Pseudobombax tree in Lalbagh near the lotus pond is badly pruned. “We need to save that tree and also plant similar species in Lalbagh,’’ Krishna added.
S G Neginhal, former IFS officer, who was instrumental in planting 15 lakh trees (mostly avenue trees) in Bangalore during 1982-87, said it is important to preserve exotic avenue trees, as most of them have adapted to conditions in Bangalore. “There are many exotic trees which bear fruits only in Bangalore. Their counterparts in other metros like Delhi and Kolkata, have never yielded any fruit,’’ he said.
However, director of horticulture department, Vasanth Kumar, clarified that the shaving brush tree in Lalbagh was pruned under expert supervision. “Lalbagh is a botanical garden, which requires varieties of plant species. We cannot increase the number of a particular species. If the said bombax tree is facing the threat, we would take-up pseudobombax plantation work in other horticulture areas in Bangalore,’’ he said.