Tree planting

guide for houses

and apartments in
Bengaluru

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Tree planting guide for
houses and apartments
in Bengaluru

Sahana Subramanian
Seema Mundoli
Harini Nagendra
Azim Premji University

Vijay Nishanth
Project Vruksha Foundation

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 Layout Design: Silja Bansriyar
Published: September 2023
Illustrations including cover: Sahana Subramanian
For any further information write to: [Link]@[Link]

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Table of contents
Why this guide? 09
Trees to plant in Bengaluru homes and apartments 11
1. Avocado (Persea americana) 12
[Link] (Manilkara zapota) 14
3. Coral jasmine (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis) 16
4. Crape jasmine (Tabernaemontana divaricata) 18
5. Curry leaf (Bergera koenigii) 20
6. Custard apple (Annona squamosa) 22
7. Drumstick (Moringa oleifera) 24
8. Frangipani (Plumeria obtusa) 26
9. Guava (Psidium guajava) 28
10. Henna (Lawsonia inermis) 30
11. Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) 32
12. Hummingbird tree (Sesbania grandiflora) 34
13. Indian beech (Pongamia pinnata) 36
14. Indian mast (Polyalthia longifolia) 38
15. Lipstick tree (Bixa orellana) 40
16. Mango (Mangifera indica) 42
17. Neem (Azadirachta indica) 44
18. Peacock flower (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) 47
19. Pink trumpet tree (Handroanthus impetiginosus) 49
20. Pomegranate (Punica granatum) 51
21. Potato tree (Solanum grandiflorum) 54
22. Singapore cherry (Muntingia calabura) 56
23. Star gooseberry (Phyllanthus acidus) 58
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 24. Weeping bottlebrush (Melaleuca viminalis) 60
25. Yellow oleander (Cascabela thevetia) 62
26. Yellow tabebuia (Tabebuia aurea) 64
Root barriers to the rescue 66
Be a tree doctor: Treating trees and plants affected 69
by pests and diseases
Be a tree nurturer by providing a helping hand 76
Sources for photographs 79
Acknowledgements 81

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Why this guide?
“We stay in an apartment, and there is very little space around.
What trees can we plant?”

“I live in an independent house, and we would like to have trees.

But we are worried the roots will damage our walls and underground sump.”

These are questions that we have often heard from residents in Bengaluru. What it
tells us is that there is an interest to plant and care for trees, but along with it are
concerns about what kind of trees are most suited owing to constraints of space
and potential damage to infrastructure.

This guide is aimed at addressing some of these concerns. We have included

26 species of trees that can be grown in independent houses or apartments
complexes in Bengaluru. We have not tried to be comprehensive in terms of
species or in their description. Our objective is to provide information needed by
a lay person interested in greening their homes or apartments. In this guide we
have included some basic information in terms of species names along with a
description of the tree. We have also provided information on conditions of soil,
space and sunlight that will enable the tree to grow well. In addition, we have
mentioned the different ecological, medicinal and cultural uses of the tree. We
have also included a nugget or a fun fact, about each of the species. We have also
included information on nurturing trees and caring for wounded, infected, and
diseased trees. While we mention organic treatments wherever possible, some
of the treatments mentioned involve application of chemicals for more virulent
forms of disease or pest attack. One of the main reasons that dissuade people
from planting trees is the fear of damage to infrastructure such as boundary walls
or underground sumps. This book has information on how you can work around
this issue by using a root barrier.

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10
Trees to plant in Bengaluru
homes and apartments

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 01
Avocado

Scientific name:
Persea americana

Other common names in English:

Alligator pear, Butter fruit

Kannada name:
Benne hannu (ಬೆಣ್ಣೆೆ ಹಣ್ಣುು�)

Hindi:
Makkhan phal (मक्खन फल)

Description
This is a medium to large tree that can grow to a height of 15 to
18 metres with a dense canopy. The bark of the tree is light grey
in colour, furrowed or smooth. The leaves are long, with the new
leaves being red and turning dark green as they mature. Mature
leaves have a smooth and leathery texture. The flowers are small
and grow in bunches at the end of branches. They are yellowish-
green in colour. The fruit of the tree is spherical and consists of
a single large light brown coloured seed that is surrounded by a
buttery yellow pulp that gives it the common name “butterfruit”.
The skin colour can vary from dark green, brown, purple or deep
red depending on the ripeness of the fruit. The skin has a smooth
and leathery texture. The tree has a tap root system.
1
Where and how to grow
Trees can be grown using a seed and take five to 13 years for
the tree to mature enough to bear fruit. It can also be grown by

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 rooting avocado cuttings, through grafting and
layering. These are better methods of ensuring
that the mature tree bears fruit, which can still
take anywhere between six to seven years. This
is an evergreen tree that grows well in tropical
climates as it requires full sunlight. The trees
need well-drained soil and water logging is
harmful to the tree.

Different kinds of uses 2

• Though known for its fruit, the tree is also planted for the
good shade it provides. The tree attracts bees and insects for
pollination.
• The oil extracted from the seeds has astringent properties and an
ointment from the seeds can be used to treat skin infections and
wounds. In many cultures, the pulp of the fruit is rubbed directly
on the scalp as a hair restorer and tonic.
• The oil extracted from the seed is also used in cosmetics, soaps
and moisturisers.
• Avocado is extremely nutritious and forms a crucial component
of many cuisines.
• The sturdy quality of the wood allows it to be used for house
building, and in making furniture, farming implements, musical
instruments and more.

Fun Fact
We know of avocado as a topping for toast or in salads. But in Java
the avocado flesh is mixed with strong black coffee and sugar—and
eaten as a dessert. Might be an acquired taste but do try it!

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 02
Chikoo

Scientific name:
Manilkara zapota

Other common names in English:

Sapote, Sapodilla

Kannada names:
Chikku (ಚಿಕ್ಕೂ�ೂ)
Sapota (ಸಪೋ�ೋಟ)

Hindi:
Chikoo (चीकू)

Description
This tree grows to a height of 9 to 15 metres with a trunk diameter
around 20 inches in cities. The bark is dark greyish-brown in colour.
The leaves are rounded at the base and taper towards the top.
The leaves are dark green, with a glossy texture and are smooth to
touch. Leaves grow as a whorl at the end of branches. The flowers
are pale yellow in colour and grow in clusters at the end of the
branches. The fruits are round or oval-shaped, with a rough brown
outer skin and pulpy light brown inside. The inner fruit is sweet to
taste and has a pleasant fragrance. Each fruit has around four oval-
shaped seeds that have a glossy black coat. This tree has a tap root
system.

Where and how to grow

3
The trees can be grown by sowing seeds or by grafting and layering
methods. The tree is evergreen with the flowers blooming in
August to October and the fruits ripening from January onwards.

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 Trees are slow growers and take five to eight years to become of fruit-
bearing age. The tree grows well in a variety of weather conditions
but prefers hot, humid climates near the tropics
or near the coast. The tree grows well under full
sunlight and prefers well-drained loose soils.

Different kind of uses

• The fruits are a favourite of the squirrels,
bats and monkeys. The canopy is dense
and hence casts a dense shade, making it
difficult for other plants to grow under it.
• Different parts of the tree have medicinal
qualities. A leaf decoction is used to treat 4
fever, ulcers and headaches. A powder made from dried flowers
is used to relieve pain after childbirth. The bark is used to cure
diarrhoea. The fruits are good for the stomach. The roots are
used to treat body rashes on children.
• The different parts of the tree are used in folk medicine and in
Siddha. It is also rich in antioxidants and has generated much
interest in allopathic medical research.
• The fruit can be eaten raw or used in making sherbets, custard,
ice cream, pies, jams and jellies. The very young leaves and
shoots can be eaten raw or cooked. The resin in the stems has
been long used as a base for chewing gum due to its naturally
elastic property.

Fun Fact
The tree being native to Central America finds mention in ancient
Mayan folklore. One such story is about two lovers, the beautiful
maiden Sujuy Ja and her beloved, the warrior Kaatsin Ek, who were
transformed into a water lily and a sapota tree to stand together for
all eternity. Even today in the El Remate region in Central America,
the lily and sapota tree still grow near one another and are symbols
of eternal love.

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 03
Coral jasmine

Scientific name:
Nyctanthes arbor-tristis

Other common name in English:

Night-flowering jasmine

Kannada name:
Parijatha (ಪಾಾರಿಜಾಾತ)

Hindi name:
Harsingar (हरसिंगार)

Description
The coral jasmine is a large shrub and can grow up to 10 to 12
metres. The bark of the shrub is flaky and grey. The leaves are
light green with a rounded base and pointed tip. The flower petals
are white with a flaming orangish-red centre. They have a sweet
fragrance. The fruit is a flat capsule that is bright green in colour.
This shrub has a tap root system.

Where and how to grow

This is a deciduous tree that flowers during September and
October—the fallen flowers forming a fragrant carpet. Coral
jasmine can be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings. The
plant grows well in loamy soils and requires partial or full sunlight.
5 The plant thrives with regular watering.

Different kinds of uses

• The shrub is pollution-tolerant and is commonly planted as an
ornamental along hedges.

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 • The fragrant flowers attract pollinators like butterflies,
hummingbirds and insects that are active at night.
• The juice of the leaves is used as a digestive. The seeds are used
to treat skin infections. The extracts of the seeds and the flowers
have anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties.
The plant is widely used in Ayurveda to treat fever, cough and
gastritis.
• The tree is associated with several legends in Hindu mythology. It
is also planted by Indian Muslims next to the tombs of saints—so
that the tombs are covered with flowers every morning.
• A saffron-yellow dye obtained from the flowers is used for
colouring food and in Mithila paintings. Buddhist monks use the
flower to dye their robes.
• The bark may be used as tanning material and the leaves are
sometimes used for polishing wood and ivory. The wood of the
shrub is used as biofuel.
• The fragrant flowers produce an essential oil that is often used as
perfume.

Fun Fact
The tree blooms at night and Nyctanthes arbor-tristis means night-
flowering sad tree. A mythical story says that a king’s daughter
Parijataka fell in love with the sun. But the sun deserted her and grief
stricken she burnt herself. From the ashes the parijata tree grew, but
it could not bear the sight of the sun and hence bloomed
only at night.

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 04
Crape jasmine
Scientific name:
Tabernaemontana divaricata

Other common names in English:

Carnation of India, Pinwheel flower

Kannada name:
Nandi battalu (ನಂಂದಿ ಬಟ್ಟಟಲುು)
Nandyaavarta (ನಂಂದ್ಯಾಾ�ವರ್ತತ)

Hindi name:
Chandini (चाांदनी)

Description
This is a small shrub that can grow up to a height of about 2 metres
and with a spreading canopy. The trunk is thin and crooked. A cut
on the trunk or branches gives out a milky latex. The leaves are a
glossy dark green. What catches the eye are its flowers—a striking
white against the dark green of the leaves. This shrub flowers
profusely and flowers appear as clusters at the tip of stems. The
flowers have a mild fragrance and bloom throughout the year.
Seeds and fruits are difficult to spot but are brown in colour. This
shrub has a tap root system.

Where and how to grow

Crape jasmine plants can easily grow through stem cuttings. Once
6 planted, the cuttings start growing within 20-25 days. The crape
jasmine is an evergreen shrub that grows well as an outdoor shrub
planted in full sunlight or partial shade and requires moist soil.

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 Once established this is a hardy shrub. It is a good choice for planting
along a boundary wall.

Different kinds of uses

• The leaves are eaten by the caterpillar of
Oleander hawk-moth (Daphnis nerii).
• Flowers are used for worship in north and
south India, and the shrub is believed to be
sacred to Lord Shiva. It is considered sacred
by the Jains as well.
• The wood is used to make charcoal and
incense. The pulp of the fruit is used to make
red dye. 7
• Different parts of the plant are used widely in Ayurvedic and
Chinese medicine. The leaves can help treat cough. The roots
are used to cure toothaches and get rid of intestinal worms. The
flowers are used to treat eye sores and skin diseases.

Fun Fact
The petals of the flower can be used to make kajal (eyeliner) believed
to be good for the eyes. The flowers are smashed into a paste and
smeared on a clay tile. The tile is then heated using an oil lamp from
below.

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 05
Curry leaf

Scientific name:
Bergera koenigii

Other common name in English:

Sweet neem leaf

Kannada name:
Karibevine ele (ಕರಿಬೇವಿನ ಎಲೆ)

Hindi name:
Kari patta (करी पत्ता)

Description
This is a small to medium sized tree that can grow up to 6 metres
with a medium canopy. The trunk is slender and has strong woody
stems and branches covered with a dark greyish-brown bark. The
leaves are pinnate with 11-12 leaflets. Each leaflet is only about
2-4 centimetres long. The leaves are highly aromatic and used
widely for flavouring Indian cuisine, especially in south India. The
flowers are small, white and fragrant. They grow in clusters at the
top of the branches. The fruits of the plant are small, black, shiny
and berry-like. The fruit has a single large seed and turns a deep
purplish-black when ripe. This plant has a tap root system.

Where and how to grow

8 This is an evergreen tree that can be grown from seeds and stem
cuttings. The seeds can be sown along with the fruit in the soil
directly to yield healthy plants. Alternatively, curry leaf plants can
grow by cutting a 3-inch portion of the stem with some leaves and

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 potting it in a soilless growth medium. In about 3 weeks, the cut
stem will begin rooting and can then be repotted or grown directly
in the ground. This is the easiest method of
propagating curry leaf plants. The plant likes full
sun, well-drained soil that is dry and benefits
from occasional fertiliser application, especially
in the summer months.

Different kinds of uses

• It can be grown along hedges.
• Bees and butterflies have been identified
as pollinators. The leaves are also food for
caterpillars. 9
• The tree is widely used for medicinal purposes. The leaves, roots
and bark are said to improve digestion, appetite and are used to
cure stomach infections. The leaves can be used to treat wounds
and burns, while the fruit juice mixed with lime juice helps soothe
insect bites and stings. A paste made from the bark is applied on
bites of poisonous insects and of other animals.
• Curry leaves are widely used in south Indian cuisine in making
curries, chutneys, stews, etc., The fruits of the plant are edible
and are rich in Vitamin C. Since they are bitter and have a
medicinal taste, they are not frequently consumed.
• Oils extracted from the seeds and leaves are used in the
cosmetics industry to make soaps. The leaves when infused
with oil are used as a hair tonic in India as it is said to have anti-
greying properties.

Fun Fact
A quick and easy hair oil for lustrous hair: warm coconut oil and
add washed, cleaned and dried curry leaves to it. Also add some
powdered fenugreek seeds.

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 06
Custard apple
Scientific name:
Annona squamosa

Other common names in English:

Sugar apple, Bullock’s heart

Kannada name:
Sitaphala (ಸೀತಾಫಲ)

Hindi names:
Sharifa (शरीफ़ा)
Sitaphal (सीताफल)

Description
This tree grows to a height of 3-6 metres with a medium canopy.
The tree has irregularly spreading branches and a light brown bark.
The leaves grow singly and are a light green on the upper surface
and paler on the lower surface. The edge of the leaves is slightly
uneven. The texture of the leaf is inconspicuously hairy especially
when the plant is young. The flowers are greenish-yellow, fragrant
and grow on slender hairy stalks. They are produced singly or in
small clusters. The fruit is round to heart-shaped. The outer skin
is light green when ripe with a white powdery bloom. The inside
of the fruit is white, fleshy and fragrant. The seeds are oblong,
smooth and shiny with a black or dark brown coat. The tree has a
shallow root system.
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Where and how to grow
This tree is commonly grown from seeds, but seedling trees
generally do not produce satisfactory fruit. Trees that are grown

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 through grafting often take up to three years to produce fruit. The
tree is deciduous in India and the leaves fall in January-February and
grow back in the summer months of April-May
when the flowers appear. The fruiting occurs in
July and August. The tree requires well-drained,
loose, sandy soil but can grow well in rocky soil
as well.

Different kinds of uses

• The flowers provide nectar, the seeds are
food and the leaves are used for egg-laying
and as a habitat for insects and birds.
Squirrels, barbets and bulbuls feed on the 11
fruits. The tree is also the host plant for the tailed jay (Graphium
agamemnon), a tropical butterfly.
• The bark and the leaves are used widely in Ayurveda, folk
medicine, Unani and Siddha. Crushed leaves made into a paste
are used to treat skin infections like boils and ulcers. The root
bark is helpful for relieving toothache. The fruit is also used
traditionally for curing coughs, nausea and burns.
• The fruit has many references in myths, Indian paintings and
carvings indicating that the fruit has been around for a long time.
The fruit is an important offering during Ganesh Chaturthi.
• The detoxified oil extracted from the seeds is used for seasoning
foods like salads. Oil from seeds also has medicinal properties—
as a purgative, remedy for cold, digestive issues, to treat head
lice. The seeds when powdered are used as fish poison and
insecticides.
• The leaves of the tree are used limitedly in perfumes to give a
woody spicy scent.

Fun Fact
The leaves of the custard apple are rubbed on the floor or placed in
chicken coops to keep away vermin.

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 07
Drumstick
Scientific name:
Moringa oleifera

Other common names in English:

Moringa, Horseradish tree

Kannada names:
Nugge (ನುುಗ್ಗೆೆ)
Guggala (ಗುುಗ್ಗಗಳ)
Mochaka (ಮೋೋಚಕ)

Hindi names:
Senjana (सेेंजन)
Sehajan (सहजन)

Description
This tree can grow to a height of 9 metres. The open crown
droops, and branches with a feathery foliage of leaves are fragile.
The bark of the tree is whitish-grey in colour. The flowers are
small, yellowish-white in colour with bright yellow stamen at the
centre. The flowers grow on slender, hairy stalks in spreading or
drooping clusters. The fruits are hanging, three-sided greenish-
brown capsules which hold small white globular seeds that are
embedded in the flesh of the fruit. The seeds have three whitish
papery wings and are dispersed by wind and water. The tree has a
tap root system.

Where and how to grow

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They are deciduous trees and flower and fruit throughout the year.
Trees are fast-growing and produce fruit very quickly. The trees
can be grown by sowing seeds or can be propagated using branch
cuttings. They can be planted even in the smallest space. They

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 grow well in drained sandy or loamy soil. It is a heat-loving plant and
thrives under full sun. It is particularly suitable for dry regions, as it
can be grown using rainwater without expensive
irrigation.

Different kinds of uses

• The flowers attract carpenter bees. Since
it does not provide too much shade it is
ideal to grow in small vegetable patches.
The tree also attracts kamblipoochis, the
blanket worms (caterpillars of the Eupterote
mollifera moth), that can cause severe
itching if they come in contact with human 13
skin.
• All extract from root, leaves, flowers and fruits has medicinal
uses and are used in ailments relating to stomach, heart and
liver. In addition to being used for protecting and nourishing
skin and hair, the fruits are an integral ingredient in south Indian
cuisines. The leaves and flowers too are eaten. These are packed
with nutrients that are good for overall health, and owing to
anti-fungal and anti-oxidant properties, they contribute to
healthy skin and hair. The root can be used as a substitute for the
condiment horseradish.
• Application of drumstick leaves on the face is said to clear acne.
Drumstick leaf powder is effective as soap for washing hands.

Fun Fact
Drumstick was a favourite of Fidel Castro, the late Cuban
revolutionary leader, who grew it in his garden in Havana and had
the tree planted in large numbers in Cuba to address issues of food
security and nutrition.

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 08
Frangipani

Scientific name:
Plumeria obtusa

Other common names in English:

Temple tree, Plumeria

Kannada names:
Deva kanagile (ದೇವಕಣಗಿಲೆ),
Kaadu sampige (ಕಾಡುಸಂಪಿಗೆ)

Hindi names:
Champa (चम्पा), Gulchin (गुलचीन)

Description
This tree grows to a height of 5-6 metres and has a broad, round-
headed canopy. The branches of the tree are swollen and gnarled
with a grey-green scaly bark. The bark, when cut, produces a
sticky, milky latex that is poisonous. The leaves and flowers of the
plant cluster at the branch tips. Leaves are dark green on the top
and lighter underneath and depending on the species, the tip of
the leaf is rounded or tapering. Flowers have a pleasant fragrance,
which is the strongest at night. The flowers have a yellowish centre;
other species of plumeria have a reddish centre. The fruits of the
plant are dark brown with a hard cover and the seeds are winged.
The plant has a shallow (fibrous) root system.

Where and how to grow

14
The tree is deciduous or semi-evergreen with the flowers blooming
all year round. It can be propagated via cuttings. A portion of the
stem is cut and placed in a shady place for a few weeks. After it is

26
 dried, it can be repotted and watered sparingly until it grows roots.
These plants can also be propagated using layering and grafting
methods or by just sowing seeds. These trees
do not grow fast and require patience. To grow
well, the tree requires full sun and drained soil.
The plant has moderate resistance to wind and
can cope well in dry regions. The trees reach
full maturity in five years and the flowers bloom
only after three years. The tree can grow well in
smaller spaces, especially in large-sized tubs.

Different kinds of uses

• The tree is grown as hedges and for its 15
aesthetic value. Since it grows well in drier regions, it can be grown
for landscaping and beautification purposes without compromising
on the groundwater.
• The root bark is used as a lotion to treat herpes and syphilis ulcers.
The latex from the stem is caustic and is used to treat ulcers and
other skin diseases. The flowers when used as a syrup help in
treating chest coughs.
• In Hindu tradition, the flowers are offered to Lord Shiva. In Indian
culture, the frangipani tree is considered by many to be a symbol
of immortality because of its ability to reproduce from cuttings.
• The essential oil from the frangipani blossoms is used to make
perfumes, lotions and candles. The flowers are also an ingredient
in incense fragrances that are widely used at home and in Hindu
temples.

Fun Fact
The tree is a bit of a trickster! While the flowers of the tree are
fragrant, more so in the night, they yield no nectar. The fragrance is
to simply trick and lure some species of moths for pollination. The
moths inadvertently pollinate, transferring pollen from flower to
flower in their fruitless search for nectar.

27
 09
Guava

Scientific name:
Psidium guajava

Kannada name:
Peralau (ಪೇರಲ)

Hindi:
Amrood (अमरूद)

Description
This is a small tree that grows to a height of around 10 metres
with an open canopy. The bark of the tree is smooth, flaky and
copper coloured. The trunk grows only up to a diameter of 10
inches. The leaves are light green and oblong-shaped. The tree has
faintly fragrant white flowers that are borne singly or grow in small
clusters. The fruits are what this tree is most popularly known for.
The fruits are round, oval or pear-shaped. The outer skin is a pale
green and the inner pulp of the fruit is either white or pink. The
pale yellow seeds are edible and are embedded into the creamy
pulp of the fruit. The roots grow extensively underground.

Where and how to grow

16 The tree is an excellent backyard tree. It can be propagated from

stem and root cuttings. For stem propagation, a firm and healthy
stem with a few nodes of leaves can be cut and immediately
planted into nutrient rich moist soil. For root propagation, 2-3

28
 inches of the root that is close to the surface and is prone to putting
up new shoots can be cut and replanted in a different spot. The trees
that are grown using root or stem propagation
methods are likely to produce fruit within three
to four years. Trees can also be grown from
seeds. Once planted, the seeds will take two to
eight weeks to germinate. The seedlings are fast-
growing and can be placed in their permanent
spot in soil after one to two years. For trees
grown using seeds, the fruit bearing age is
around eight years. The tree is evergreen and the
fruiting season is during May and June. The tree
17
grows well in full sun and is intolerant to shade. Regular and deep-
water supply is required by the tree. The tree grows well in heavy clay
to very light sandy soils, and clayey loam soils as well.

Different kinds of uses

• The nectar from the flowers attracts honeybees. Bats also feed on
the fruits and are the main dispersers of the seeds.
• The fruits have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal
properties. The leaves and bark can be used externally as a
lotion to treat skin infections. Guava is also known to be good for
headaches, sore throats, diarrhoea and digestive ailments.
• Guava fruits are offered as holy offerings in Hindu festivals.
• The wood of the tree is used as firewood and charcoal due to its
abundance and natural growth. The wood is also used to make
tool handles and in carpentry. The leaves and the tree bark are
used for dyeing and tanning.

Fun Fact
We know there are different varieties of mangoes, but did you know
there are different varieties of guavas too, such as Lucknow 49,
Allahabad Safeda, Harijha, Allahabad Surkha, Apple Colour (because
of the colour of the skin), Baruipur Guava, Hafshi and Chittidar.

29
 10
Henna
Scientific name:
Lawsonia inermis

Other common names in English:

Mignonette, Egyptian privet

Kannada names:
Goranti (ಗೋ�ೋರಂಟಿ)
Madarangi (ಮದರಂಗ)

Hindi names:
Mehendi (मेहेेंदी)

Description
This is a shrub that grows to a height of about 5 metres. The bark
of the tree is greyish-brown. The leaves are elliptical in shape and
are musty greenish-brown in colour. The flowers of the plant are
small, white in colour and cluster at the tips of the branches. They
are scented and bloom in the mornings. The fruits grow in clusters
at the tips of the branches. They are round, berry-like, with a dark
green, brown and sometimes deep maroon outer skin. The shrub
has many seeds that are small and flat. The tree has a tap root
system.

Where and how to grow

This is a fast-growing deciduous shrub with fruiting and flowering
18 happening year round. It can be grown from seeds or propagated
using stem cuttings. The seeds of the plant can be sown in soil
under direct sunlight. Stem cuttings are commonly used. A few
inches of stem is cut and placed in the soil.

30
 Different kinds of uses
• The flowers attract butterflies, bees and birds.
• The plant is particularly useful as a hedge,
as it grows densely. Its strong branches also
make it useful as a windbreaker.
• The leaves and the bark have anti-bacterial
properties and are used for treating various
ailments in Ayurveda. The leaves are used
as a mouthwash when mixed with salt and
tobacco. The branches are used to cure
toothaches. The leaves are also used for the
treatment of many skin diseases such as
wounds, ulcers and herpes. 19
• The most popular cultural use is, when the leaves are crushed and
used as a dye in decorating the hands and feet, during festivals and
marriage celebrations. The dye is also used in hair colouring and
conditioning, and to colour cloth.
• An essential oil obtained from the flowers is used to make
perfumes. The fibres of the branches and the stem bark are used
to make baskets and the small twigs are used as toothbrushes. The
wood from the shrub is also used commonly as fuel.

Fun Fact
It is said that Parvati, the powerful Hindu goddess used henna
successfully to charm Shiva. Thus, henna became associated with
marital fortune as it is said to have contributed to their union.

31
 11
Hibiscus
Scientific name:
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Other common name in English:

China rose

Kannada name:
Dasavala (ದಾಸವಾಳ)

Hindi name:
Gurhal (गुड़हल)

Description
The plant grows up to 2-4 metres in height. The trunk of the plant
stands upright and has a dark greyish-brown bark. The flowers are
bell or trumpet-shaped and come in a variety of colours, common
ones being red, yellow, orange and pink. The leaves have ridges on
the edges and may have spots of yellow-green. Fruits and seeds
are rarely visible on the hibiscus plant, especially on the plants
that have been cultivated indoors. Hibiscus plants can be trained
to form full canopies by pinching the tips of new branches as they
develop. They have a tap root system and spread outwards from
the plant as they grow.

Where and how to grow

20 They grow well under most conditions including frost, drought

and pollution. They will grow in any soil that is well-drained. The
plants grow well in containers and the flowers require sunlight to
bloom. At the blooming stage, a large amount of water is required.

32
 The plants are propagated easily by layering or cutting, which are
the most common methods, or from seeds. They are easy and fast
growers and are often a preference to those who
are new to gardening.

Different kinds of uses

• The colourful and the nectar-filled flowers
attract birds and bees. They are a favourite
ornamental plant for the colourful flowers
contrasted with the glossy green of leaves.
• Hibiscus tea, made from the leaves and
flowers, was traditionally used to lower body
temperature, treat heart and nerve diseases, 21
high blood pressure, constipation, cancer, liver diseases and cold
symptoms. Pulp of leaves can be used to heal wounds.
• The flowers and leaves make interesting additions in salads. The
root is also edible but very fibrous.
• Hibiscus leaves and flowers are commonly used in India as an
addition in hair oil preparations, due to their properties that are
said to make hair healthy. A shampoo can also be made from the
leaves.

Fun Fact
In the Middle East and Africa, during Ramadan, hibiscus is served to
guests. The many medicinal properties of the hibiscus plant make it
a nourishing item for the fasting body. The most traditional way in
which it is prepared is through a cold infusion wherein the flower is
soaked in cold water overnight and the next day, the concoction is
consumed with some honey for sweetness.

33
 12
Hummingbird tree
Scientific name:
Sesbania grandiflora

Other common name in English:

Agati

Kannada name:
Agase (ಅಗಸೆ)

Hindi names:
Agasthi (अगस्ति)
Gaach munga (गाछ मूंगा)

Description
This is a medium sized tree that can grow to a height of 8-10
metres. The bark of the tree is small, soft and wooded. The leaves
grow as leaflets with 10-20 pairs on a stem. The leaflets are small,
rounded and light green in colour. The bud is sickle-shaped and
the flowers of the tree are large and oblong. The flowers are often
white, red or pink in colour. The fruits of the tree are slender pods
with a thick suture and resemble flat, long and thin beans. Each
pod contains around 30 seeds. The tree is sparsely branched
and thus does not form a dense canopy. The roots of the tree are
shallow.

Where and how to grow

This is a fast-growing tree that can be grown from seeds or
22
propagated through stem cuttings. The tree grows well in a variety
of rainfall and soil conditions. It is a hardy tree and adapts itself to
flooding, waterlogging and drought conditions.

34
 Different kinds of uses
• The tree attracts birds for pollination. It can be planted as shade
trees and windbreakers. The fallen fruits,
leaves and flowers make excellent mulch as
well. Its nitrogen fixing properties are useful
for maintaining soil fertility.
• The leaves, flowers, tender fruits, roots and
bark of the tree are used in medicines. They
are used to treat rheumatism, fever, arthritis,
scabies and night blindness. The juice of
the leaves is used to cure cough, cold and
headaches. The bark of the tree is used as an
astringent. 23
• Both the leaves and the flower are used in cooking—very widely
in South and Southeast Asian cuisines. The fresh young pods
too are cooked and eaten in curries and salads, and can be
fermented to produce syrup.
• The flowers are sacred to Lord Shiva.
• The gum obtained from the tree trunk is used in adhesives. The
wood is used in the making of floating fishing nets and is a source
of pulp for the paper industry. It is also used as fuel and to make
charcoal.

Fun Fact
The plant is said to be named after the revered Sage Agastya who
specialised in ancient medicine.

35
 13
Indian beech
Scientific name:
Pongamia pinnata

Other common name in English:

Pongam tree

Kannada names:
Honge mara (ಹೊಂಗೆ ಮರ)
Karanja (ಕರಂಜ)
Huligili mara (ಹುಲಿಗಿಲಿ ಮರ)

Hindi names:
Karanj (करं ज)

Description
This is a tree that can grow to a height of 15 metres and has a
canopy that spreads wide. The trunk of the tree is sometimes
crooked with a grey-brown bark that is smooth or fissured. The
leaves of the tree are a soft, shiny brownish-red when young and
mature to a glossy, deep green. The leaves are rounded at the base
and pointed at the tip. The flowers bloom when the tree is three
to four years old. The bell-shaped white, pink and purple flowers
bloom in small clusters and blossom throughout the year. The
flowers are extremely fragrant. The fruits of the tree are brown
seed pods which appear immediately after flowering. The pods
are thick-walled, smooth, somewhat flattened and elliptical, but
slightly curved with a short, curved point. The pods contain within
24 them one or two bean-like brownish-red seeds. The pods do not
split open naturally hence, the pods need to decompose before the
seeds can germinate. This tree has a tap root system.

36
 Where and how to grow
This is a deciduous, fast-growing tree. It can be grown from seeds and
cuttings as well. The tree prefers humid climates
but can grow in different kinds of soil. The tree
grows well under full sun or even shade. Mature
trees are drought resistant and can withstand
strong winds.

Different kinds of uses

• The tree is a host for several butterfly species
that feed on the nectar. It is a popular
avenue tree because of its shade bearing
canopy, and also acts as a windbreaker. Its network of roots also 25
helps prevent soil erosion.
• Oil from the seed is applied on the body to cure psoriasis and
rheumatism. Young stems of the tree are used to brush teeth.
• The leaves are extensively used to decorate festival pandals.
• The wood of the tree is used as firewood. The seeds are used to
produce oil and as biodiesel. The leaves are good green manure
that improve soil fertility.

Fun Fact
The Indian beech is said to be the abode of Anala—the mother of all
trees and goddess of vegetation. The goddess grants boons to those
who want to have children. She is said to have a placid countenance
and is kind to all creatures.

37
 14
Indian mast
Scientific name:
Polyalthia longifolia

Other common names in English:

False Ashoka, Cemetery tree

Kannada names:
Ubbina (ಉಬ್ಬಿಿನ)
Kambada mara (ಕಂಂಬದ ಮರ)

Hindi name:
Ashok (अशोक)

Description
This is a tall tree that grows up to 8 metres in height and forms a
narrow but dense canopy in cities. The bark is smooth and greyish-
brown in colour. The leaves are narrow, long and can grow up to
25 cm in length. The leaves turn a glossy dark green as the tree
matures. They are soft and delicate to touch with wavy edges. The
leaves provide a stark contrast to the grey bark. They have a faint
fragrance and grow in abundance. The delicate flowers of the tree
are star-shaped and are a pale green in colour. They last only for a
short span of two to three weeks on the tree and are often hidden
by the similarly coloured leaves. The fruits of the tree are berry-like
and grow in clusters of 10 to 20. They are initially green but turn a
reddish-black or purple when they ripen. The seeds are ovoid and
26 vary from a rusty pale brown to dark brown in colour. The tree has
a tap root system.

38
 Where and how to grow
Mast trees can be easily propagated using seeds which can be
obtained from the pods in monsoon. Saplings
can also be planted. The tree is evergreen and
flowers during the summer months of March-
May. The tree grows well in full and partial
exposure to sunlight on rich, free-draining,
clayey, loamy or sandy soils. Young plants need
some protection from strong winds. These trees
have a good tolerance to droughts.

Different kinds of uses

27
• The tree is popularly grown as an ornamental plant. It is planted
along hedges of houses and buildings acting as a screen to
reduce noise pollution.
• The leaves are food for butterflies. The fruits of this tree are
eaten by birds and bats and the tree provides a good nesting and
roosting place for them.
• The leaves and bark of the tree are known to have anti-bacterial,
anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
• The leaves are used popularly in Hindu festivals and as
decorations in Indian households.
• The wood of the tree is used to make light objects such as
matchsticks and pencils. It is also used to make drums in some
cultures where the tree is native.

Fun Fact
We mostly think of these trees as having a narrow but dense canopy.
But in their habitat, they branch out and have a dense, wide canopy
providing lots of shade.

39
 15
Lipstick tree
Scientific name:
Bixa orellana

Other common names in English:

Achiote, Annatto

Kannada names:
Rangumaale (ರಂಗುಮಾಲೆ)
Sindhuri (ಸಿಿಂಧೂರಿ)

Hindi names:
Sinduri (सिंदरू ी )
Latkan (लटकन)

Description
This tree grows to a height of around 6 metres and being short
it does not form much of a canopy. The bark of the tree is dark
brown. The leaves are light green in colour and have a rounded
base with a pointed tip. The texture of the leaves is glossy. The
flowers are pinkish-white in colour and each flower has five petals.
The fruit of the tree is in the form of a pod. The outer shell of the
pod is reddish-brown in colour and is made up of two valves. The
outer shell is spiny and the pod has many red seeds inside them.
The seeds are cone-shaped and covered in a pulpy blood-red
coat. When fully mature, the capsule containing the seeds dry up,
hardens and splits open, exposing the seeds. Fruiting of this tree
occurs throughout the year.
28
Where and how to grow
The tree can be propagated with stem cuttings. A stem of four
inches can be cut from the tree and replanted in a moist growing

40
 medium for it to root. It must be ensured that there are no buds or
flowers on the cutting. This is a fast-growing tree and can often bear
fruits within one to two years of planting. The
tree is evergreen. It grows well in drained soil but
can also be grown in large tubs or containers.

Different kinds of uses

• This is grown as an ornamental tree.
It attracts insects and honey bees for
pollination.
• It is used widely in Ayurveda and folk
medicine. An infusion made from the leaves
is used in curing fevers. 29
• The dye, known as annato, extracted from the orange/yellow
pulp around the seeds is used in food colouring—on many foods
such as rice, margarine and cheese.
• The red dye is also applied as kumkuma, an auspicious symbol
for married women. The bark is used to make ropes.

Fun Fact
The indigenous communities of South and Central America use the
dye as body, face and hair paint either for decorative purposes, to
protect oneself from the sun’s harsh rays, as an insect repellent or as
omens to ward off evil spirits and illnesses. The dye is also used by
them as a fabric colourant, and in colouring lips (giving it the name
lipstick tree), and hair.

41
 16
Mango

Scientific name:
Mangifera indica

Kannada name:
Maavu (ಮಾವು)

Hindi name:
Aam (आम)

Description
This is a tall tree that can grow up to the height of 25 metres and
forms an umbrella-shaped dense canopy. The bark of the tree is
dark grey, rough and produces a yellowish gummy resin when cut.
The leaves of the tree are long and dark green in colour. The new
leaves are light green while some have hues of deep red, maroon
and orange. The surface of the leaves has a glossy texture. The
flowers are yellowish-green in colour, small with five petals and
grow in clusters at the end of branches. The flowers have a mild
fragrance. Despite their dense growth on the tree branches, only
1 percent of the flowers fruit. The fruit is what this tree is famous
for and needs no description. The fruits are oblong-shaped and
the colours vary depending on the variety of the mangoes. Some
30 mangoes are bright yellow, some are a deep orange colour with
hues of red while others remain green even after ripening. The
inside of the ripe mango is yellow, sweet and pulpy. Each fruit
contains one large seed in its centre. The seed is oval-shaped,
white in colour with a hairy texture. This tree has a tap root system.

Where and how to grow

The tree is native to India and Burma, but has been introduced
across the world, especially in warmer tropical regions. Trees can
42
 be grown from seeds or propagated through stem grafting. Grafting
is the most reliable method to get healthy fruit producing plants. The
tree is evergreen and the fruiting and flowering
takes place in the months of March to June. The
trees grow fast and can produce fruit in three
years. The tree grows well in tropical regions
with abundant rain although some trees can
even withstand drought-like conditions. The
trees do not fuss over the soil quality and can
grow in any soil that is well-drained and allows
deep penetration of the root.

Different kinds of uses 31

• The tree attracts pollinators including bats and insects such as
flies, bees, ants, wasps, butterflies, moths, beetles and thrips.
The fruits are consumed and dispersed by monkeys, squirrels,
fruit-eating birds and humans.
• The fruit has anti-asthmatic, antiseptic and anti-viral qualities.
• The leaves of mango trees are used in religious rituals and
as decorations outside houses during Hindu festivals. It is
also sacred to Buddhists as Lumbini Gardens, where Buddha
was born, is said to have been surrounded by mango trees.
According to Goan folklore, the mango tree was brought to
India by Hanuman. In Jainism, it is said that Neminatha, a Jaina
Tirthankara, attained enlightenment under this tree.
• The mango is used widely in cuisines. From pickles to curries to
salads—the mango, both in its ripe and raw form, is consumed.

Fun Fact
We often hear of the mango as the king of all fruits. But do you
know which is the queen of all mangoes? It is the Noorjahan mango
named after the famous Mughal queen. It is one of the largest mango
varieties, growing up to a foot and also expensive, with a single
mango selling for INR. 1,000/-. It is also very rare.

43
 17
Neem

Scientific name:
Azadirachta indica

Other common names in English:

Margosa, Indian lilac

Kannada name:
Bevu (ಬೇವು)

Hindi name:
Neem (नीम)

Description
This tree can grow to a great height of nearly 21 metres. The
tree has a dense canopy, with greyish-brown bark with vertical
striations. When cut, the bark exudes a red sticky sap. The leaves
of the tree are 14-15 cm long. The leaflets are small and grow
symmetrically opposite each other. The leaves vary from dark
to light green. The surface of the leaves is smooth with serrated
edges. The leaves have a strong fragrance. The flowers of the tree
are small and white in colour with five petals. The fruit is small,
oblong-shaped and yellow-green in colour. It has a smooth outer
skin, and the inner pulp is sweet and surrounds a single round
seed. The tree has a tap root system.

Where and how to grow

32
This is an evergreen tree. It can be grown from root and shoot
cuttings and from seeds. Neem seeds germinate rapidly and
therefore, growing neem trees by planting seeds is one of the

44
most reliable methods of propagation. However, neem trees are
slow growers in the first year of planting. They bear fruit within
three to five years and become fully mature in
10 years. The blooming of flowers and fruiting
occurs during the summer months of March and
April. The tree thrives in humid conditions with
moderate rainfall. It grows well in different types
of soil but prefers drained and sandy soils. Neem
can sustain high temperatures and is one of
the few shade giving trees that grow in drought
prone regions. Neem trees are not at all delicate
about water quality and quantity and can grow
33
even with the slightest trickle of water.

Different kinds of uses

• The tree provides shade, acts as a windbreak, and as a fence.
It is highly valued as an air purifier as it is said to release more
oxygen.
• The fruits are eaten by birds and mammals, and flowers are a
source of nectar for pollinators.
• The tree is known as the “sarva roga nivarini” or “curer of all
illnesses”, as every part of the tree has some medicinal value. The
leaves are used to soothe the itch from chickenpox and several
other skin ailments. The fruit is used in deworming and flowers
consumed treat ailments of the stomach and heart. The twigs
are used as a toothbrush. Neem oil has antiseptic properties and
used in treating skin and hair related ailments.
• The tree is of cultural and religious significance. The wood from
the tree is what is often used to light the funeral pyre. It is said
that planting a neem tree in the house ensures a passage to
heaven. The leaves are strung at the entrance of the houses to
keep evil spirits, pests and diseases away. It is most associated
with Ugadi, celebrated as the new year in the south Indian states
of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
• Leaves are used in biomass preparation, as a pesticide and as

45
 a base for chemicals. In most families, neem leaves are kept
under beds to prevent ticks. Oil extracted from the seeds
is used as insect repellent and is a component of several
cosmetic products. Wood of the tree is used to make furniture,
agricultural implements, idols and toys, while the bark is a
source of tannin for the dyeing industry.

Fun Fact
The largest neem plantation of more than 50,000 trees and over 10
square kilometres is planted in the Plain of Arafat in Saudi Arabia.
This plantation provides shade to the Haj pilgrims who camp
under its shade.

46
 18
Peacock flower
Scientific name:
Caesalpinia pulcherrima

Other common names in English:

Dwarf poinciana, Barbados pride

Kannada names:
Kenjige (ಕೆಂಂಜಿಗೆ)
Ratnagandhi (ರತ್ನನ ಗಂಂಧಿ)

Hindi name:
Guletura (गुलेतूरा)

Description
This is a small shrub that grows up to 4-5 metres in height. The
bark of the tree is dark brown in colour. The leaves have small
oblong leaflets, about 2 cm in length, that are light green in colour.
The flowers are eye-catching in bright yellow, orange and red and
can be mistaken for the gulmohar. They have ruffled petals and
red stamens protruding from the centre of the flower. The fruits
are pod-like. They are winged and have a glossy texture. The seeds
are smooth and dark brown in colour.

Where and how to grow

The shrub is fast-growing and can grow well from seeds. It is
also easily propagated from cuttings. The shrub responds well
34 to pruning. It is deciduous and fruits and flowers from April-
December. The shrub flourishes in hot climates and does not
grow well in shade which would cause it to become flowerless.
The shrub grows best in well-drained soils and grows fast with
infrequent watering.

47
 Different kinds of uses
• The flowers are a source of nectar and leaves are habitat for
butterflies, insects, and birds.
• The shrub is planted as an ornamental,
especially along hedges.
• The shrub has a few medicinal uses. A
decoction made from the leaves is used as
a mouthwash for teeth and gums, as well
as a remedy for colds and to cure fevers.
The leaves also help treat diarrhoea,
gallbladder problems, kidney stones and
urinary infections.
• The wood makes excellent charcoal. 35

Fun Fact
The species name in Latin, pulcherrima, translates to mean “very
pretty” or “the most beautiful”—and rightly so because of the
showy flowers.

48
 19
Pink trumpet tree

Scientific name:
Handroanthus impetiginosus

Hindi name:
Basant rani (बसंत रानी)

Description
This is a large tree that can grow up to 10 metres and has a round
sparse canopy. The trunk of the tree is brownish-grey with a bark
that is hardy and tough to peel. The leaves are dark green with a
light greenish-yellow stalk. But it is the flowers that are the charm
of this tree. They are an eye-catching bright pink or magenta in
colour during the summer months. What adds to the beauty is that
while in bloom the tree sheds its leaves. The fruits are narrow and
split when they mature during the fruiting season. The seeds are
winged and can be found in plenty inside the fruit. This tree has a
tap root system.

Where and how to grow

36 The tree can be grown through seeds, cutting or layering. The tree
grows around 12-24 inches per year and flowers at a young age—
but is slow-growing. The tree is deciduous and sheds its leaves
during winter—so expect leaf litter. It requires sandy, loamy or

49
 clayey well-drained moist soil. However, the tree is well adapted to
grow in areas with less water too. It grows well in sunlit areas.

Different kinds of uses

• The tree, especially the flowers, attract
insects, butterflies, bees and birds that are
important pollinators. These pollinators
can spend an entire day on just one tree
feasting on the nectar. This deciduous
tree is clever as it loses its leaves during
flowering making the flowers all the more
visible.
• The inner bark of the tree is brewed to 37
make tea to cure flu and cough. The bark is also used to treat
inflammatory diseases, cancers, tumours, cysts, skin infections
and acts as an antibiotic. The bark is also used to boost the
immune system.
• The tree is planted in gardens and boulevards as an ornamental
tree and to add aesthetic value to a place.
• The wood is very dense and durable and is used to make
flooring, cabinets and sports items such as wooden balls,
musical instruments.

Fun Fact
Lapacho, is a tea made by the indigenous communities in
South America, by using the bark of the tree and is used to treat
ailments. In modern medicine, β-lapacho, an organic compound
derived from the bark of this tree, is known for its potential in anti-
cancer treatment.

50
 20
Pomegranate

Scientific name:
Punica granatum

Kannada name:
Daalimbe (ದಾಳಿಿಂಬೆ)

Hindi name:
Anaar (अनार)

Description
This shrub or small tree grows up to 6-9 metres in height and has
an open canopy. The tree has multiple branches with woody bark
that is dark greyish-brown in colour. The leaves of the tree grow in
whorls with five or more on the branches. The dark green leaves
are oblong in shape and have a glossy sheen to them. The flowers
are elongated and are red or orange in colour. The deep red and
pink fruits are what this tree is the most popular for and need no
introduction. The fruits have a hard, almost leathery rind that
protects the pulp and the seeds inside. The inside of the fruit is
separated into sections by a white spongy tissue with each section
containing the pulp and seeds. The seeds are often pinkish-white
and are edible. The fruits are reminiscent of summertime in India
38 as the tree fruits from mid-April to May. The pomegranate tree has
a shallow root system.

51
 Where to grow
Pomegranate trees are preferably grown using hardwood cuttings.
A 10-inch cutting from a year old wooded
plant is ideal. This cutting can be grown in
a pot and replanted outside once it roots or
planted directly in the permanent spot. Trees
can also be grown from seeds by just sowing
the seed, without its outer fruity flesh, in soil
under direct sunlight. The tree is deciduous
and sheds its leaves in December. The trees
require a sheltered sunny position to grow
and prefer drained, heavy, light or medium
39
soil. Soggy and damp soil can lead to lower fruit and flower quality.
New pomegranate trees take three to five years to mature and
produce fruits.

Different kinds of uses

• What we know the pomegranate best for, is its fruit. The
fruit has a fresh, sweet-sour, very pleasant taste. Grenadine,
a reduced juice from fresh pomegranate seeds, is common
in Northern India for desserts, marinating and tenderising
meat. Dried pomegranate seeds, “anardana”, has culinary
importance as a spice for vegetable and legume dishes in
northern India, adding a tart flavour to dishes.
• The leaves decompose slowly and are good for mulching
other garden plants. The tree is the host for the aptly named
Pomegranate butterfly (Virachola isocrates), that is considered
as a pest as the caterpillars eat into and destroy young fruits.
• The branches of the pomegranate tree are used as firewood.
The wood which is hard and durable is used in making farm
implements. The root bark yields a black ink that is useful in
dyeing and tanning leather. Oil extracted from the seeds is
popularly used in cosmetics for reviving dull skin.
• In terms of medicinal uses, the fruit is said to enrich the blood
and help cure sore throat, sore eyes and chest troubles. It is
also helpful in managing obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol

52
 and high blood pressure.
• The tree is of significance in many cultures and religions across
the world. There are multiple references to this tree in the Bible
as a resilient tree. The withering of the tree is mentioned as the
judgement of God upon evil on the earth. In Zoroastrianism,
Parsis use the twigs of the pomegranate tree to make their sacred
broom and during their sacred thread ceremony. In Islam, the
Prophet Mohammad is said to have urged his followers to eat
pomegranates as a way to purge the spirit of envy.

Fun Fact
Pomegranate means “apple with many seeds”. It is derived from
Latin where “pome” means apple and granatum comes from
“granum” which means “seed” or “grain”.

53
 21
Potato tree

Scientific name:
Solanum grandiflorum

Other common name in English:

Giant star potato tree

Description
This is a small tree that grows up to 6 metres in height. The stems
of the tree are thorny and the leaves are prickly too. The leaves are
purplish-green in colour and can grow up to 30 cm in length. When
the flowers bloom, which they do all year round, they are white
in colour and darken into a beautiful purple before they fall. The
fruits are similar to berries and are yellowish-brown in colour. The
seeds are pod-like and can be collected when the flowers dry. This
tree has a tap root system.

Where and how to grow

This tree can be grown in small and large garden areas, even in
lawns. This tree can grow from seeds or can be propagated using
40 stem cuttings or air layering methods. It is an evergreen, fast-
growing plant and can grow up to 3 metres in a single growing
season; hence can be planted for quick green cover. Watering will
help it to grow quickly, but the tree can also do without much

54
 water. Unfortunately, it is a short-lived tree and can only live up to
eight to 10 years. It requires sunlight or partial shade. The tree can
grow in all types of soil but grows best in warm regions. It is adapted
to grow in regions with less amount of water too.

Different kinds of uses

• The flower attracts bees, butterflies and birds that help in
pollination.
• The tree is used widely in folk medicine for its relaxing and
sedative properties. Leaf extract contains anti-oxidant and has
anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• This tree is often planted as an ornamental tree.

Fun Fact
The genus Solanum comprises around two thousand different
species including three food crops we are all familiar with—potato,
tomato and brinjal.

55
 22
Singapore cherry

Scientific name:
Muntingia calabura

Other common names in English:

Jamaican cherry, Panama berry,
Strawberry tree

Kannada name:
Gasagase hannina mara
(ಗಸಗಸೆ ಹಣ್ಣಿಿನ ಮರ)

Description
This tree can grow up to 12 metres tall and has spreading
branches. The bark of the tree is smooth and light brown in colour.
The leaves of the tree grow alternatively, are oblong-shaped and
have serrated edges. The leaves are light green in colour and are
covered in short hairs. The flowers of the tree are small with white
petals and yellow stamen in the centre. The fruit of the tree is an
edible berry that is a deep red in colour and is smooth skinned. The
seeds are small, round, cream yellow in colour and are aplenty in
the fruit throughout the year. The tree has a tap root system and
forms a wide canopy.

Where and how to grow

41 This is a fast-growing tree that can be grown from seeds or

propagated using stem cuttings. It grows well in poor soil and can
even survive in drought conditions. It is an evergreen tree.

56
 Different kinds of uses
• The tree attracts bees, butterflies, squirrels and a wide variety of
birds, especially nectar loving birds. Birds
that eat the fruit and bats, help to disperse
the seeds.
• It provides good shade and is planted as an
ornamental.
• The different parts of the tree are used in a
variety of traditional medicines: leaves (for
headaches, prostate problems, to reduce
gastric ulcers), bark (as an antiseptic),
flowers (as an antiseptic, to reduce swelling,
as an anti-spasmodic), and fruits (for 42
respiratory problems; anti-diarrheic).
• The fruits are often eaten and also processed into jams. The
leaves can be used for making tea.
• The wood is a good source of fuel for cooking as it burns with
intense heat but gives out very little smoke.

Fun Fact
In Brazil, these trees are planted along riverbanks. The fruits falling
from the tree attract fish that are then caught by the locals.

57
 23
Star gooseberry
Scientific name:
Phyllanthus acidus

Other common names in English:

Starberry, West Indian gooseberry,
Indian gooseberry

Kannada name:
Kiru nellikayi (ಕಿರುು ನೆಲ್ಲಿಿಕಾಾಯಿ)

Hindi name:
Harfarauri (हरफ़रौरी)

Description
This is a plant that is between a shrub and a tree. It can grow to
a height of between 2 and 9 metres. The tree has a dense, bushy
canopy and has clusters of long branches. The bark of the tree is
greyish-brown in colour. The leaves of the tree are ovate in shape
with pointed tips. The upper side of the leaves are smooth and
are light green in colour while the underside is more blue-green.
The flowers are small and pink in colour, growing in clusters at the
leafless part of the branches in the upper part of the tree. The small
star-shaped fruits are what this tree is popularly known for. These
fruits grow in abundance on the tree in clusters. The fruits are pale
yellow or white in colour. The flesh of the fruit is crispy, juicy and
incredibly sour. The tree bears fruits once or twice in the year. Each
43 fruit contains four to six seeds that are found at its centre. The tree
has a tap root system.

58
 Where and how to grow
This is a deciduous tree that prefers moist soils. The easiest way to
grow is from its seed. It can also be propagated
using a 20 cm woody cutting that is directly
planted in the soil. The tree can also grow from
the seeds of a ripe fruit under semi-shaded
conditions. Regular watering is required for the
tree to grow, especially at a young age. Once the
tree is established in the soil, regular watering is
not required. The tree should also not be over-
watered. The tree grows especially well in hot,
humid and tropical climates.
44
Different kinds of uses
• The star gooseberry fruit is used widely in Ayurvedic medicines.
They are used to treat digestive issues, urinary issues, diarrhoea
and piles. The leaves of the tree are used to treat jaundice,
smallpox, itching and gum infections.
• The most popular way the fruit can be eaten is by dipping it in
salt and chilly powder. The fruits can also be stored in salt water
and eaten over a few days or candied in sugar. Gooseberry jam
is made from the fruit. The leaves can be cooked and eaten. The
berries are also used to make syrups and fruit juices. In some
culinary cultures, the fruit is used to make vinegar.
• The bark is used as a tanning agent. The wood of the tree is used
for making utensils and other smaller objects as it is of moderate
weight, fairly hard, strong, tough and durable. The wood is also
used for fuel.

Fun Fact
The leaves of the star gooseberry can be used similar to curry leaves
in cooking.

59
 24
Weeping bottlebrush

Scientific name:
Melaleuca viminalis

Other common name in English:

Drooping bottlebrush

Kannada name:
Muthuga (ಮುುತ್ತುು�ಗ)

Hindi name:
Cheel (चील)

Description
This tree has a woody trunk with cylindrical branches. The bark of
the tree is hard, fibrous and has a paper-like texture. The leaves are
thin, narrow and long. The surface of the leaves has a leathery and
slightly fuzzy texture. The tree gets its name from the flowers that
resemble a bottle brush. The flowers are bright crimson-yellow and
red in colour. They are arranged in spikes on the end of branches.
The fruits are woody, cup-shaped capsules that grow in cylindrical
clusters along the stem. The fruits have a hard woody outer shell.
These fruits remain closed until the plant or the part of the plant
bearing them dies. This plant has a tap root system.

Where and how to grow

45 The tree is evergreen although the fruiting and flowering occurs

in February to April. They can be propagated through stem
cuttings and can also be grown from seeds. To use the cuttings for
propagation, the leaves have to be removed from the stem and it

60
 must be ensured that there are no flowers or flower buds. The cut
stem can be dipped in a growing medium and within 10 weeks, roots
are likely to grow. This is a slow-growing tree.
The shrub cannot grow under the shade and
thrives under direct sunlight. It prefers moist soil
but can tolerate drought-like situations.

Different kind of uses

• The shrub is used as an ornamental plant
owing to its beautiful flowers. These flowers
attract bees, butterflies, and birds, especially
sunbirds and flowerpeckers that feed on the
nectar. 46
• The tree is planted as a weed control and as a bioindicator for
environmental management. It is used as a wind breaker as well.
• The essential oils derived from the leaves have anti-fungal, anti-
microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• The roots of the shrub produce a natural herbicide. Dye is
extracted from the flowers and the leaves.

Fun Fact
The leaves of the tree are used as a substitute to tea leaves and have
a refreshing taste. The flowers are also added as the nectar in the
flower adds sweetness to the tea.

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 25
Yellow oleander
Scientific name:
Cascabela thevetia

Other common names in English:

Mexican oleander, Be-still-tree,
Lucky nut

Kannada names:
Kaadukaasi kanagalu
(ಕಾಡುಕಾಸಿ ಕಣಗಲು)
Gowri pushpa
(ಗೌರಿ ಪುಷ್)

Hindi name:
Peeli kaner (पीली कनेर)

Description
This is an upright shrub that grows normally to a height of 3 metres
and does not form a canopy. The shrub has multiple branches
with a smooth, light brown or green bark. The leaves of the tree
are spirally arranged along the stem and are clustered at the tips
of the stem. The leaves are long and narrow with prominent veins.
The leaves are hairless and have a glossy green upper surface with
a pale, dull underside. The leaf tips are pointed and the leaves are
curved downwards. The flowers are bright yellow or pale orange
and arranged in clusters near the tip of the branches. They are
shaped like a tube with five petals that are twisted and overlap
each other when they are buds. The fruit is large, slightly fleshy
with a hard centre. The shape of the fruit is somewhat triangular
47 when mature. The fruits are green and glossy when young but
turn black and become slightly shrivelled as they ripen. Each fruit
contains two to four large flattened seeds. This shrub has a tap root
system.

62
 Where and how to grow
These shrubs are medium to fast-growing under the best conditions.
They can be planted along the boundary walls
of houses. They can be propagated from stem
cuttings. A few inches of non-flowering stem can
be cut and put in the rooting medium. Within a
few weeks, the cut stem should begin rooting.
After this, it can be transplanted into soil. The
plant is evergreen in which the fruiting and
bloom occurs throughout the year. The shrub
grows well with sunlight all year round and in
soil that has fast drainage.
48
Different kinds of uses
• The tree is used for ornamental purposes and is planted on
dividers and along roads.
• The flowers are a source of nectar, seeds as food, leaves for egg
laying and habitat for insects and birds. Some birds also feed on
the fruits.
• All parts of the plant are poisonous for humans.
• The bright yellow flowers are used in the worship.
• The oil from the seeds is used to make a “paint” as it has anti-
fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-termite properties.

Fun Fact
The yellow oleander is said to be a favourite of the Lord Krishna.
But this plant is also considered lucky in South America with people
carrying the dried fruits in their purses, pendants, and pockets.

63
 26
Yellow tabebuia

Scientific name:
Tabebuia aurea

Other common names in English:

Golden bell,
Tree of gold,
Yellow trumpet tree

Description
This is a large tree that grows up to 10 metres and has an irregular
medium canopy. The tree has a single trunk, 30-40 cm in diameter
and has a thick bark which covers the softwood. The leaflets are
around 15 cm long and are dark green in colour. The bright golden-
yellow flowers, that provide a stark contrast to the ashy brown
bark of the tree, are shaped like a trumpet or a bell. This is how the
tree gets its common names, golden bell and trumpet tree. The
slender fruits are in the shape of a capsule and have winged seeds.
This tree has a tap root system.

Where and how to grow

The tree can be grown through seeds or hardwood cuttings. To
49 propagate through seeds, the seeds can be collected from the
pods once they turn brown and start to crack open. To propagate
through cuttings, a foot tall cutting can be taken from mature
shoots and planted in a pot. After eight weeks, the cutting will

64
 take root and it can be replanted directly in the soil. The tree is slow-
growing and will take two to three years to boom. It is an evergreen
tree and grows well in dry regions, requiring less
water. It needs loamy, sandy, acidic or neutral
soil. The tree grows well in full sunlight, but
strong winds can damage the tree.

Different kinds of uses

• The nectar from the flowers attracts
pollinators such as bees and birds. The tree
is also used by several birds for nesting.
• The bright yellow of the flowers makes it a
tree preferred for ornamental planting. 50
• The leaves of the tree are used as a laxative and can also be used
to treat hepatitis, flu and inflammations.
• Due to the resistance of the tree from fungus and insects, the
wood is used to make a variety of items such as tool handles,
curved objects, flexible rulers and furniture.

Fun Fact
Well a not-so-fun-fact maybe. While its ornamental for us, the
yellow trumpet tree was a critical tree for the parrot species, Spix’s
macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii) found in Brazil. This bird is today extinct
in the wild and one of the reasons is the loss of yellow trumpet tree
woodlands which was the macaw’s habitat in the wild.

65
 Root barriers to the rescue
While many of us may be keen to plant trees in our homes and
apartments, we are also worried about the impact the root
system will have on structures such as buildings, pipes, footpaths,
boundary walls and sumps where water is stored. What is an
effective way of working around this problem? One solution is
root barriers—a one time investment that can prevent damage to
infrastructure.

So, what is a root barrier?

A root barrier creates a barrier around the roots of trees and
prevents the roots from growing in a haphazard manner that
could cause damage to nearby infrastructure and pose a safety
hazard. Root barriers are often installed in urban landscapes where
large trees exist beside concrete structures, piping, sewage lines,
footpaths, roads and other infrastructure. Root barriers also help

66
in ensuring that the trees in urban spaces grow in a safe manner
wherein they can thrive in the long run and their root growth is not
compromised and disrupted by neighbouring infrastructure.

When should root barriers be

installed?
The most ideal time to install a root barrier is when the tree sapling is
planted. This will ensure that the roots grow naturally in the direction
we set it. But barriers can also be installed once the tree becomes
bigger and the roots begin to expand.

What materials can we use for the

root barrier?
Solid barriers are panels made of corrosion-resistant metal, fibreglass
or plastic that create an impenetrable wall that roots cannot get
through. These barriers are highly effective but can prevent water in
the soil from draining properly and roots can grow around them if
they are not large enough.
Permeable barriers use a mesh screen that is designed to allow water
and small roots to pass through. This type of barrier is effective at
preventing damage to structures from large roots.

How can we install a root barrier?

We describe below how to install a root barrier for a sapling that will
grow into a tree as well as for an existing tree.
Installing root barrier for a new tree
• Identify the spot where you will be planting the sapling.
• Measure the diameter of the stem and multiply that by at least
three or a little more—extra room is always advisable. Mark this
out as a square or circle.
• Remove the soil up to a depth of around three to four feet, in the
above marked square or circle.
• Size the panels you will be using as a root barrier, with the same
height as the hole made and ensure enough number of panels to

67
 cover the hole on all sides.
• Place the panels against the side of the hole, sticking them
firmly into the soil.
• Ensure that at least an inch is sticking out of the ground to
ensure that the roots do not grow over the barrier.
• Start filling the hole with soil. Place the sapling at an
appropriate depth and fill the soil.
• You could also add mulch on the surface of the barrier.
Installing a root barrier for existing trees
While the process is similar, in the case of existing trees some more
attention will have to be paid as the depth and width of the trench
dug will vary depending on the type, age and size of the tree. You
also need to assess where the root barrier needs to be installed,
depending on where the structure, say a wall or footpath that
needs to be protected, is situated.
• Measure how far away from the tree the trench has to be dug.
Again it is best to estimate a distance three times that of the
trunk’s diameter. A little more is always good.
• Dig a deep trench of a narrow width into which the root barrier
panels (measured and cut of appropriate length) will be
inserted. The width of the trench should be measured carefully
as it should allow the root barrier to be inserted.
• Slide the panels into the trench, ensuring that at least 1- inch
sticks above the ground to ensure that no roots try to grow
over the barrier.
• Fill the trench with dirt, adding a bit of water.

Have installing root barriers been

successful?
Yes! In our very own Bengaluru, in June 2017, two brothers aged
nine and seven helped save a majestic cluster fig tree (Ficus
racemosa) from being axed in their apartment as the roots of the
tree were damaging the sewage line. The boys identified that
the tree was home to over 18 species of birds which would lose
their habitat if the tree was cut. The alternative provided by the

68
residents was to plant four saplings in the place of the one big tree
but was pointed out by the brothers that this would not provide a
suitable habitat for the birds and squirrels as it would take time for
the saplings to grow. A root barrier was installed that would arrest
the growth of the root without impacting the sewage line.
Similarly, a 48-year-old peepul (Ficus religiosa) tree in Bengaluru
that was affecting the foundation of the apartment, was saved
from felling by installing a root barrier. The root barrier saved the
entire tree habitat that had nests of various bird species and left the
apartment foundation intact.

Be a tree doctor: Treating

trees and plants affected by
pests and diseases
How do we know if the trees and plants around us, that contribute
to our health and well-being, are doing well? Just like we check on
our own health and the health of our near and dear ones, it is good to
give the trees around us a health check too. In this section we have
provided information on how to assess the health of a tree and also
to treat wounds and diseases in some specific trees.
PLEASE NOTE: The remedies suggested here do mention use of
organic substances such as neem oil, but we have also mentioned
chemical treatments that are best for more severe infections.

A health check-up for trees

• Are there any dead branches in the tree?
• Are there detached branches hanging in the tree?
• Are there cavities or rotten wood along the trunk or major
branches?
• Are there cracks or splits in the trunk or where major branches
attach?
• Has the trunk developed a strong lean?
• Have any branches or bark fallen from the tree?
• Have adjacent trees fallen over or died?

69
 • Do many of the major branches arise from one point on the
trunk?
• Have roots been damaged by eroding soil or digging trenches?
• Have roots been broken while installing pavement or repairing
sidewalks?
• Has the site changed by construction, raising the soil level or
installing lawns?
• Have the leaves prematurely developed an unusual colour or
size?
• Has the tree been topped or otherwise heavily pruned?
• Are insects, fungi etc., visible on the tree?
If a tree shows evidence of any of the above, it is an indication that
the health of the tree has been affected. Most importantly, such
trees, whose trunks, branches and roots, have been compromised
can fall and pose a danger to life and property. It is important to
ensure that branches in danger of falling are removed, and trunks
and roots affected are treated and provided with support.

Treating a tree’s wounds

We often have to chop or prune trees. When trees are chopped or
pruned, there is a chance of the trees being affected. These “tree
wounds” need to be treated as well. How do we treat such tree
wounds?
A concentrated mix of beeswax and orange oil or a paste of Copper
Oxy-Chloride 50% WP (wettable powder) fungicide of the tree,
should be applied on the tree wound and covered.

Treating diseases and pest

infestations
Some specific trees have been impacted in Bengaluru, and we
provide the diseases or insect pests that compromised the trees
health. We also provide ways in which the tree can be treated.

70
Custard apple
Disease 1:
Mealy bug infestation
Cause:
The mealy bug, a wingless, soft-bodied
insect
Symptoms:
The mealy bugs appear as white cottony masses in the shoots,
leaves and fruits of the custard apple. The insects also bore
holes and tunnel into the fruits destroying the fruits.
Treatment:
Spray 1.5% neem oil or Buprofezin 25 EC (1.25ml/l) and repeat
after two weeks.
Disease 2:
Fruit rot
Cause:
Fungus
Symptoms:
The fruits will have dark brown to blackish spots or lesions
predominantly on the stalk end of fruit.
Management:
The disease can be controlled by spraying contact fungicide
Copper oxychloride (0.2%) as preventive spray and Carbendazim
0.1% or Thiophanate methyl 0.1% soon after the disease
outbreak during June-July, coinciding with the onset of
monsoon.

Neem
Diseases:
Neem die-back
Cause:
Fungus (Phomopsis azadirachta)
Symptoms:
The fungus causes the fruit to rot. It also
causes twig and inflorescence blight (decay of branches, twigs
and flowers). The disease affects the terminal branches of the
trees first and progressively spreads till the tree itself may die if
not treated.

71
 Management:
Use Bavistin 50% WP, 5 gms in one litre of water and has to be
used to drench the entire tree.

Indian beech
Diseases:
Leaf spot and blight
Cause:
Fungi (Fusicladium pongamiae, Microstroma
pongamiae, Phyllochora pongamiae,
Robillarda makatii, Urohendersonia
pongamiae, Cercospora pongamiae and Sphaceloma pongamiae)
Symptoms:
The symptoms of the fungi in Indian beech include severe leaf
deformities, white or cream coloured spots on leaves, damage
to pods and exfoliation of young seedlings and trees.
Management:
Bavistin fungicidal solution (0.1%) can effectively reduce the
infestation.

Guava
Diseases:
Algal leaf spot
Cause:
Caused by the pathogen Cephaleuros
virescens
Symptoms:
The presence is indicated in leaves by orange, rust-coloured,
dense, silky tufts. These appear on both upper and lower
surfaces of leaves and turn reddish-purple in colour in older
leaves. When the tufts are scraped away, a thin grey-white or
dark-coloured necrotic spot remains on the leaf. The fungus also
affects the bark on twigs and branches causing cracks to appear.
Young stems and fruit may also be attacked.
Management:
The health of the tree needs to be maintained with fertilisation
and pruning that allows fresh air to circulate through the
canopy. Periodic applications of a copper-based fungicide,

72
Copper oxychloride 0.25%, will also suffice to control the disease.

Mango
Disease 1:
Infestation by mango stem borer
Cause:
The stem borer insect, Batocera
rufomaculata, is greyish in colour, with two
pink dots. The grub or caterpillar is fleshy.
Symptoms:
The grub of the mango stem borer causes the most damage to the
mango tree, especially the trunk. The grub tunnels into the trunk,
causing damage to plant tissue, sap ooze out and branches wilt.
Management:
The Arka Borer control, developed by the Indian Institute of
Horticultural Research, located in Bengaluru is an effective remedy.
Arka borer control formulation is mixed with water to form a gel
or melted ice cream consistency, to be applied on the mango
stem, using a two to three inch brush. Active larval holes should
be plugged with cotton dipped in Dichlorovos (4ml/l) and covered
with mud.

Disease 2:
Powdery mildew
Cause:
Fungus (Oidium mangiferae)
Symptoms:
This is a serious disease that affects mango trees especially the
young leaves. An affected tree will have a powdery coating on the
leaves, stalks, flowers and fruits.
Management:
Fungicides such as Azoxystrobin (0.1%), Hexaconazole (0.1%)

73
 Avocado
Diseases:
Algal leaf spot
Cause:
The algae Cephaleuros virescens
Symptoms:
An indication of a tree affected by algal leaf spot is the presence
of, raised, orange-red spots on both upper and lower surfaces
of leaves. The spots may merge to also form irregularly shaped
patches. These spots and patches may also be present on twigs
and branches. When the surface of the spot is scraped away, a grey
to dark necrotic crust is visible.
Management:
An important thing to do is to ensure that the trees are properly
fertilised and pruned to ensure circulation of air within the canopy.
We need to remove all weeds from around tree bases. A badly
infested tree can be treated with copper containing fungicides.

Chikoo
Disease:
Chikoo moth infestation
Cause:
Caused by the chikoo moth Nephopteryx
eugraphella. The adults are greyish in
colour and have brown or black spots in the
forewing. The larvae are pinkish in colour with stripes on the side
of the body.
Symptoms:
The caterpillars of this moth are the most damaging as they bore
into flowers and fruits. They also feed on the leaves. Their presence
is indicated by webs, often with dried leaves hanging from these
webs.
Management:
Spraying of neem seed kernel extract 4% will reduce the
infestation. To control this pest, remove and destroy all the
infested clumps and spray with 0.05% chlorpyriphos.

74
Hibiscus
Disease:
Infestation of thrips
Cause:
Thrips are very small, slender insects with
fringed wings.
Symptoms:
Thrips mainly attack the buds of hibiscus causing them to fall off
from the plant after first changing colour and then rotting. The
insects also attack leaves and fruits causing them to become
discoloured or twisted.
Management:
Concentrated neem oil sprayed on the plant is effective in treating
thrips. Any rotten buds, leaves or other parts can be cut and
disposed of carefully at a distance from the plant.

Star gooseberry
Diseases:
Mealy bug infestation
Cause:
The mealy bug is a wingless, soft-bodied
insect.
Symptoms:
The mealy bugs mainly damage the fruit or the berry.
Management:
Spray a mix of 1.5% neem oil and soap oil 3 ml in a litre water and
repeat after two weeks.

75
 Be a tree nurturer by
providing a helping hand
You can nurture and grow trees from cuttings and grafting. Here
are some details below, along with a few tips on rooting tonics and
growing mediums.

What is cutting?
A “cutting” is a plant part that is cut from the parent plant and
grows into a whole new plant. Stem cuttings are one of the easiest
ways of plant propagation. Cuttings can also be taken from leaves
and roots. The steps for propagation using stem cuttings are:
1. Choose a healthy, disease free, parent plant.
2. Take a cutting from the upper part of a parent plant using a
sharp knife. The cutting should be three to six inches long.
3. The cutting should not have leaves, flowers or buds. This is
to ensure that all the energy and nutrition is used for growth
and not for seed, flower or fruit production. Be sure to remove
leaves from the bottom of the cutting. A couple of small leaves
can be left on the top.
4. Dipping the tip of the cutting in a rooting hormone/tonic will
help prevent bacterial and fungal infection. These tonics can
be made with simple ingredients from the kitchen (described
later).
5. Insert the cutting into a container with a rooting medium
such as compost, cocopeat, coarse sand, soil, water or a mix
of these. The best rooting mediums are those that allow the
cutting to root well. Take care to ensure that the stem is placed
upright.
6. Once the cutting roots and grows a few feet, then you can
replant it into the landscape.

76
What is grafting?
In grafting, part of one plant is joined with another. The part of the
plant that forms the root is called the stock or rootstock, while the
portion fixed onto it is called scion. A wound or cut is made on the
stock or the rooted plant and the scion or the part from the other
plant is attached here. But why graft? Grafting is done to combine the
best characteristics of two plants. Grafting requires skill and a lot of
care and attention but is something that can be learnt and done at
home. There are different ways of grafting, T budding, Chip budding,
whip grafting, trying bark grafting and cleft grafting, but here are
some broad steps:
1. It is best if the stem size of the rootstock and scion are the same.
2. Make 3-inch cuts on the branch or stem of the stock plant.
3. Tie a rubber band at the bottom of the cut on the rootstock.
4. Insert the scion into these cuts. You may have to pare the end of
the scion a bit in order to do this.
5. Tie the scion to the rootstock using string or rubber.

Rooting tonics
In cutting or grafting, rooting tonics are an important requirement
in the process. These can be purchased commercially but for small
quantities they can be made at home using some simple ingredients.
These tonics and hormones will help the cutting or grafting to be
more successful. Below are examples of rooting tonics.

Honey based rooting medium

Boil two cups of water in a pan over high heat until the water comes
to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and add two tablespoons (30 ml) of
honey. Mix the honey and water well, turn off the heat and let the
mixture cool. Keep the stem cuttings in this rooting mixture for two
to three hours. Then transfer the stem cuttings, that are now rich in
anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties, into a growing
medium.

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 Aloe vera based rooting medium
Remove the gel from a fresh aloe vera leaf into a bowl, and mash
the gel till it attains the consistency of water. You can add a few
drops of water as well. Dip the stem cuttings into this mixture,
coating the cut evenly, before putting it in the soil. Aloe vera
protects the cutting from bacteria or fungi in the soil.

Cinnamon powder
Dip the base of the cut stem into cinnamon powder before planting
it in the soil. Cinnamon has anti-microbial properties and keeps
the plant healthy during the rooting process.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has anti-bacterial properties. Add a teaspoon
of apple cider vinegar to five to six cups of water. Dip the cutting in
this tonic before planting it in a growing medium. Too much of the
vinegar can stop rooting and so a small amount is sufficient.

Common growing mediums

Growing mediums are materials apart from soil that are used
to grow plants, especially in the early stages of propagation.
Propagation methods like grafting and cutting require growing
mediums during the propagation process. Growing mediums are
preferred over soil in the initial stages of growing because they
are typically airy, help in water absorption and retention, supply
nutrients to the root/stem and provide stability for the new stem
cutting. Some common growing mediums are cocopeat, coir, bark,
compost, green waste, mulch, rice husks, clay, sand, pumice or
a combination of these. A lot of these growing mediums can be
made or found at home. Using a growing medium can benefit your
garden by ensuring the cut stems/roots grow strong and healthy
especially during the initial stages of growth.

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Sources for photographs
The photographs in the booklet have been taken from Wikipedia Commons.
We have acknowledged the sources in the below table. The number under each
photograph in the booklet has their corresponding source in the table.

Photograph Author/User name on Distributed under the

no. Wikimedia Commons license
1 Christian Pirkl CC-BY-SA-4.0
2 Andrew Mandemaker CC-BY-SA-2.5
3 Vijayanrajapuram CC-BY-SA-4.0
4 Dinesh Valke CC BY-SA 2.0
5 Vinayaraj CC BY-SA 4.0
6 Danish971 CC BY-SA 4.0

7 Billjones94 CC-BY-SA-4.0
8 Mokkie CC BY-SA 3.0
9 K Murugesan CC BY-SA 4.0
10 Meneerke Bloem CC BY-SA 3.0
11 Sowmiyachandru CC BY-SA 4.0
12 Kakara CC BY-SA 3.0
13 Kakara CC BY-SA 3.0
14 Show Photon CC BY-SA 4.0
15 Dinesh Valke CC BY-SA 2.0
16 Vinayaraj - CC BY-SA 3.0
17 Mauroguanandi CC BY 2.0
18 Kakara CC BY-SA 3.0
19 Dinesh Valke CC BY-SA 2.0
20 Dinkun Chen CC BY-SA 4.0

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 21 David J. Stang CC BY-SA 4.0
22 Meneerke Bloem CC BY-SA 3.0
23 Judgefloro CC BY-SA 4.0
24 Dinesh Valke CC BY-SA 2.0
25 [Link] CC BY 3.0
26 Adityamadhav83 CC BY-SA 4.0
27 [Link] CC BY 3.0
28 Suresh Aru CC BY 2.0
29 Mosmas CC BY-SA 3.0
30 Raviteja29123 CC BY-SA 4.0
31 Dinesh Valke CC BY-SA 2.0
32 Dinesh Valke CC BY-SA 2.0
33 Thamizhpparithi Maari CC BY-SA 4.0
34 SAplants CC BY-SA 4.0
35 Dinesh Valke CC BY-SA 2.0
36 A. Benedito CC BY-SA 4.0
37 Cultivar413 CC BY 2.0
38 H. Zell CC BY-SA 3.0
39 Genet (Diskussion) CC BY-SA 4.0
40 A J T Johnsingh CC BY-SA 4.0
41 Prenn CC BY-SA 3.0
42 Dick Culbert CC BY 2.0
43 Rison Thumboor CC BY 2.0
44 Tatiana Gerus CC BY 2.0
45 Kenpei-Kenpei’s CC BY-SA 3.0
46 John Robert McPherson CC BY-SA 4.0
47 Vijayanrajapuram CC BY-SA 4.0

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 48 David E Mead CC0
49 [Link] CC BY 3.0
50 Forest & Kim Starr CC BY 3.0

Acknowledgements
We thank Vidya Ramesh for her help with proofing and copy editing, Silja
Bansriyar for layout and design, and Swaroop Patankar for assistance in data
collation.

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 Notes

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83
 Azim Premji University
Burugunte Village, Survey No 66, Bikkanahalli Main Rd,
Sarjapura, Bengaluru, Karnataka 562125 [Link]

Facebook: /azimpremjiuniversity Instagram: @azimpremjiuniv Twitter: @azimpremjiuniv

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