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This article throws light upon the top sixty-one types of trees. The trees are: 1. Acacia sp. (Leguminosae) 2. Albizzia lebbek (Leguminosae) 3. Albizzia Procera (Leguminosae) 4. Alstonia Scholaris (Apocynaceae) 5. Araucaria Cookii (Coniferae) 6. Azadirachta Indica (Meliaceae) 7. Bassia Latifolia Syn. Madhuka Indica (Sapotaceae) 8. Bauhinia (Leguminosae) and others too.
Type # 1. Acacia sp. (Leguminosae):
This genus is native of arid zone of central Australia and has large number of species. The trees of this genus grow luxuriantly in dry climate. Profuse flowering and heavy seed set help in their propagation. Acacia arabica, A. fernesiana and A. modesta are used to plant in unproductive land to protect soil from wind erosion. Animals are grazed on their leaves.
Acacia auriculiformis (Australia wattle) is another species which is planted in the garden for its attractive shape, foliage and shade. It is a dwarf tree and produce typically spiral legume shaped fruits. A. cyanophylla commonly called as Golden acacia, is another handsome species which bears golden flowers. It is also dwarf but possess brittle branches.
Type # 2. Albizzia lebbek (Leguminosae):
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It is native of tropical Asia and Africa and is commonly called as Siris. This is quick growing tall tree having pinnate leaves of light green colour. Trees make growth of an umbrella shape. Flowering occurs in April-May and flowers are pale, greenish yellow in colour and mildly fragrant. This is a good tree for roadside plantation and its pods of straw yellow colour hang on tree for long time which makes it more attractive. It can be easily propagated by seeds.
Type # 3. Albizzia Procera (Leguminosae):
This is native of Indo-Malaya region and is large quick growing tree. Trunk is tall and colour is greenish yellow white. Leaves are bi-pinnate of light green colour. Tree produces profuse flowers in July-August. Flowers are small heads of yellowish white in colour. It is good tree for roadside plantation and for big parks. It can also be easily propagated by seeds.
Type # 4. Alstonia Scholaris (Apocynaceae):
It is commonly called as Devil’s tree or Sapt parni or Satpattia and is native of Indo- Malayan region. In the beginning it is slow growing tree but later on it grows fast. It is a tall tree. Leaves are shining green and produced in a whorl of 5-7. Flowers are produced in October-November in clusters which are greenish white. It is suitable for planting alongside the roads, groups or as a specimen in parks for shade purpose.
Very recently, it has been observed that the trees of Alstonia scholaris have been attacked by leaf gall forming psylids (Microcerposyla nigra and Aerocercops astaurota) which causes serious damage on newly developing leaves, developed leaves and epidermis of tender shoots.
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The trees look very ugly if not controlled. It can be controlled by spraying 2-3 ml of Monocrofophos or 3-4 ml of Metasystox or Rogor in 1 L of water. However, keeping the size of the tree in view it will not be possible to control it. Hence, this tree should not be planted any more.
Type # 5. Araucaria Cookii (Coniferae):
It is commonly called as monkey puzzle and native of South America. This genus is most handsome of evergreen gymnosperms. Now-a-days, it is a matter of pride to have this tree in the gardens. There is always a great demand due to its attractive shape and soft foliage. The branches which are horizontal and well placed on the main trunk are covered with needle like soft, dark green leaves.
In Punjab, plants are brought by nurserymen from Kolkata and Bengaluru and are sold at prices which depend on plant height. The plants need protection from severe cold in winter and from scorching heat during summer. Artificial rain by sprinkling water helps proper growth.
Type # 6. Azadirachta Indica (Meliaceae):
It is commonly known as neem and is native of Indo-Burma region. Tree is tall with brown stem. Leaves are pinnate, dark green and bitter in taste. Flowers are small, white and sweet scented which appear in the end of April to middle May. Fruits are drupe, oval in shape and golden yellow in colour at maturity.
Propagation is done from seeds. This is a medicinal tree and new emerging leaves are eaten for keeping away from many blood diseases. Leaves are hanged in the house and rooms of patients to repel harmful insects. Semi hardwood shoots are used as dattuns to clean teeth.
Margosa oil is prepared from fruits and seeds which are used in making soaps or medicines. Neem cake is used as a fertilizer which kills harmful insects, termites and nematodes. From landscaping viewpoint, it is a good tree for roadside plantation and in big compounds for shade and in hospitals as a medicinal plant as well as for shade.
Type # 7. Bassia Latifolia Syn. Madhuka Indica (Sapotaceae):
It is an indigenous free and commonly known as Mahua. It is a tall growing tree with a rounded crown. Leaves are large which fall in April and reappear in bright red colour in May. Flowering occurs in end of April to first fortnight of May. The flowers are light yellow in colour which is not very showy. They bloom in night and fall in morning. Fruits are consumed in tribal areas of central India and used to make a delicious brew. It is easily propagated by seeds. It should be planted in groups or singly in parks for shade.
Type # 8. Bauhinia (Leguminosae):
The genus is comprising of flowering trees and most of them are native of India. The generic name has been given after twin brother, John and Casper Bauhin—famous botanists of 16th century. Plants of the genus are easily identified on account of peculiar leaves which are composed of two oval shaped leaflets united in the centre. Flower buds are cooked as vegetable. Easily propagated through seeds which are produced in abundance.
Following species are common:
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i. B. variegate:
ii. This is a tall tree producing flowers of rose coloured variegated with red and yellow which appear in mid of March. Most ideally suited for planting as specimen or in groups in gardens and big parks and as avenue tree alongside the road.
iii. B. Alba:
This is a medium tree bearing white flowers during middle of March. It is suitable for specimen or group planting.
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iv. B. triandra:
It is medium tall tree producing purple colour flowers in mid of November. It is good for roadside plantation and group planting.
v. B. blakeana:
This species is recently introduced from Hong Kong and is very handsome flowering tree. It is a medium tall tree with round top producing large purple flowers in end of December or February. It is propagated through air layering. It is highly suitable for specimen and group planting.
Type # 9. Bauhinia Sulphureus (Leguminosae):
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It is a slow growing dwarf to medium tree which produces yellow flowers during rainy season.
Type # 10. Koelreutaria Panniculata (Sapindaceae):
It is commonly called as golden rain tree and is native of Korea and China. It is a winter deciduous, medium sized and spreading tree. The emerging leaves are coppery- pink colour. It produces small yellow flowers on long panicles in late summer and is followed by development of ball/bladder like red flushed fruit capsules. It is easily propagated through seeds. It is highly suitable for planting along-side the road for shade or flowers or in group planting in large parks.
Type # 11. Bombax malabaricum (Bombaceae):
It is native of Indo-Burma region and popularly known as Semal, Simbal or Red cotton silk. It is considered as a sacred tree and is associated with Goddess Kali. It is a fast growing, tall, stately upright tree which is deciduous during February-March. Trunk has spines. Leaves are compound.
Flowers are large, bright red or yellowish red in colour which appear in mid of March. Fruits contain silky floss which is used in stuffing pillows and cushions. It is easily propagated through seeds. It is highly suitable for boundary plantation of bigger compounds, national highways and in parks.
Type # 12. Butea Mono-Sperma (Leguminosae):
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It is commonly called as Flame of Forests or Dhak or Palas or Tesu and is native of India. It is a tall tree but does not look attractive due to crooked and distorted stem. Leaves are large, trifoliate and are used to prepare plates (Doonas) for community functions. It bursts into blooms in deciduous condition during end of March and whole tree is clothed with scarlet orange crescent shaped flowers.
When planted in groups, from distance it gives appearance as if there were fire and hence, it is called as ‘Flame of the Forest’. Lac insects are reared on its branches. Temporary dye is extracted from its flowers and in ancient days during holi festival this colour was used to play.
Type # 13. Callistemon Lanceolatus (Myrtaceae):
It is commonly called as bottle brush on account of appearance of red colour flowers at the end of branches, which resembles brush used for cleaning bottles. Though it is native of Australia, it has adapted well under Indian conditions and being commonly planted at the gate of house, in corner of lawn as a specimen tree and near water bodies.
It is also highly suitable for grouping, screening and to be planted in the shrubbery. Its drooping branches are symbol of welcome on which dark green, lanceolate leaves are nicely laced. Flowers of bright red colour are produced on young growth of branches in end of March to middle of April. Commonly propagated through seeds. Callistemon polandii is another species which produce yellow flowers.
Type # 14. Callestemon Salignus (Myrtaceae):
It is commonly called as white bottle brush or willow bottle brush and is native of Australia. It is a very handsome erect to spreading type of small tree or having thin branches and fragrant, narrowly lanceolated pale green leaves. It produces white flowers in the end of March to middle of April which attracts lot of honey bees. It is propagated through seeds or air layering. It is very suitable for small compounds gardens as a specimen or group planting.
Type # 15. Cassia (Leguminosae):
This is another important genus which has many colourful species and beautify the surroundings with spectacular flowers in leafless condition.
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Following are important species:
i. C. fistula:
It is native of India and commonly called as Amaltas or Golden laburnum which is considered as tree of prosperity by traders. It is a tall tree having white stem. Leaves are pinnate leaflets are larger than other species. Colour of emerging leaves vary from copper, red to light yellow. Colour of flowers in earlier type is deep yellow while in latter colour of flowers is light yellow, respectively.
Flowers are well arranged on long drooping rachis which appear in middle of May when tree is in leafless condition and flowering continues upto July. Since it flowers in hot months and its beauty is enjoyed early in morning or in evening. It is an excellent specimen tree, and for avenue, or group planting. Fruits are used to prepare medicine. It is propagated through seeds.
ii. C. nodosa:
It is commonly called as Pink Cassia and native of Indo-Malaya region. Tree is of medium height and having spreading branches. Leaves are compound and light green in colour. Tree sheds leaves during April and May and it is clothed with pinkish white flowers. Flowering starts in middle of May and continues upto July. It needs protection against frost in initial stages during winter. It is an ideal specimen tree, suitable for grouping and roadside plantation.
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iii. C. javanica:
It is native of Java, Malaysia, Sumatra and is commonly called as Java cassia. It is a medium tree with spreading branches and leaves are compound and green. It is also deciduous during April-May and flowering starts from middle of May which continues upto July. Flowers are of deep pink to rose pink. Tree is suitable for specimen, group and roadside planting.
iv. C. siamect:
It is native of Indo-Malaya region and is commonly called as Kassod tree. A quick growing, evergreen tree, size medium to large with columnar to spreading crown. Leaves are compound and of olive green colour. Yellow flowers start appearing in July and continue upto January. It is easily propagated through seeds. It is good for boundary plantation and for demarcation of large areas. It is also suitable for road side planting. Branches are, however, brittle and breakaway very easily with storm.
Type # 16. Casuarina Equsietifolia (Casurinaceae):
It is native of Australia, Burma, Malaya and Pacific Islands and is commonly called as beefwood, Jangli saru, Farash or Jor-Tor on account of cord like leaves which are easily separated at the node and can be temporarily fixed without knowing breaking point. It is a tall, upright, evergreen and fast growing tree.
It has rough bark and spreading branches. Trees are dioceses producing male and female cones separately. Easily propagated through seed. It is tolerant to saline soils. It is planted for screening purpose and can be planted closely and trimmed as tall hedge.
Type # 17. Cedrella toona (Meliaceae):
It is commonly called the toona or Indian Mahagoni tree and is native of Indo- Malaya region and Australia. It is a large, quick growing tree having shining compound leaves. Flowers are small, white and appear in middle of April. Easily propagated by seeds. It is planted in the garden in groups for shade and also suitable for roadside plantation.
Type # 18. Chorisia Speciosa (Malvaceae):
It is native of Mexico and Brazil and commonly called as Mexican Semal. It is an erect tree with well-placed branches. Stem is waxy green with spines. Leaves are palmate in shape, of light green colour. Flowers are pink with creamish white centre which appear in October-November when tree is in leafless condition. It flowers when other trees are not in bloom. It is planted in the garden as specimen.
Type # 19. Cupressus Sempervirense (Coniferae):
It is commonly called as Saru and native of West Asia and South Europe. It is considered as tree of tomb on account of its dull green leaves. It is an erect tree without branches (sometime branches appear which should be removed) and make columnar growth. It is a very common tree of Persian and Mogul gardens and planted in rows along the side of water canal. It is also preferred in the home landscapes. It is easily propagated through seeds.
Type # 20. Delonix Regia Syn. Poinciana Regia (Leguminosae):
It is native of Madagascar and is commonly known as Gulmohar, Peacock or Flamboyant flower. It is a fast growing large tree. Limbs are spreading and form an umbrella. Leaves are compound and leaflets are small with round apices. Showy flowers or orange, red, scarlet to salmon colour are produced in May-June.
Easily propagated through seeds. It is an ideal tree for big parks for beautiful flowers as well as for shade. Under North Indian conditions it starts declining after 10-12 years. It has shallow root system and hence grass does not grow under this tree.
Type # 21. Erythrina Variegata Var. Orientalis (Leguminosae):
It is commonly known as Pangra tree or Parrot flower on account of its flowers resembling beak of parrot and is native of India. It is a tall tree with spines on the trunk. Leaves are trifoliate. Tree sheds leaves during February-March and flowering occurs in first fortnight of April in leafless condition. Tree is clothed with scarlet flowers which are produced at the end of branches. It is easily propagated by cuttings. It is suitable as specimen, or group planting.
Type # 22. Erythrina Blakii (Leguminosae):
It is native of India. It is small tree, grown for its beautiful scarlet flowers which are produced in flushes from March to November.
Type # 23. Eucalyptus Sp. (Myrtaceae):
It is native of Australia and is commonly called as Safeda or Blue gum. It is a tall upright and fast growing tree. It attains the conical shape to round crown. Bark is smooth and of shining colour which peels off in long flakes. Leaves are simple lense shaped whose upper side is shining and lower side dull. Leaves are rich in oil. Flowers are greenish white produced abundantly in April and provide ample pollens for honey bees.
It is planted for quick effect of green vegetation on boundaries and alongside roads. It is highly suitable for areas where water table is high. Its stem and branches are used in making paper, as fuel or pole and hence, fetches remunerative price. It has become popular now-a-days amongst absentee landlords and big land owners. The important species are: E. citridora, E. hybrida, E. robusta and E. camadulensis.
Type # 24. Ficus Sp. (Moraceae):
The genus is comprising of very important trees which are associated with Indian life from ancient period. The trees of this genus are still being worshipped which started with the arrival of Aryans in India.
The important species are:
i. F. religiosa:
It is commonly called as Pipal or Bodhi tree and native of India. It is associated with three deities of Hindu religion i.e. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and also with Lord Buddha; hence, it is considered to be a sacred tree and is worshipped. It is a huge tree with spreading branches.
Leaves are cordate in shape and shining. Flowers are very small hidden in synconium which appear in April-May. Easily propagated through seeds and cuttings. It is commonly planted in villages near ponds for shade and also in big parks. Birds take shelter on this tree, eat fruit and disperse the seeds.
ii. F. benghalensis:
It is commonly called as Bor, Bargad or Banyan tree and is native of India. This tree is also sacred tree according to Hindu mythology and is worshipped especially by ladies for getting child, being, and the symbol of fertility. It is very huge tree and is commonly planted in villages near ponds for shade. It also provides shelter and food for birds. It can be planted in big parks for shade.
iii. F. infectoria:
It is commonly known as Fakar or Pilkan and native of Indo-Burma region. It is a tall tree with spreading branches and round crown. Leaves are simple dark green with clear veins and shed in end of March. New leaves appear in first fortnight of April which are coppery red and look attractive. Easily propagated through cuttings. It is good for group planting and roadside plantation for shade.
iv. Ficus retusa:
It is commonly called as chilkan and is native of Indo-Malaya region and China. It is a large, evergreen tree with round crown. Leaves are simple, oval, and shining green. It is useful tree for shade in parks and alongside the roads.
v. Ficus benjamina:
It is native of Indo-Malaya region. It is medium to large, an evergreen tree and is planted for its attractive foliage. Branches are drooping and leaves are shining green. Propagated through seeds. It is suitable for planting in parks as specimen, groups and alongside the roads for shade.
vi. Ficus Krishnae:
It is native of India and is commonly called as Makhan Katora or ‘Krishna’ butter cup due to its folded leaves giving shape of a cup and is known to have association with Lord Krishna. It is a medium evergreen tree and good for specimen as novelty or in groups.
vii. F. elastic:
It is commonly called as rubber tree and is native of Indo-Malaya region. It is a tall tree. Leaves are large, deep green and shining. The growing tip is covered with red. It is propagated through air layering. It is planted as specimen. Other varieties are variegata, Decora and Black Prince.
Type # 25. Ficus Lyrata (Moraceae):
It is commonly called as Bingo or Fiddle leaf fig and a native of western and central Africa. It is an open, evergreen tree with leathery, glossy, fiddle shaped dark green leaves. It bears spherical figs which are produced singly or in pairs only on the mature trees. It is very easily propagated through cuttings.
It is suitable for planting in parts as a specimen for group planting and along-side the roads to provide shade.
Type # 26. Grevillea Robusta (Proteaceae):
It is commonly called as silver oak and is native of Australia. It is an upright, quick growing tall tree producing columnar shape of growth. Bark is brown and rough. Leaves are pinnately divided, green above and silvery below. Flowers of golden yellow colour are produced in first fortnight of April. It is propagated from seeds which are collected in July and sown immediately thereafter. It is good for boundary planting, specimen, group planting, screening purpose and alongside the roads.
Type # 27. Haplaphragma Adenophyllum (Bignoniaceae):
It is native of Indo-Malaya region and is commonly called as maror phali or monkey tail due to its long curved fruits capsules. It is a tall, evergreen, and quick growing tree. Leaves are compound having large leaflets. Flowers are large, yellow in colour produced in the month of February-March. It is propagated from seeds. It is suitable for roadside plantations.
Type # 28. Inga Dulcis (Leguminosae):
It is popularly known as Jangal jalebi due to its curvaceous fruits. It is quick growing evergreen tree having thorns. Leaves are compound and of dark green colour. Flowers are not very showy which appear in the month of March-April and easily propagated through seeds. It is highly suitable for boundary plantation and tall protective hedge.
Type # 29. Jacaranda Acutifolia (Bignoniaceae):
It is native of Brazil and is commonly called as Nili Gulmohar. It is medium in height, quick growing and winter deciduous tree. Leaves are compound and leaflets are small with acute apex. Flowers are large, trumpet shaped and blue in colour which appears in first fortnight of April. Easily propagated through seeds. It is most ideally suitable for group planting and alongside roads.
Type # 30. Juniperus Chinensis (Conifereae):
It is a conifer but very well grown in the gardens. It is slow growing mostly un-branched and makes a clean shape of conifer and preferred in the gardens for its elegant shape. It is being ever green, does not shed the leaves and keeps garden clean. It is ideally suited for formal planting, specimen and group planting. It is easily propagated by seeds or stem cuttings.
Type # 31. Kigelia Pinnata (Bignoniaceae):
It is native of tropical Africa and called as Sausage tree or balam khira on account of its long fruits. It is a tall and evergreen tree. Leaves are compound and leaflets are large and rough. Flowers are big, trumpet shaped of crimson colour which appears in May-June on long pendulous rachis. It can be easily propagated through seeds. It is ideally suitable for shade, to be planted in large parks and alongside roads.
Type # 32. Lagerstroemia Speciosa (Lythraceae):
It is a native of India and commonly called as Queen’s flower, Pride of India or Jarul. It is a medium sized tree with light green smooth bark. Leaves are large, elliptic, which is winter deciduous. Flowers of mauve purple or mauve pink appear in middle of April and flowering continues upto August. Easily propagated through seeds. Most ideally suitable as a specimen tree,-group planting and alongside the roads.
L. thorelli another important sp. producing purple flowers in the month of May to August are dwarf and are suitable for specimen or group planting. L. paruiflora is a medium tree which produces white colour flower in May-June and looks very attractive.
Type # 33. Magnolia Grandiflora (Magnoliaceae):
It is native of United States of America and is commonly called is Bara Champa on account of its big sized flowers which are highly fragrant. There are several species but this species is common in Indian gardens. It is a medium tree with upright growth. Leaves are simple, large and have shining greenish red upper side and lower side is dull yellow. Flowers are white, fragrant and appear in the month of April-May. It is suitable as specimen tree.
Type # 34. Melia Azedarch (Meliaceae):
It is native of Persia and is commonly called as Persian Lilac or Dharek. It is fast growing tree having grey bark. Trunk is straight and branches spreading upward and forms round crown. It is winter deciduous. Leaves are compound and of dark green colour. Flowers of lilac colour appear in first fortnight of April and later on tree is laden with golden coloured fruits. It is easily propagated through seed. It is suitable for boundary planting and for shade.
Type # 35. Michelia Champaka (Magnoliaceae):
It is native of India and is commonly called as Swaran Champa or Sone Champa. The tree is tall with brown bark. Leaves are simple, large and of light green colour. Fragrant flowers of light yellow colour appear in second week of May. Easily propagated through seeds which should be sown immediately after collection. It is ideally suitable for shade as well as for fragrant flowers.
Type # 36. Millingtonia Hortensis (Bignoniaceae):
It is native of Burma-Malaya region and popularly called as Akash neem or cork tree or tree Jasmine. It is fast growing, tall, upright tree and looks attractive. Trunk is straight and branches emerge vertically. Leaves are compound, handsome of dark green foliage. Flowers are white and are highly fragrant which appear in April-June. Easily propagated through root suckers, cuttings and fresh seeds. It is suitable for boundary plantation and roadside plantation.
Type # 37. Miletia Ovalifolia (Leguminosae):
It is native of Burma (Mayanmar) and is commonly called as The Moluemain Rosewood. It is a fast growing tall tree with spreading crown. Leaves are trifoliate; leaflets are of oval shape and light green colour. Leaves shed in the month of February and light purple coloured flowers appear in the middle of April when tree is in leafless condition. It is easily propagated through seeds. It is ideally suitable for boundary and roadside planting.
Type # 38. Mimusops Elengi (Sapotaceae):
It is commonly called as Molsari and is native of Indo-Malaya region and Sri Lanka. It is slow growing, evergreen, tall, umbrella shaped tree. It has deeply fissured bark of brown colour. Leaves are simple, dark green and shining. Flowers are of dirty white colour and highly fragrant which appear from May to August. Its propagation is done by seeds. It is highly suitable for big parks for shade. Flowers are used for making garlands and essential oil is also extracted. It needs training to single stem to form an attractive crown.
Type # 39. Morus sp. (Moraceae):
It is native of Western Asia, Afghanistan, Europe and China and is commonly called as sehtoot or toot or mulberry. Tree is a quick growing, winter deciduous, tall with upright branches forming spreading crown. Its bark is brown; leaves are simple, cordate with serrated leaf margin which sheds in December. New leaves emerge in March. It is easily propagated through cuttings. Flowers are catkins which are not attractive and appear in April. It is planted in the garden for shade and for fruit.
Type # 40. Neo-Nauclea Purpurea Syn. Anthocephalus Cadamba (Rubiaceae):
It is native of Indo-China region and Sri Lanka. It is commonly called as Kadam tree and is associated with Lord Krishna who used to play and swing under this tree. It is tall, evergreen tree having straight and long trunk. Bark is of light grey colour with longitudinal fissures. Leaves are simple, large, leathery and shining above.
Ball shaped flowers are produced on a round pedicel in the month of August-September. In the beginning spherical buds are of green colour and change to golden colour in due course of time. It is propagated through seeds. It is a good shady tree for parks and can be planted on roadsides also. Under Punjab conditions, it shows decline.
Type # 41. Parkinsonia Aculeata (Leguminosae):
It is native of America and commonly called as Jerusalem thorn or vadi-Bathal. It is medium tree and has thorns. Leaves are compound. Leaflets are thin, numerous, oblanceolate and shortly. Yellow flowers are produced in April-May. It is highly suited to alkaline soil, arid zones and drought conditions. It can be easily propagated through seeds. It is ideally suited for roadside plantation.
Type # 42. Plumeria Species (Apocynaceae):
This genus comprises of most handsome trees which are very common in gardens, homes and are liked for their architectural shapes and fragrant flowers. This genus is native of Mexico and Guatemala and commonly called as pagoda tree or temple tree or frangi pani or gulachin. These are easily propagated through cuttings.
The common species are:
i. P. acutifolia:
It is winter deciduous tree of medium height with round top. Branches are dichomatous or trichomatous. Leaves are simple, large, dark glossy green with acute apex. Fragrant flowers of light yellow colour are produced from May to September. It is most ideally suited as specimen tree or alongside of inner roads.
ii. P. rubra:
The characters are similar to P. acutifolia except flower colour is red and flowering is not as profuse as in earlier species.
iii. P. Alba:
This is an evergreen species and comparatively tall. Waxy white flowers are produced throughout the year which hangs down.
iv. P. obtusa:
This is another evergreen species, medium in growth. Leaves are shining, dark green with obtuse apex. Flowers are waxy white and produced round the year.
Type # 43. Plumeria Pudica:
It is very recently introduced in Indian gardens and commonly called as Bridal Bouquet or white Frangipani. It is native to central and South America (Columbia, Venezuela and Curacao). Dwarf tree growing upto 3-4.5 m and 1-1.5 m in width having multiple stems which arise from close to the ground and have an upright shape.
Stems are thin, weak and liable to break very easily due to high winds. Leaves are large, spoon shaped, sessile and of dark green colour during spring, summer and autumn whereas it becomes yellow green during winter. Tree is evergreen only in warm and tropical conditions but becomes leafless during severe winter and frosty situations. Young and old plants may die to severe frost.
Flowers are showy, single of white with yellow or light green throat. Flowers are waxy but not fragrant like other frangipanis which appear during spring season continue to flower during summer and autumn. Fruit is a two part follicle and seeds are winged which germinate easily. Trees are propagated through stem cuttings.
It is recommended as an accent tree and is suitable for containers in frost free locations and sunny situations.
Type # 44. Polyalthia Longifolia (Anonaceae):
It is native of Sri Lanka and commonly called as Ashok. It is an evergreen, tall tree and producing conical crown. Branches spread horizontally form straight trunk. Bark is of brown colour and split longitudinally. Leaves are simple alternate shining green with wavy margin. In hot summer shining green leaves provide coolness.
Flowers are produced in April which are of pale green colour. It can be easily propagated through seeds. It is graceful tree mostly planted in temples and ideally suitable for approach roads and roadside plantations. It needs protection from frost in its early stages of growth.
P. pendula:
It is commonly called as pendula or weeping Ashok. It has long trunk with drooping branches so it gives stately appearance. It is also ideally suitable for approach roads of buildings and in front of tall buildings to reduce the tallness of buildings. It needs adequate staking for proper shape.
Type # 45. Pongamia Pinnata (Leguminosae):
It is native of Burma-Indonesia region and is commonly called as Karanj or Sukh Chain. It is a medium tree having spreading habit. Leaves are compound and leaflets are round and shining green but mostly attacked by insects and develop brown spots. These attacked leaves look very ugly. Foliage is densely crowded. Flowers are of purple colour and produced profusely in May. It is planted for shade.
Type # 46. Pterospermum Acerifolium (Sterculiaceae):
It is native of Bengal, Assam and Burma (Mayanmar) and is commonly called as Kanak Champa. It is a tall tree with conical crown. Bark is of brown colour. Leaves are large, peltate, round, of dark green above and whitish or rust coloured beneath. Leaves are densely crowded. Flowers are of yellow colour with long petals which appear in first fortnight of April and continue upto June. Flowers are highly scented. Easily propagated through seeds. It is ideally suitable for group planting, shade and roadside plantation.
Type # 47. Putranjiva Roxburghii (Euphorbiaceae):
It is native of Indo-Burma and Sri Lanka and is commonly known as Jiva Putra. It is an evergreen tree, growing slowly in beginning but finally attains the medium to tall height. It has small trunk with brown stem. Branches are slender and drooping which makes it attractive. Leave are simple, short, petioled, ovate, lanceolate smooth, shining and dark green with wavy margin. Flowers are light yellow, not very showy which appear in the month of March-April. It is easily propagated by seeds. It is an ideal tree as specimen, good for avenues, along with paths and very effective for ponds, or lake planting.
Type # 48. Ravenala Madagascariensis (Scitmineae):
It is native of Madagascar and commonly called as traveller’s tree. This tree has a unique shape resembling like a dancing peacock. It is tall and evergreen tree whose leaves resemble like banana leaves which are arranged or thick succulent stem in one plane giving the appearance of gigantic fan.
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There are as many as 20-24 leaves having about 2 meter long leaf stalks. It is propagated through seeds or suckers which are produced under mature trees. To create picturesque effect with this tree, plant as a specimen keeping a direction of crown towards east-west. It does well in tropical climate.
Type # 49. Salix Babylonica (Salicaceae):
It is native of China and is commonly called as weeping willow. It is tall winter deciduous with brown bark. Branches are thin and drooping. Leaves are shed in December- January and again appear in March. Flowers are not very showy. Easily propagated by cuttings which are prepared in winter. It is ideally suited as specimen specially near lakes or ponds and alongside walks and paths in park. Tree requires high moistures content in soil.
Type # 50. Saraca Asoca (Leguminosae):
It is native of Sri Lanka and is commonly called as Sita Ashoka. It is associated with Goddess Sita who was kept in captivity under this tree in gardens of Sri Lanka. It is medium to tall, evergreen tree with spreading shining green leaves. Scarlet red flowers are produced in clusters in the month of April and plant become very attractive. It is planted in parks for shade.
Type # 51. Schleichera Trijuga (Sapindaceae):
It is native of Indo-Burma region and Sri Lanka and is commonly called as Kusum. It is slow growing tree but ultimately attains tall height with round to conical crown. It sheds leaves in February-March and again new bright red leaves appear in April. Small green of white coloured flowers appear in April. It is propagated by seeds. It is ideally suited as specimen, for shade and as avenue tree.
Type # 52. Spathodea Campanulata (Bignoniaceae):
It is commonly called as fountain tree and native of tropical Africa. It is evergreen, tall tree with upright growth. Leaves are compound with dark green leaflets which are elliptical in shape. Bell shaped flowers of scarlet red colour appear at the end of branches in late April and looks very attractive. It is propagated through seeds and root suckers. It is very good as avenue tree but shows decline under Punjab conditions.
Type # 53. Swietenia Mahagoni (Meliaceae):
It is native of tropical America and is called small Mahagoni. It is tall evergreen tree with spreading crown. Bark is blackish brown with deep fissures. Leaves are compound and leaflets are dark green and comparatively small. It is easily propagated by seeds. It is suitable for shade in the park and along the roadside. S. macrophylla is another good species which has comparatively larger leaflets.
Type # 54. Tabebuia Rosea (Bignoniaceae):
It is native of Mexico and is commonly called mauve tabebuia. It is a medium sized tree. Leaves are compound with 3-5 leaflets which are elliptic oblong. Flowers of mauve colour are produced in October-November, which are funnel shaped and arranged on a peduncle. It is easily propagated through seed. It is ideally suited as specimen or group plantings in landscape plan. Other important species is T. spectabilis which produce flowers of rose colour in the month of February-March.
Type # 55. Tecoma Argentea (Bignoniceae):
It is a medium sized tree with open top. It is very handsome when it produces sulphur yellow trumpet like flowers during end of March to middle of April. It is easily propagated through seeds.
It is highly suitable as a specimen or for group planting in parks.
Type # 56. Tecomella Undulata (Bignoniaceae):
It is native of India. It is a dwarf tree with bushy appearance. Flowers are large, bell shaped of crimson colour which are produced in April and continue upto July-August. It is suitable for small parks.
Type # 57. Tectona Grandis (Verbenaceae):
It is native of Indo-Burma region and commonly called as Sagwan or teak. It is a tall, quick growing tree. Bark is light grey in colour which peels off easily in longitudinal flakes. Leaves are large, green in colour, rough above and light yellow underneath. White small flowers appear in March-April. It is generally propagated through seeds. It is a timber tree and the wood is in great demand for furniture industry. It can be planted on boundary and alongside roads.
Type # 58. Terminalia Arjuna (Combretaceae):
It is native of India and Sri Lanka and is commonly called as Arjun tree. It is an evergreen, tall tree making columnar growth. Bark is whitish or pinkish grey. Leaves are opposite and oblong-elliptic which are shed in March-April and again appear in the month of May. Flowers are yellow in colour which appear in May and continue upto July. Fruits are five winged. It is propagated through seeds. Trees are suitable for roadside plantation and in groups for shade.
Type # 59. Terminalia Catappa (Combretaceae):
It is native of India and is commonly called as Badam or Indian almond. It is a tall tree with columnar habit of growth. Bark is greyish brown. Leaves are small, rough and turn red in February and September. White flowers appear in May. It is propagated through seeds. It is suitable for group planting and as avenue tree.
Type # 60. Terminalia Belerica (Combretaceae):
It is also native of India and Sri Lanka and is commonly called as Bahera. It is suitable for roadside plantation and fruits are used for medicinal purposes in the Ayurvedic system.
Type # 61. Thespesia Populnea (Malvaceae):
It is native of India and is commonly called as Pahari Pipal. It is medium in height with round crown. Bark is light grey in colour with long fissures. Leaves are cordate in shape and shining. Flowers are of yellow colour changing to cinnamon red which appear round the year. It can be easily propagated through seeds. It is suitable for roadside planting.
