For today’s #GreenSpacesDictionary I pick a few trees that are native to the region. I am using the popular Jambul because it’s commonly planted in Maharashtra for public spaces and there are quite a few Jambul Margs.

Over the last few years, the popular and shade-giving rain trees were attacked by pests that they could no longer resist because is several factors (concrete/pavement design, the temperature rose caused by buildings, etc).

Similarly, there is a thing called Botanical sexism that is supposed to be one of the causes of allergies in cities, because urban forestry is dominated by male trees that coat cities in their pollen. They often don’t plant female trees that can soak up the pollen. The name was coined by Tom Ogren, horticulturalists and author of Allergy-Free Gardening. He was the first to link exacerbated allergies with urban planting policy.

We have a rich set of trees to choose from, including Jamun. Certain trees attract interesting birds and if you like bats, they can be found hanging and feeding on different spots around the city. Sparrows are usually found around a thorny tree which they use to protect themselves from larger birds, etc.

I leave you with a few trees I have come across...

For the greener side of things, check out @mumbaismagic and reimagine our parks, our green spaces, the trees we plant, #BiodiversityByTheBay 

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