Hopes bloom for fading Jalari trees

Nature wonder

Known for the fragrance of their flowers, the Jalaris were found primarily in Bangalore Urban and Bangalore Rural districts. But over the years, unbridled development has put the species in danger. However, some trees are in full bloom now, raising hopes among Bangaloreans.

The Institute for Natural Resources Conservation, Education, Research and Training (INCERT) president A N Yellappa Reddy took a team of journalists on Wednesday to the Kalkere ex situ arboretum where Shorea talura trees are in full bloom.

During the colonial rule, Shorea talura was the main source for lac. Over the years, they were cut recklessly, rendering them endangered, said Reddy, a former secretary of the Forest Department.

Declare it ‘Pride of Bangalore’

Yellappa Reddy demanded that the State government declare Shorea talura trees the ‘Pride of Bangalore’. “The trees beautify the area and their flowers are fragrant. We want to have Jalari saplings in every park in the City. The tree must be declared the ‘Pride of Bangalore’ like the ‘Lagerstroemia flos rigenae’ (queen’s crape-myrtle) which is the ‘Pride of India’,” he said.

The INCERT has agreed to cultivate saplings of Shorea talura and plant them in all parks of Bangalore, including Lalbagh and Cubbon Park.

Ramakrishna Ashrama at Shivanalli near Bannerghatta is setting up a Jalari vana (an exclusive park of Shorea talura trees) in association with non-government organisations.