Vandalism at Nandi Hills
Cactus bears the brunt of graffiti by young lovers
Cactus, which is found in Nandi Hills here is one of the few plant varieties that thrives with very little water.
They are largely seen in a dry and barren district like Chikkaballapur. In the border taluk of Bagepalli you can see a variety of cacti. Whether it rains or not, different varieties of cactus grow and thrive despite lack of greenery around.
Cacti come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Their distinctive appearance is a result of adaptations to conserve water in dry and hot environments. In most species, the stem has evolved to become photosynthetic and succulent, while the leaves have evolved into spines. With thorns on them they also make for a good fencing plant.
Graffiti
At Nandi Hills, the large cacti have graffiti written on them by different tourists.
They don’t even spare trees and plants from the ugly habit of inscribing their names.
Using a pin, knife or some sharp item they inscribe their names on the cactus leaves or declare their love or disappointment.
In Nandi Hills, they are grown in not only forest, but also in the garden as an ornamental plant. While some are broad-leafed, others are long in shape. They are in sharp contrast with the delicate flower plants around them.
An official of the horticultural department says that visitors are requested to not harm plants or uproot them, but young people in groups often cause damage to the plants.
