Rain Trees are saviours in summer-scorched Shidlaghatta

The avenues provide the much-needed shade against the scorching summer heat.
The road is one of the busy areas of the town as many streets vendors sell all the goods required daily by the people.

Tropical Rain Tree or Woman’s Tongue Tree, a native of South America and known as Baage in Kannada is a virtual life saver on the avenue. Though they number just 11 on either side of the road, the shade provided by them is priceless.

Background

The trees date back to the time of Mysore rulers, when they started the construction of a railway station in Shidlaghatta after the arrival of a train in the town for the first time.
The saplings were planted on the road, then known as railway station road, to provide shade to the rail commuters. The saplings which have now grown into huge trees have stood the test of time though the rule of kings is long gone and trains don’t arrive in Shidlaghatta anymore.

The Rain Trees provide lot of shade and blossom in April every year. The bright red flowers transform into a black slender fruit which is green in colour during initial stages. The leaflets change their position in response to atmospheric conditions.

Leaves open in day-time and full sunshine, forming shade canopy that allows little or no light to penetrate, and limiting desiccation and evaporation.

During night, in dull weather, or during rain, leaflet pairs fold together and leaf stalks droop, allowing any rain to reach ground unhindered.

When the leaflets unfold in the morning the dew collected in them falls down creating artificial rain. It is also one of the reason why it is known as Rain Tree.  Such changes lead residents to believe that the tree sleeps during the night and it should not be disturbed. 

The soft sticky fruit is pounded by children to make their version of cricket ball. Apart from this they are also used as marbles.