JOIN USA colourfully painted Silk Cotton Tree, at the entrance of Sir M Visvesvaraya Nagar, has become a major crowd puller. But until its recent ‘makeover’ by the Urban Development Authority, it was virtually a non-entity.
Located on the way to Bethamangala, the tree is now adorned with disney characters, after the initiative taken by certain members of the Authority.
Popular haunt
As a result, schoolchildren can be seen spending their time under its leafy foliage, while college students appear from time to time, to have their photographs taken by the tree. Sources at the Authority have also revealed that it is a favourite among morning walkers.
The paint job has given the tree a new lease of life. The Authority has also taken the step of cleaning up the area around the tree.
Beautify
“Plans now exist to beautify the surroundings by planting saplings,” said president of the Development Committee Shivanna.
The tree is estimated to be ten years old, but has been weakened by a parasitic tree nicknamed the ‘Bhajanike Gida.’ As it has now come into favour with the local township, residents fear the the parasitic outgrowth may cause the tree’s collapse and have urged authorities to protect it.
Asian veteran
Silk cotton trees comprise eight species in the genus Bombax, native to the Indian subcontinent, tropical Southeast Asia, northern Australia and tropical Africa.
It is a tall, fast growing deciduous tree that produces open, red, cup-shaped, nectar rich flowers in January to March.
The flowers last for a day and are visited by a variety of bird species seeking abundant nectar. The flowers also constitute foods for some types of birds and animals. The flowering period lasts for about a month. Although known for the shade it offers, the Silk Cotton tree has little practical use. At one time, cotton from the tree was used to make pillows and mattresses. Demand has fallen as the number of mattress-makers have dwindled.