PM Modi presents King Charles with a sapling during meet

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called on King Charles III of the United Kingdom at Sandringham House and gifted the King a sapling

On Thursday, Modi gave the king a sapling of Davidia involucrata ‘Sonoma’, commonly known as the Sonoma dove tree or handkerchief tree - an ornamental plant celebrated for its early and abundant flowering.

Unlike the species form of Davidia involucrata, which often takes 10 to 20 years to bloom, ‘Sonoma’ is a precocious cultivar that typically begins flowering within 2 to 3 years of planting. Its most iconic feature is the pair of large, fluttering white bracts that resemble handkerchiefs or doves suspended from the branches, creating a spectacular visual display in late spring.

“During their time together, His Majesty was given a tree to be planted this Autumn, inspired by the environmental initiative launched by the Prime Minister, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, which encourages people to plant a tree in tribute to their mothers,” the office of the King Charles III posted on X.