Written by Gopal Narsing Ugle and translated by Alka Gadgil
Do you know why we are experiencing extreme summer? And, why should we be wary of foreign species? Let me elaborate on one of the main reasons for the former.
Eucalyptus was brought from Madagascar, along with it a number of other species like Gulmohor, Acacia, Subabhul-Nilotica, Spathodia-African tulip, Cacia Glirisidiaand and Giri Pushpa, were also brought to India from foreign shores.
Since they have taken root in India, acres and acres of land has turned barren and inarable. Similarly, when we brought wheat from the US, the weeds also came with it. It wrecked havoc in the local ecosystem. We were not able to wipe out the weeds completely.
Consequently, our food chain was impacted. The planting of exotic trees has upset our eco-cycle. As the foreign trees don’t produce pollen birds or bees are not attracted to it. The roots of these trees absorb a lot of water which results in decreasing the level of ground water.
Because of its leaves and shadow, the quality of soil has degraded. The branches of these trees are of no use. Massive tree cutting and the presence of non-native trees have become the bane of the birds and bees.
How Is The Local Flora And Fauna Affected?
Insects, bats, chimpanzees, eagles, vultures and owls, were a common sight till about a few years ago. But, these birds and animals have just disappeared. In all, the pollination and seed propagation by birds has decreased.
Consequently, the food chain which connects insects, birds and bees has weakened. Our cows, buffalos and sheep do not eat leaves, flowers or pods of the trees of foreign species.
Monkeys also do not sit on these trees. So, we lack the knowledge and sensitivity that these trees, plants and animals have. This is really unfortunate. As a result of this, the food chain has broken and many species of birds, animals and trees are disappearing.
The wild animals who are dependent on the plant and animal diversity have no choice but to head to human settlements in search of food. Trees like Gliricidia are so poisonous that even rats and rodents become crippled and die. Humans are not able to breathe properly while walking under these trees.
They emanate poisonous air. The rainfall pattern has also been obstructed due to these trees. Almost 90% of the jungles and nurseries have been filled with the foreign species.
Why Is Planting Exotic Varieties Problematic?
When you burn the leaves of Ficus tree, its smoke results in swelling of the body. These trees don’t have any medicinal value. On the contrary, they are useless and troublesome. People who go for walks in the garden which has a lot of foreign-origin trees, will develop heart problems over a period of time*.
These trees have been planted on a big scale and they have been given very ethnic names like Neelmohor, Kashid, Saptaparni and such like for deluding people. There’s a confusion as to which tree is foreign. It’s simple: the trees on which bird don’t sit or do not nest should be considered exotic trees.
Why should we plant native varieties? There’s a shloka in the “Puranas” which says that those who plant trees like Peepal, Kadunimba (Neem), Imli, Banyan, Bael and Amla (Indian gooseberry), will not go to hell after death.
Leave the overstatement alone, but pay attention to the benefits of planting native trees for they are myriad. Indigenous plants habitually survive longer and do not need much nurturing, as they are harder and more disease resistant.
What Are The Benefits Of Planting Native Varieties?
We have given divine status to trees like Banyan, Peepal and Neem. Banyan is considered sacred in our culture. The native varieties will be in harmony with local ecosystem as it’s an arrangement in which the trees benefit from the surroundings, and all other living beings also benefit from the eco-system.
Such a good soil is suitable for various insects, worms, reptiles, humans, animals and birds. The ecosystem provides shelter for all living beings.
The leaves of the local trees are used for manure. The fertility of the soil is enhanced by the compost made from the leaves of native trees. It also is a great material for garden soil. The trees get their nutrients from the roots and they also go deep down and hold the soil to the ground.
This land is useful to many flies and such a good soil is suitable for various insects, worms and reptiles. This is a composite whole which provides many eco-services to its immediate environment. It increases oxygen level and precipitation.
The cool weather created by the trees helps the clouds and then it starts raining. The falling number of trees has given rise to lengthy summers, delayed monsoon and rise in temperature. Climate change is leading us towards a catastrophe.
What Are Some Native Varieties We Should Plant?
The branches and drums of native trees happen to be shelter of various birds. The bats alone propagate the seeds of around 350 trees such as mango, Chiku, Jambhul, berry, Umbar, Banyan, Moha, custard apple and Ram Phal, among others.
Bats have distinctive patterns of aromatic receptors and they are the first ones to know that the fruit is ripe. Ripe mangoes are first eaten by bats and then the farmer picks these mangoes. The animals and birds understand this, but when will we be awakened?
Listed below are some native varieties of India which have provided us with eco-system. They store carbon, stabilize the soil and have given life to the country’s wild-life.
Pangara (Erythrina), Kanchan (Variegata), Savar (Bomba), Sitaphal (custard apple), Jambhul (Java plum), Kokum, Kadunimba (Neem), Karanj (oil tree), Pongame, Bahawa (casia fistula), Banyan, Peepal, Chincha (tamarind), Apta (bauhinia recemosa), Kanchan (Bauhinia Varigats), Kadamba, Fanas (jackfruit), Avla (Amla), Mango, Kawath (bell), Moha and Palash.
People who plant trees of foreign species need to be stopped, because with these trees there will be a semblance of green cover, but true biodiversity will not be there.
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