Mother earth adorns herself with different green covers, according to the local characteristics of the land. Umbar, payar, pimpal that emerge even from the minute cracks in the rocks, Karanja, Walunj, Tamhan that stand guards on the streams, or Nimb, Khejadi and Hinganbet that remain green even in the dry lands round the year lend their unique green cover to the location. It is not just the greenery they keep or bring; they are crucial in maintenance of the very cycle of life by connecting the water with vegetation and many such ways. These protectors of life, 'kalpatarus' have to be preserved and protected. This is a heritage we have to perpetuate for ourselves and for the generations to come.
There is something about indigenous trees.
They belong to the land. They tell the story of the cycle of life. They deserve to be preserved. Let us not put Quantity over Quality. Rather than thoughtless plantations, we would do well to plant Trees, bushes and creepers that form a whole responding to the local climatic conditions. Plant a million inappropriate varieties and face the danger of having interfered with the natural system. Plant in tune with nature and enjoy the enriched landscape of Natural resources. It is more important to be appropriate in this regard than just be driven by numbers.
'Nursing the Native trees': A New Tradition
New understanding of the old trees
As we stand witness to the plantations of Glyricidia, Australian Acasia, Cajurina outnumbering the local Kadamb, Saptaparni, or Hedu, in the past few years, we have also become aware of the value of preserving the local trees and the undesirable effects of exotic plants. Everyone is familiar with the example of 'Raanmari' an aggressive bush spreading and usurping the forest areas. Such action of spreading the exotic varieties is many times based in our ignorance of the value of the local varieties. With the increased awareness of this phenomenon, studies of the local varieties, efforts to preserve and nurse them have started. The varieties that grow naturally in our soil, making no additional demands on our water resource or fertilizers, trees of multiple use deserve to be taken seriously and nursed for improved green cover.
Ecological Advantage
Local trees help in maintenance and improvement of natural ecosystems. Once upon a time, streams, hills, rivulets used to be part of our environment. As they have started disappearing at an alarming rate, we have to take timely action to improve local ecosystems. Once native plants are returned to the land, many species of birds, mammals, reptiles and beneficial insects return as well, restoring a vital part of the web of life. Landscaping with natives enriches the soil, decreases water run-off, and filters the pollution caused by fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, they are priceless.
Economic Advantage
Considering the long term utility of the indigenous trees, nursing them is low cost as it involves lower inputs. They may also be looked upon as appreciating assets. Native plants exist as parts of nature, meaning fewer maintenance hassles, therefore demanding less manpower and more free time to enjoy the special beauty these plants provide. Conservation and cultivation of native plants is also conducive to economic sustainability of the land as they possess various characteristics such as medicinal, aromatic, timber, fuel wood etc.
Aesthetic Value
Great biodiversity is the core of our natural surrounding. It has its own charm and attraction. Duranta, Bougainvillea or Crotons attract our attention, but the natural indigenous vegetation offers us a great seasonal variety round the year. The rich world of colour, smell and taste is unfolded for us not only by the trees but by the bushes, the creepers and the grasses too. And because there are local species that thrive in wet, dry, sunny or shady locations, "problem areas" are no problem with local plant species. There is tremendous scope for preserving biodiversity all around.
Education, Entertainment and much more.
Through planned program of preservation of biodiversity, we can easily create opportunities for learning about Nature. We can create habitats and ecosystems as destinations for study tours. Indigenous trees are known as 'Heritage Trees'. The life of our ancestors was intertwined with the trees. Even today one can notice the relatedness of the trees and human life and comprehend the key to healthy life. If we go by default and neglect of the heritage, we would surely end up endangering our own existence.
If you decide to go for planting indigenous trees in your land, you will face many questions. What is the best choice for my plot? What are the criteria for choice? What is the sequence of plantation? What are the economic viability considerations?
IN ORDER TO ANSWER ALL SUCH QUESTIONS AT ONE PLACE,
CONTACT OIKOS.
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