7 common species of trees in Bengaluru🌳🌴

We all can agree on the fact we have experienced a positive effect on our minds that helps us relieve our stress when we are surrounded by lush green trees. Trees that bear flowers or/and fruit will attract birds and butterflies. Not only does the tree contribute to cleaner water, air but also helps to preserve our natural resources.

1. Honge:

A native tree of Bengaluru, which is prominently seen on the roadsides and grows well. This tree can grow up to 80 feet in height. The seeds are used to produce oil. The oil extracted is then used to light lamps, In the making of natural soaps and also as bio-diesel.

Scientific name: Millettia pinnata

Photo Credit: L. Shyamal

2. Indian Almond:

This tree is widely planted in and around Bengaluru, mainly as an ornamental tree. Popularly, known as ‘Kadu Badami’ in Kannada, is a native all the way from Malaysia. The flowers are small which blooms on spikes at end of the branches. The leaves of an Indian Almond tree are a favorite food for silkworms.

Scientific name: Terminalia catappa

Photo Credit: Pankaj Oudhia

3. Neem:

Neem — also known as ‘Bevu’ in Kannada — is a fast-growing tree which can reach to a height of 15 -20 meters in its lifespan. In Bengaluru, we find Neem tree growing almost everywhere. Neem is sacred and also respected because of its ability to cure a variety of diseases.

Scientific name: Azadirachta indica

Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr

4. Peepal:

Also known as ‘Bodhi’ tree is worshiped by Hindus. Peepal is a deciduous tree that grows to a height of 100 feet. Not just for Hindus, the tree is sacred to Jains and Buddhists. It is believed that Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under this tree, people ought to feel a sense of alacrity or calmness when they spend some time under it.

Photo Credit: Hélène Thiollet

Scientific name: Ficus religiosa

5. Tamarind:

The tree which is referred to as the ‘home of the ghosts’ is also known as ‘Indian date’. The tree grows to a height of 60 feet with huge trunk and branches, commonly seen at parks because it provides shade. Tamarind–‘Hunse’ in Kannada — is an ingredient available in the kitchen as it is rich in sugar, vitamin B, and calcium and also used in traditional medicine.

Photo Credit: Pankaj Oudhia

Scientific name: Tamarindus indica

6. Athi Mara:

Commonly known as the Fig tree is a sacred tree for Hindus and Buddhists. In Buddhism, the flower of this tree is believed to bloom every 3,000 years, which symbolizes events like Lord Buddha attaining enlightenment. Athi Mara is among the richest plant sources of calcium and fiber and has been used in Ayurveda to treat Photo Credit: Denis Bastianelli various disorders.

Scientific name: Ficus carica

7. Mango tree:

A person's childhood isn't complete if he/she hasn't had a mango from their backyard in the hot summers. Mango trees grow big — up to a height of 35 to 40 meters — and give shade and shelter to animals and a variety of birds. For almost all the festivals in India, the markets are filled with Mango leaves to decorate house as they are holy. Mangoes are rich in fiber and vitamin A but low in calories and Photo Credit: Denis Bastianelli sodium. It also helps boost the immune system.

Scientific name: Mangifera indica