As spring arrives in Delhi, a quiet transformation takes place. A tree that usually goes unnoticed for most of the year suddenly bursts into a dazzling display of star-shaped white flowers. Meet Chamrod, also known as Datranga (Ehretia laevis), a native marvel that graces the city with its ethereal beauty every March.
This tree, I meet every time I step out for my night walk. I simply love its small pretty flowers a lot. It took me many days to finally identify the real name of these beauties. Every time dear google would come up with a a new name, till I finally found the exact match.
A Tree That Shines Like a Star
Chamrod belongs to the Boraginaceae family, commonly known as the Forget-me-not family. While its botanical name, Ehretia laevis, may not be widely recognized, the tree itself leaves an unforgettable impression when in bloom. For most of the year, it blends into the urban and rural landscapes, but come spring, it transforms into a celestial spectacle, its leafless branches adorned with clusters of tiny white flowers resembling twinkling stars.
A Native Beauty Neglected
Despite its breathtaking bloom, Chamrod remains largely ignored in urban planting schemes. Unlike more commonly planted trees such as Gulmohar and Amaltas, Chamrod thrives in the background, waiting for its moment to shine. Its resilience and ability to grow in diverse conditions make it a strong contender for greater inclusion in afforestation and city beautification projects.
I am in love with these white star-shaped flowers that fill the street in mid-March, every year.
A Cultural and Ecological Treasure
Known by different names across India—Chamror in Hindi, Dhatrang in Marathi, Harandi in Malayalam, and Kalvirasu in Tamil—this tree holds cultural significance in various regions. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Chamrod supports local biodiversity, attracting bees and butterflies during its flowering season.
Time to Celebrate Chamrod
With increasing interest in native flora, it’s time to recognize the Chamrod tree for the natural wonder it is. As it stands in full bloom this March, take a moment to appreciate its understated charm and the delicate white flowers that light up Delhi’s spring. Perhaps, with a little more awareness, this star-studded beauty will finally receive the recognition it deserves.
Common name: Chamror •
Chinese privet
Hindi: चमरोड़ Chamror, दतरँगा Datranga, तमोरिया Tamoriya •
Telugu: Paldattam • Tamil: Kalvirasu • Malayalam: Harandi
Marathi: धतरंग Dhatrang, अजाण वृक्ष Ajaan Vriksh •
Botanical name: Ehretia aspera Family: Boraginaceae (Forget-me-not family)
Chamrod (Ehretia laevis), one of the most beautiful of Delhi’s native trees, has mostly been ignored in the city’s planting scheme. Inconspicuous for the larger part of the year, it is hard to miss when it bursts into small, white star-shaped flowers in mid-March.
Moreover, I’m sharing my #TreeLove with the #Thursday Tree Love blog hop, a photo feature hosted by Parul Thakur. A post to make us aware of the trees around us. Do you love Trees? Do you love knowing more about trees? Explore the trees in your neighborhood and join Tree Love.
Additionally, I am linking this to #SkywatchFriday— a “not for profit, not for awards” fun place to post and link from, where you will find some amazing sky photographs worldwide. You might also like to see my Tree Love in these Tree Posts:
- Did you hug a tree today?
- October Flowers of Parijaat
- Frangipani/ Chafa/ Plumeria
- A beautiful flowering Mango Tree
- The Vivid Gulmohar Tree
- X-mas Tree — That kept me sane in lockdown
Prachi The Tatwa Girl shares stories inspired by the five elements:
- Agni (Fire): Recipes & culinary creations, inspired by Agni’s energy and lifeforce.
- Vayu (Air): Festivals, culture, & traditions, everything around us like beliefs and mythology.
- Aakash (Sky): Travel tales under infinite skies, and my journey experiences.
- Jal (Water): Flowing thoughts & emotions, like water are my flow of thoughts.
- Prithvi (Earth): Eco-friendly living & sustainability, and harmony of our greener planet.
Green Tatwa Talks: Explore sustainable practices & inspiring Green Warriors on my podcast!
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