The Silk Cotton Tree:
The flowers burst open in spring fog,
The tree trunk stands upright under the sky.
Its strong nerve fears no storm
THE TREE IS ALSO KNOWN AS THE SEMAL,
INDIAN KAPOK, OR KAPOK.
BOMBAX CEIBA
RED SILK COTTON TREE
A Spectacular March Bloom
Semal is a deciduous tree that sheds its leaves in winter, preparing to bloom in early spring. By March, its bare branches are adorned with large, cup-shaped flowers that range from deep red to orange hues. The sight of these brilliant blossoms against a clear blue sky is a visual treat, attracting birds, bees, and butterflies in abundance. The flowers have a waxy texture and are filled with nectar, making them a favorite among nectar-seeking species like parrots, mynas, and sunbirds.
Silk cotton Tree –
You march into town
With your entourage,
In a flaming crown
Importance in Ecology and Culture
Semal plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance by supporting pollinators and providing habitat for birds. It is also deeply embedded in Indian folklore and mythology, often symbolizing strength and resilience. Some cultures associate the tree with fertility and protection, and it is even considered sacred in certain traditions.
A Native Guardian of Delhi
As a native tree of Delhi, Semal has long been a part of the city’s natural heritage. Many of the older avenues, parks, and gardens still feature these magnificent trees, their fiery blooms heralding the arrival of spring each year. The tree’s adaptability to urban conditions makes it an excellent choice for city landscaping, offering shade and beauty while supporting biodiversity.
Final Thoughts
The Semal tree is more than just a seasonal spectacle; it is an ecological asset, a cultural emblem, and a source of valuable resources. As cities like Delhi continue to expand, preserving and planting more native trees like Semal is essential to maintaining urban green cover and biodiversity.
Next time you walk through Delhi’s parks or streets in March, take a moment to admire the fiery blossoms of the Semal tree—a true harbinger of spring and a reminder of nature’s grandeur.
Tree Love
Moreover, I’m sharing my #TreeLove with – the #ThursdayTreeLove blog hop, a photo feature hosted by Parul Thakur.
Coupled with this, This is my Love Your Planet “Earth” post and a post to make us aware of the trees around us.
Save trees, nurture, conserve, and preserve the trees around us, and on our planet. Do you love Trees?
Do you love knowing more about trees? Explore the trees in your neighborhood and join Tree Love.
You might also like to see my Love for Trees in these Tree Posts:
- Did you hug a tree today?
- October Flowers of Parijaat
- Chinese Hackberry in Nilgiris
- An old Peepal Tree giving shade to parking cars
- Cypress with all its beauty
- X-mas Tree — That kept me sane in lockdown
Sustainability with Prachi
To add on, read and join the Sustainability with Prachi series and listen to interviews with Eco-conscious people who are trying their bit towards conscious and sustainable living practices only on Green Tatwa Talks. There is so much to learn and explore from all of them I have interacted with, Do listen and drop in your views in the comments. And, if you want to know Environment-related dates Click here.
Being Eco-Friendly is not a choice, make it a habit.
Without a doubt, sustainability is easier than you think. You don’t have to jump in by changing everything, start small to make the changes more eco-friendly, sustainable & a part of your daily life.
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