Under the Gulmohar tree

The Gulmohar tree and the golden Laburnum (Amaltas) tree are both my favourites. Both dot the landscape of Delhi.

One has striking red or orange flowers while the other has golden shower like blooms that are delightful. However the one that is close to my heart is the Gulmohar.

I have been acquainted with the Gulmohar since my early childhood. I noticed the Laburnum only after it began to be planted along the avenues in Delhi.

I first read about the Gulmohar in my primary school Science text book. Later on, in college, I learnt more about it. Its Botanical name is Delonix regia. It is also called Royal Poinciana.

It flowers in the summer – from March to May and sometimes till August. It belongs to the family Fabaceae – the same family as peas and beans. It is a deciduous tree and sheds its leaves in November.

It is grown in many tropical countries because of its ornamental value. It is also called ‘Flame tree’ or ‘Fire tree’ because of the bright shades of its flowers.

The flowers have five spoon shaped petals. Four of them are scarlet or orange while the fifth one is basically white with spatters of yellow and red.

Whenever I see a Gulmohar tree I am reminded of that one particular tree from my childhood. Memories of fun, frolic, cousins, great grand-parents, other relatives and those wonderful carefree days are brought back to me.

Under the Gulmohar tree — By Ferhan Perdana via Flicker under Creative Commons Licence 2.0

The Gulmohar tree in my childhood

Great – grandfather’s house in Secunderabad (now Telengana) was where I spent my early childhood. It was located in the cantonment area and was just opposite the Parade Maidan.

In the plot adjacent to the house was an elite tailoring house. It was called John Burtons – a legacy of the British. A beautiful Gul Mohar tree grew in its grounds.

It had its roots and trunk in that compound but its branches leaned towards our space. It seemed to be saying “I rightfully belong to John Burtons but I like being with you all.”

Indeed my sister, my cousins and I were captivated by the tree. Many of our summer games were played under its canopy. The shade it cast was so soothing, so inviting.

Often we played games of our own invention. We would collect all the lime green buds of the tree that had fallen down. Then we would form two opposing groups and have a proper war. The buds were the missiles aimed at the enemy.

Whenever it was breezy or windy we had fun catching the fern like leaves and the petals that fluttered down. Looking up at the blue sky through the foliage was fun. The clouds sailing by looked like ships. After a heavy shower the ground would be covered by a carpet of red flowers.

When in bloom our Gul Mohar tree was visible for miles around because of its vibrant colours. There were no tall buildings or trees to block the view. It was exciting to spot it from afar.

It was a silent witness to all our activities and cheer leader to each one passing by. It seemed to be always beckoning, never cross. On our train journeys I always found country stations with Gul Mohar trees attractive because of the brilliant colours and the restful shade.

Every year from November to March its branches were bare and gaunt. Come summer, the tree looked flamboyant with an abundance of glorious blooms and lush foliage.

It transformed itself into a magical world brimming with life. Squirrels darted about, trilling loudly. Birds tweeted sweetly and hopped upon branches. There came black crows wanting a rest, brown mynahs seeking insects, green parrots, sweet bulbuls, barbets and the noisy seven sisters.

We children were entertained by these visitors. Sheer happiness filled our hearts. Today I feel so thankful to our dear tree for all those enriching experiences.

Gulmohar-flowers-Being-Rubitah-family-conversations-here — By M-studio via Pixahive

Still an inspiration

Many years later my daughter was asked by her English teacher to write about something in life that inspired her.

She looked out of the window and saw the young Gul Mohar tree in our colony garden. It was in full bloom and looked spectacular. She wrote about that Gul Mohar tree.

Do you know that Finland which scores high in the happiness index has 75% forest?

A tree is our most intimate contact with nature, and nature in general is a stress buster and a rejuvenator. We need trees for our well being. Trees can be more interesting and pleasure giving than man-made toys.

I realize that a tree is the result of the loving care of the soil, the rain and the sun. It is a love story master minded by the One above who cares. It is a great poem to be enjoyed by those who seek and thirst for it.

Cheers for the Gulmohar tree in particular.

Featured image by Sushrut Bhore, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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