MC appeals to plant only native species

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation recently appealed to plant only indigenous species in the city after Mumbai has witnessed a high number of tree-fall incidents.

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The BMC in its post-cyclone inspection revealed that 70 per cent of 812 trees were non-native species, including Gulmohar, rain tree and royal palm among others.

The BMC warned that native species should not be confused with old trees or trees that are widely present. Over at least three decades, the government has imported exotic species, and new tree species were planted across the city for beautification.

By definition, a “native” plant is living, growing, and reproducing naturally in a particular region. The BMC has prepared a list of 41 native trees that can be planted in Mumbai and are part of the trees in the Konkan belt.

These are Wad, Pimpal, Umber, Kanchan, Kadamba, Gunj, Palas, Nim, Mahogany, Moh, Bahawa, Sag, Arjun, Ain, Kinjal, Sita Ashok, Undal, Nagkeshar, Champa, Shivan, Shirish, Karanj, Bakul, Bell, Taman, Hirda, Behda, Coconut, Amla, Khair, Tetu, Mango, Putranjiva, Wild Almond, Bibba, Parijatak, Rita, Sandalwood, Phanas and Chafa.