Trees @ XLRI

Other names: Cycas circinalis, queen sago, false sago, fern palm

Identification: Like other cycads, the queen sago resembles a palm tree with its featherlike leaves arranged in a rosette that crowns a single trunk. In older specimens some branching may occur, producing very handsome plants with multiple crowns. The dark green pinnate leaves grow to 8 ft (2.4 m) in length with narrow 12 in (30.5 cm) leaflets that curve gracefully downward. New leaves are light green and contrast dramatically with the older foliage.

Description: This is a great plant that is relatively easy to grow and that lends a real sense of the tropics to any environment. Queen sago is readily available for a reasonable price from garden centers and nurseries in frostfree areas of the country. This species is Gymnosperm, dieocious, with male and female reproductive parts on separate plants. In late winter the male and female "cones" emerge from the centers of the plants. Pollen from the male cones fertilizes the female cones. A colorful show results later in the season when female plants produce large orange seeds in a conelike structure located in the center of the rosette of leaves.
Uses: Queen sago is great for entryways and other landscaping. It is especially effective when used as a focal point on a large expanse of lawn.

Where to find in XLRI: Small lawn next to entrance of GH3 hostel
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Useful Links:
http://www.floridata.com/ref/C/cyca_cir.cfm

Labels: queen sago

Other names: Belaiti Siris (Bengali/Hindi), Enal-vakai(Tamil), Plavu (Malayalum), Rain tree, coco tamarind, monkey pod, Samanea saman

Identification: Rain tree is easily recognized by its characteristic umbrella-shaped canopy. When grown in the open, the tree usually reaches 15–25 m (50–80 ft) in height with a canopy diameter wider than the tree is height. The bark of the tree is dark grey in colour and bear horizontal weals. The trunk normally branches quite low down. The green cover remains dotted all over with pink and white colours during the period starting from the month of March to May and also towards the end of the year. Usually only a few flowers can be found during the rest of the year. The flowers of the tree appear like encircled and silken bunches.

Description: It is a very large and spreading type of tree and can very easily be identified. It has a wide shelter of evergreen, soft foliage and also the drafts of pink flowers. Native to North America and has naturalized throughout tropical environment. It is well suited for public areas, parks due to its wide canopy.

Uses: Used as shade tree in various places, including cultivation of other crops. Timber used for various purposes.

Where to find in XLRI: infront of Old Ladies hostel entrance, Huge tree behind cafeteria, behind GH3
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Useful Links:
www.agroforestry.net/tti/Samanea-raintree.pdf
www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Samanea_saman.html
http://www.indianetzone.com/4/the_rain_tree.htm

Labels: rain tree