During dawn observed a few flowers that are left on the branches where butterflies and bees are flying around. Insects might even check on the orange-red tips of the freshly fallen flowers. Some flowers fall on the leaves nearby, but those which are on the ground might seem like a floral carpet for a passer-by. Does watching flowers create positive influence on beholder’s mind?
The tree that I am mentioning here is generally known as Night-blooming jasmine, which in the local language here is known as ‘Harsingar’. Some call it the tree of sadness or tree of sorrow. For me this one is a tree of gifts. There is also another local name which is ‘Parijat’ which has a cultural and spiritual connection with people in India. Many use these flowers for rituals and offering prayers. It’s also heard that some use parts of this tree for medicinal properties sometimes.
My fascination towards this tree is due to the fact that it is a survivor, and very punctual with its duty of flowering which denotes the change of seasons. Well, trees can understand the change in weather quite well, now this tree is ready to welcome winter by offering flowers on Earth which have just been rejuvenated by the monsoon rains. It’s not easy for this small tree to face the dust storms during summer which sometimes break a few branches. Denuded by the force of the wind, yet this one stands on its ground so far. Later as the time passed on, I found new branches coming out and covering the damaged area.
Occasionaly human intervention causes loss of branches, yet it still offers flowers to them for their convenience. In the age of climate change, trees have been allies for mitigating the crisis that human beings are facing right now. If we take good care of them, they unconditionally bestow their blessings to every creature that depends on them. From birds looking for insects to insects looking for nectar, one tree for all, so well it means it is our duty to look after these native species and support biodiversity around us. Even dry branches from perching spots for dragonflies like the wandering gliders.
As a nature enthusiast, I keep on watching them every season, observing their use and interacting with other species along with weather change as this inspires me to write something new for nature awareness. Why not, the flowers of this tree inspired many famous poets, including Kalidasa. I can only hope right now those trees like these will stay on to inspire successors of humanity and they did for the predecessor. As the pace of civilization has increased, so has the ‘tree blindness’ and nature-deficiency among human beings. Research now indicates spending time with nature provides holistic benefits for humans. What better way it could be by spending some time getting involved in citizen science initiatives for environment. Involvement increases awareness and also initiates actions for conserving nature.
There is a quote attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson that “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” I would say we actually borrowed it from plants. Physiologically, psychologically, economically, culturally and in some cases spiritually we are indebted to diverse species of plants that include these trees. Most importantly the oxygen that we breathe is a gift from them. As it’s free, many take it for granted which is quite an unfortunate habit of humanity. It is not just inspiration that I borrow from these trees; they set examples for various sustainable ideas. Which species can illustrate to human beings the idea of circular economy better than the trees? Trees also are valuable representatives who show interspecies collaboration which creates a symbiotic environment and why it is good for sustainable future.
Each year, new challenges. This year the tree broke down nearly into half after the onslaught of the thunderstorm. Today, flowers bloomed in whatever few branches left. The broken tree also acts as a perching spot for the insects and birds. A new beginning for plant. I look forward to borrowing along with air I breathe, something new from the tree of sorrow, Today and Tomorrow…
Butterfly perching on the night blooming jasmine tree
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