Have you ever noticed how green and lively Indian roadside can be? Whether you are driving on a busy city street, a quite village road or a long high way, you will always find trees and plants growing along the ways.
But have you ever stopped to think about what those plants are or why they are there? Most of us just pass by without giving them a second thought. But believe it or not these roadside plants are not just for decoration. They play a big role in keeping our environment clean, providing shade, reducing dust, and even offering medicinal benefits.
And you know many of these trees are very tough. They survive extreme heat, pollutions and most of the times without care. Some trees like Neem, Peepal are famous for their healing abilities where as others like Gulmohar and Bougainvillea add a pop of colour to the surroundings.
So now let’s check out the top 10 Most Common Roadside Plants in India.
1. Neem
The first tree in our list is Neem. It is one of the most common trees found along Indian roads. It is known for its strong medicinal properties and it is widely used in Ayurveda. The tree has small green leaves with a bitter taste and is often planted in cities and villages to help purify the air. What is more important that it requires very less water to survive making it an ideal choice for road side. It is also a natural insect repellent which is why it is often seen near homes and public places. Apart from being a shade giving tree its twigs are traditionally used as toothbrushes in many rural areas.
2. Peepal
Peepal is a sacred tree in India and is often found or planted near temples, along roads and in parks. It has large heart shaped leaves that move gently in the wind making a soft, pleasant sound. It has a great ability to absorb large amount of Carbon dioxide making it a natural air purifier. Many people believe that sitting under Peepal tree brings peace and wisdom. It grows quickly and can survive hundreds of years which is why it is common to see these tress along roadsides.
3. Gulmohar
It is one of the most eye catching trees found on Indian roads. During the summer its branches get covered with bright red and orange flowers making it look stunning. It is often planted in cities and towns for its beauty and its ability to provide shades. The tree grows fast and adapts well in tropical climate. Even though it sheds its leaves in winter, its vibrant flowers make it a favourite among nature lovers.
4. Banyan
The Banyan tree is one of the largest and most common trees in India. Many people rest under Banyan trees, especially in villages where they provide much needed shade during the hot summer months. It has thick aerial roots that hang from its branches giving it a big and impressive look. Like Peepal this tree is also considered very sacred in Hindu culture. It can live for centuries and spread across large areas making it an important part of Indian roadside greenery.
5. Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is a fast growing flowering plant commonly found along highways, walls and fences. It comes in various colours including pink, purple, red and white. This pant is popular because it needs very little water and can survive in very harsh conditions. Many urban areas use this tree for decorating purposes as its flowers bloom throughout the year.
6. Jamun Tree
The Jamun tree is a common roadside tree in India, known for its lush green leaves and delicious dark purple fruits. If you have ever walked under a Jamun tree during the fruiting season you might have noticed fallen Jamuns on the ground. This tree is not just about tasty fruits it also provides shades making it perfect choice for roadside. Jamun trees are also known for their health benefits. The fruit is rich in vitamins and often used in Ayurved to control diabetes. This tree requires very little maintenance or care as it can grow in different climates.
7. Mango Tree
The mango tree is another most common tree that is found in Indian road side. It grows tall with a wide dense canopy that provides excellent shade which makes it favourite resting spot for travelers, animals and birds. During summer the tree produces mangoes (the king of fruits) one of the most loved fruits in India. From juicy Alphonsos to Langras different variety of mangoes come from this tree.
Apart from the fruits , the mango tree also has strong wood which is used in furniture and constructions.
8. Ashoka
The Ashoka tree is another popular roadside plant known for its elegant appearance. It has long slender leaves and blooms with beautiful orange red flowers. Many parks, gardens, and rod dividers have Ashoka trees because they enhance the beauty of surroundings. Apart from being an ornamental tree, Ashoka has medicinal properties and is often used in Ayurvedic treatments. It can tolerate different weather conditions, making it a suitable tree for roadside plantations.
9. Karanj
Karanj is a lesser known but highly useful tree found along Indian roads. It has dense green leaves and is planted mainly for its ability to control soil erosion. It’s seeds are used to produce bio diesel which makes it important for the environment.
10. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus trees are tall and have a distinct aroma. They are widely planted in highways and large open areas as they grow quickly and provide good timber. The strong scents of Eucalyptus leaves are known to keep the mosquitoes and pests away. They are sometimes criticized for reducing soil fertility due to their high water consumption.
Conclusion
Roadside plants in India are more than just part of the scenery. They help in purifying the air, providing shades and preventing soil erosions.
