How to tell if this is a ’heritage’ tree

BNHS gives Mumbaikars a chance to take a heritage walk. But this time around, it's some of the city's historical trees that will be tracked

BNHS gives Mumbaikars a chance to take a heritage walk. But this time around, it's some of the city's historical trees that will be tracked

While there may be very little evidence of legendary Scottish explorer David Livingstone's two journeys to Bombay (1864 and 1865), one proof lies tucked away in a little corner of Rampart Row Street. It is a Mahogany tree, planted by Livingstone during his second visit, while his Nyassa lay anchored by the port.

Today, Dr Ashok Kothari, Honorary Secretary, Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), will lead a group of nature enthusiasts on a three-hour long walk to identify and study 'heritage' trees.

The old Baobab tree in the Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu
Sanghralaya compound

He will start from the Cannonball tree near Churchgate station and end the walk at Rampart Row Street where Livingstone planted the Mahogany tree. Along the way, participants will get to see the three rare Pride of Burma or Trees of Heaven behind the Rajabai Clock Tower, the old Banyan tree near the Bhikha Behram Well, the Chrysophyllum trees near Flora Fountain, Karanj trees near the High Court building, and two different types of Chinese Fan Palm trees (one bears red fruits, and the other green) in the Mumbai University garden.

"This is an initiative for people to realise that Mumbai has many beautiful trees that we are fast losing. In earlier days, every dignitary who visited the city planted a tree. Chou En Lai, Marshall Tito, Krushev, have all planted trees," he says.

The city is, in fact, home to a wide range of trees from different countries. The Portuguese planted saplings native to Africa, Burma, South America, and the Andaman Islands.

Near: Western Railway Building entrance, opposite Churchgate station, 8 am
Fee: Rs 50 for members, Rs 100 for non-members
Registration: On-the-spot

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