Shrikant Ingalhalikar
Published: 2023-04-03
Total Pages: 249
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Pune is proudly located in the hot-spot habitat for biodiversity within the Western Ghats of India. It forms an interface between the rich Western Ghats and the dry Deccan Plateau of the east. The unique location offers Pune a diversity of habitats from semi-evergreen forests, deciduous forests, river banks to the arid thorn shrubberies. The urban hill forests enclosed within are fondly preserved by Puneites. Some British era gardens have tree species brought in from all over the world. Pune’s wealth of trees may not compare with capitals like Delhi and Bangalore, but citizens’ love for trees is certainly comparable. Many tree loving travelers have been bringing home the fascinating exotics from all over the world. The new preference of the ‘natives’ has been inviting a lot of lesser known wild species into the city gardens. The tree flora of Pune metropolitan region has over 500 species, a count that none of the Indian metros have recorded. The spectrum of species includes forest trees, exotic ornamental trees, palms, conifers, bamboos and cycads. Species are arranged as per habit groups, leaf types and characters. Species page includes photographs of leaves, flowers and fruits. Brief descriptions and phenology of flowers and leaves is given graphically. The origin and abundance is also given. A section of classified lists enumerates tree species in wild areas, gardens and avenues. Locations are given for nearly 200 rare species and 20 heritage trees. The hard copies of this popular field guide unfortunately could not be reprinted. However this ebook will once again become the pocket companion of students, landscapers, urban planners and amateur tree lovers.