Summer in India heralds among other things these dainty orange flowers which replace the leafy canopy of the tree and make it appear to be a torch of glory - Gulmohar or May flowers rightly called Flame of the forest delight the heart and soul with its vibrant presence! Many roads and avenues have been planted with these trees by our forefathers so that it may provide a feast for the eyes and senses. I understand the many avenues in Bangalore lined with these trees though I have not had the fortune to see it. Just as the Japanese have cherry blossom viewing we in India should have a gulmohar viewing as a tourist attraction!
Children love to pick up the sepals of these flowers and use it as false nail or should we say green claws. The pods of the flower in dropping from the tree in course of time provide another toy in the form of a sword for wild battles that turn them into kings and princes! Simple pleasures given by God to us. let us enjoy and not lose them in the altar of urbanisation and industrialisation! Let us replant those trees which have been vandalised by various agencies!
