Context:
A pall of gloom descended on Kumaradevam gram panchayat, located in the East Godavari district, after the death of the century-old Indian siris tree.
Relevance:
GS III: Environment and Ecology
Indian Siris Tree (Albizia lebbeck)
- Native to India and Southeast Asia, the Indian Siris, or Albizia lebbeck, thrives in warm, humid climates. It adapts well to various soil types such as clay, loam, and sandy soils.
Key Characteristics
- Structure: The tree reaches heights between 15-20 meters and features a broad, umbrella-like canopy. It has a notably straight trunk, up to 1 meter in diameter.
- Foliage and Blooms: Leaves are green, fern-like, extending up to 25 cm, contributing to its dense and spreading branches. It blooms with clusters of small, white, fragrant flowers.
Ecological Contributions
- Indian Siris plays a crucial role in enriching soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, thus supporting surrounding plant life.
- Its extensive, shallow root system is excellent for soil binding, making it an effective tool against soil erosion and aiding in land conservation efforts.
-Source: The Hindu
