Green Saviours of the Earth- Tracing the Origins of Heritage Trees

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The world of natural phenomena draws our attention as a source and inspiration. Although learning from nature is not a new concept, but it is a re-emerging approach within a wide range of interests. The study of Indian plants dates back from an early period as 2500 B.C. Various healing properties of plants are mentioned in the Vedas and other Hindu scriptures and hundreds of folklores on the religious, economic, and medicinal uses of Indian plants have had their origin from the writings and teachings of the ancient sages, herbalists, kavirajas, and pandits. Adam and Eve are said to have eaten the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and were exiled from Eden. Bodhi tree, also called Bo tree, according to Buddhist tradition, the specific sacred fig (Ficus religiosa) under which the Buddha sat when he attained Enlightenment (Bodhi) at Bodh Gaya in Bihar, India. The Bodhi Tree ("tree of awakening"), also called the Bodhi Fig Tree or Bo Tree, is a large sacred fig tree (Ficus religiosa) located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India. Siddhartha Gautama, the spiritual teacher who became known as the Buddha, is said to have attained enlightenment or Bodhi circa 500 BCE under it. Trees are the sociological, ecological, economical and communal companion of human beings and animals. They breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen. CO2 is one of the major contributing elements to the greenhouse effect. Trees trap CO2 from the atmosphere and make carbohydrates that are used for plant growth. They give us oxygen in return. Mature trees can absorb roughly 19 Kg of CO2 a year. The tree in turn releases enough oxygen to sustain two human beings. Trees are like the lungs of the planet. Trees also help to reduce ozone levels in urban areas. Trees reduce runoff and erosion by storing water and breaking the force of rain as it falls. Trees also absorb sound and reduce noise pollution. In some cases, a well planted group of trees can reduce noise pollution by up to 10 decibels. Additionally, they provide habitat for birds and other wildlife. Trees absorb odors and pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone) and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark. Trees reduce runoff by breaking rainfall thus allowing the water to flow down. the trunk and into the earth below the tree. This prevents storm water from getting discharge in to the ocean unutilized. When mulched, trees act like a sponge that absorbs and filters this water naturally and uses it to recharge groundwater supplies.

In the intricate tapestry of our planet, trees stand as silent yet powerful witnesses to the passage of time. 'Green Saviours of the Earth' is a journey through the remarkable stories of one hundred distinguished trees.

As an author deeply rooted in the love for nature and the environment, this book embarks on a quest to unveil the hidden narratives and historical significance behind each of these venerable trees.

Our exploration begins with the rich heritage of Tamil Nadu, a land where tradition and nature intertwine seamlessly. From the ancient banyan trees that have witnessed the rise and fall of empires to the sacred peepal trees that have sheltered sages in quiet contemplation, each chapter analyses the unique stories that make these trees irreplaceable custodians of our heritage.

Pondicherry, with its blend of French colonial charm and Indian spirituality, provides a canvas for the narratives of five exceptional trees. These trees, standing as silent sentinels in the botanical garden, hold the secrets of a town that has seen the ebb and flow of history.

The journey then takes us to the tranquil landscapes of Kerala, where the harmony between man and nature is celebrated in every leaf and branch. Here, we encounter a heritage teak tree with roots that run deep, intertwining with the cultural fabric of the region and echoing the tales of generations gone by.

The exploration concludes in Melbourne, a city that proudly boasts its green spaces and commitment to environmental sustainability. Amidst the modern skyline, we discover six heritage trees that have weathered the challenges of urbanization, symbolizing the city's dedication to preserving its natural heritage.