Trees That Change Colors with Seasons in India

When we think of trees turning color, we tend to think of other places–the reds of autumn in New England or the yellows of the maple in Japan or the golden autumn scenes in Europe.

However, very few people know that several color changing trees also belong to India, which has so many different geographies and climates.

In the Himalayan woodlands, and on the campuses of the southern universities, India is enjoying its own seasonal magic when the trees are dropping off their green mantles, and showing bursts of red, yellow, orange, and even purple.

The change here is a bit less pronounced than in temperate nations, but since some foliage trees that change color are present, the beauty of Indian biodiversity is revealed.

Cities tend to ignore this seasonal show as trees in blossom capture the attention. However, when you pass by some gardens, campuses or hilly slopes during the right season of the year, you will find the leaves shimmering like lanterns in the sunlight.

These changing colors not only make us happy but also show us once again how seasons have a beat and that even in the most busy cities, nature is still storytelling in colors.

The Science Behind Colorful Leaves

So why do trees change color in the first place? The solution is in the domain of plant chemistry and season cycles.

All leaves are usually green due to chlorophyll, which is the pigment involved in photosynthesis. With changing seasons, particularly the cold seasons or dry seasons in India, the production of chlorophyll reduces. The other pigments take the stage with less green covering them.

• Carotenoids produce pleasant yellow and orange colors such as those observed in Gulmohar trees in fall.
  
• Anthocyanins cause the reds and purples, as in some Himalayan tree foliage.
  
• Tannins provide brownish colors which mark the last stages before the fall of leaves.
  

These transitions are not always precipitated by a cold autumn, as in the West, in India. Rather, monsoon leave, dry winter, and changes in temperature tend to signal trees to enter dormancy.

That is why there are campuses in India with bright red or orange leaves even during other seasons besides autumn in the West.

Learning this science makes us value the fact that trees that change their color with the seasons are not mere objects of beauty- but living labs of the survival techniques.

Trees That Put On a Seasonal Show

India does not have an unending maple forest, but it has a stunning array of color changing trees. The following are some of the most noticeable:

1. Erythrina variegata, Indian Coral Tree.

This tree grows in coastal areas and in cities such as Chennai, and it flowers in scarlet during spring, but soon the leaves turn golden brown and drop off. It is a visual delight because of the dual play of colors.

2. Flame of the Forest (butea monosperma)

The Palash or Flame of the Forest was native to central India, and, as the name suggests, it is a forest. Its leaves drop off in the dry season and it bursts out into blazing orange flowers in a forest that seems on fire.

3. Gulmohar (Delonix regia)

A household name in the cities of India, Gulmohar is admired because of its summer flowers. But even its foliage is changing colour, turning yellow-brown during the course of the season. Its massive canopy makes whole streets with spring and fall flowers.

4. Cassia fistula (indian laburnum)

This tree is also known as Amaltas; it produces golden showers during summer. Its foliage may turn to lighter yellowish-green hues before flowering, providing the foliage with an overlay of color change with the season.

5. Silver oak (Grevillea robusta)

Silver Oak is commonly cultivated in South India, on coffee estates in particular, where its leaves gradually turn tones of silver-leaf green beneath the darker greens, and then warm-brown before falling.

6. Maple Himachal and Kashmir (Acer species) Maple Varieties.

In some Himalayan areas, the imported maples grow. When they turn into crimson, orange, and yellow, they compete with autumn trees that India does not normally have, which attracts tourists at the time of the year.

7. Sal Tree (Shorea robusta)

Sal trees are semi-deciduous, found in the central and eastern part of India and show reddish-brown coloration of their foliage at the change of seasons and especially in early summer.

8. Peepal (Ficus religiosa)

Peepal trees are evergreen but drop off in March-April and in the process show coppery-red young leaves, which contrast well with older greens.

9. Liquidambar (Sweet Gum Tree)

Sweet Gum trees that have been planted in botanical gardens and in hill stations are not native, but when they are the color trees of choice, they show deep reds and purples.

10. Teak (Tectona grandis)

Teak has a reputation as a source of timber, also providing a spectacle during the dry season as its large leaves turn golden-brown and fall.

The above listed trees that turn color in India demonstrates that both native and imported trees add to the palette of the season and increase the diversity of life and the visual landscape of the population.

Where to Witness Seasonal Tree Colors in India

India has a few amazing locations where one might observe this phenomenon, among others:

Shantiniketan, West Bengal:

The university town of Rabindranath Tagore is well known as the place where India displays its seasonal trees in autumn and spring. Most of Tagore poems were inspired by the red Palash flowers found here.

Kashmir Valley:

Maple-lined streets and Chinar trees tint the area with wonderful autumn colours, which attract tourists and photographers.

Bengaluru:

Bengaluru is the Garden City and the campuses such as the Indian Institute of Science and Cubbon Park contain a range of foliage trees that experience spectacular changes in summer and monsoon season.

Pune:

Gulmohar and Laburnum can be found growing in university campuses and in public gardens in Pune, providing color displays year after year.

Delhi Ridge/Lodhi Gardens:

Amaltas and Peepal trees make transitions that are seasonal, even in the capital.

People tend to think of autumn trees India and refer to Kashmir however even in metro cities there are always some spots where the beauty of the season hides.

Why These Trees Are Great for Landscaping

City residents surrounded by concrete scenery are relieved with changing leaves trees that soothe the eyes and soul. Their changing of seasons has several functions:

• Aesthetic Appeal: The entire neighborhoods are transformed into colorful landscapes by the presence of Streets with Gulmohar or Amaltas.
  
• Biodiversity Boost: Seasonal leaf shedding and flowering encourages pollinators, seed dispersers and soil enrichment.
  
• Shading: Foliage trees are the natural air-conditioners which make urban settlements cooler.
  
• Cultural Identity: The Palash and Chinar trees can be found throughout the literature, art and local traditions, and they are a source of regional pride.
  

Landscape architects are now advising the use of color trees to landscape and increase urban well being, as this is seen to be more pleasing to the eye.

The Youth Talent Development Society (YTDS) has gone ahead and initiated campaigns that urge city planners to use foliage trees with a variety of seasons in new developments to combine beauty and ecology.

Seasonal Trees Need Care

Trees, like all other living creatures, which pass through a cycle of seasons, require careful attention:

• Planting time: Foliage trees are best planted during monsoon months to ensure good roots are developed.
  
• Watering: Mature trees do not require water frequently; however, young saplings require water frequently, particularly during dry months.
  
• Pruning: Pruning will promote healthy growth as well as avoid the breaking of weak branches due to seasonal stress.
  
• Composting: Organic matter used replenishes nutrients lost when there was a loss of leaves.
  
• Climate Contribution: Not every color changing tree India produces will be successful throughout the country. As an example, maples grow in the Himalayan weather and not in the heat of Delhi.

City gardeners and university planners should keep in mind that as much as these trees offer us breathtaking views, they also need care and attention during seasons.

Conclusion

The sceneries in India are not inert–they breathe, change and continue to amaze us. The color changing trees India is a testament that our biodiversity is a magic secret as fall in foreign country.

Seasonal trees India keep reminding us of the stages, rhythms, and beauty of life, with Palash forests flaming like embers, or Peepal leaves shining like copper in spring.

When the question comes to the reader as to which trees change leaf color in India, the answer is not only multi-faceted but also inspiring.

Planting and protecting such species is not only an ecologically responsible thing to do but also an opportunity to rediscover the color of our seasons.

The artists of these trees are the people of the cities that are full of concrete and pollution, and they paint reminders of power and re-birth.

Whether it is the next time you pass a Gulmohar in the act of shedding its bloodlike flowers, or you are observing fresh copper leaves growing upon a Peepal, do stop and allow yourself to be caught up in this art.

Better still, plant one of your own–we move a spring rainbow nearer to our homes and communities with each sapling.