Indigenous trees – An overview

Abstract

Man has been fascinated by nature since time immemorial. In India, trees and plants have been respected with devotion, have been affectionately touched and almost treated as members of family. Large numbers of plants, considered sacred in India, are called the Bodhi trees, as certain sages received enlightenment under them. The conservation of plants by worshiping them was very likely an important factor in making them sacred. Plants are repeatedly mentioned in connection with customs, traditions and beliefs. In fact, in India, no ceremony is complete without sacred plant being used. Nature has gifted man with trees for his sustainable livelihood. Trees provide them with food, fuel, shelter, drugs, material like paper for industry, protect from environmental hazards like pollution and soil erosion, and provide a comfortable microclimate apart from beautifying the environment.