Know about Indian Laurel Tree that stores water in summers

Andhra Pradesh Forest Department recently conducted an experiment in Papikonda National Park that confirmed the indigenous knowledge of the Konda Reddi tribe. The authorities cut bark from Indian laurel trees (Terminalia tomentosa) and confirmed the tribe's claim that these trees store natural water, particularly during summer.

The tribe shared this knowledge with forest officials during an experiment in Papikonda National Park. The Konda Reddi tribe are a vulnerable tribal group that live in the Godavari region's Papikonda hill range. They told officials that the trees store water that has a strong odor and sour taste during dry summers, The Hindu reported.

During their routine visit to the national park, Rampachodavaram Divisional Forest Officer G.G. Narentheran spearheaded a team conducting the pivotal experiment.

Know about Indian laurel tree

The Indian Silver Oak, also known as the Indian laurel, holds significant commercial value owing to its timber. In a bid to safeguard this valuable species, authorities did not disclose the exact location of the Indian laurel tree.

The ornamental tree provides a dense canopy, smooth light-gray bark, and shiny green lanceolate leaves. The thick foliage it creates serves as an excellent habitat for various bird species, and birds use its small round figs for food.

The Indian Laurel Tree, also known as Asan or Saj, is a deciduous species native to southern and southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It thrives in dry and moist deciduous forests and can grow up to 30 meters tall with a trunk diameter of about 1 meter. The tree is not only known for its water-storing capabilities but also for its commercial value as timber.

Indian Laurel (Ficus microcarpa)

The Indian Laurel belongs to the Fig Family and bears a fruit resembling figs, each containing around 150 seeds. A single large tree can produce up to 100,000 fruits, which are consumed by birds and spread throughout the island.

Indian Laurels, also known as 'strangling figs,' pose a threat to other trees they grow on. They encircle the host tree with their roots, which can eventually cause the host tree to collapse due to the weight. The wide leaf canopy of Indian Laurels can also shade the host tree, hindering its access to sunlight and eventually causing its demise.

Indian Laurel seedlings can sprout in various locations such as walls, roofs, gutters, and sidewalks across the island. As they grow, their root systems can damage buildings and stonework by expanding cracks and adding significant weight, posing a threat to Bermuda's historic buildings and natural environment.

Removing a mature Indian Laurel, which can grow up to 60 feet tall, is a costly process that requires professional assistance. It's best to remove them when they are small and not producing fruit.

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