There’s this gorgeous friend I want you to meet.
Rooted in land owned by a charitable trust, she is surrounded by a granary, a bakery, a government school, a busy thoroughfare, a storm-water drain, and our four-storeyed apartment. A Tamarind tree grows side by side, many different kinds of climbers adorn her branches often bearing small red fruits, Castor and Milkweed plants and many different grasses jostle in the undergrowth. A little further away, separated by cement and brick walls, are more friends. A Gulmohar, Kanak Champa, an African Tulip, a few Neem, Coconut, Jacaranda and Tabebuia trees in the neighbouring school campus. There’s even a beautiful Peepal that is both a landmark and a melting pot.
The fig tree and other tree-friends in the neighbourhood including the African Tulip across the road in full bloom
In the spring, it is hard to count the number of greens she wears. In the monsoon, soon after the first rains, her lush, bright green against a blue sky is a sight to behold. Dry spells in winter and summer often leave her caked with dust. Her leaves wearing the same gray as her pockmarked-by-lichen trunk and branches.
(L) Old and new greens on the tree, (R) A branch laden with ripe, red fruits
She is well known in the neighbourhood for hosting sweet-smelling feasts. You’re sure to find a beetle, a butterfly, a barbet, a few bees and bats in attendance depending on the time of day. Squirrels scurry up and down, calling and playing games.
(L) The ripe fruits are irresistible – shiny beetles partake in this feast, (R) An Indian sunbeam butterfly on a bright, sunny morning
(L) A Coppersmith Barbet dressed to match the fruiting trees colours, (R) Squirrels often scurry up and down the tree
Birds burst into song from the topmost branches. Visitors of all shapes and sizes, from near and far are welcomed; golden yellow things with wings, tiny shimmering purple jewels, loud guests with red beaks and matching shoulder patches as well as small chattering flocks of rose-coloured friends. A shrill kieeuuu announces the arrival of a casqued pair.
(L) A magpie robin bursts into song perched on the topmost branch, (R) A female Asian Koel gorging on the fruit
(L) A flock of rosy starlings spotted on a winter morning, (R) A pair of Indian Gray Hornbills visit often especially when the tree is fruiting
She is a constant. A witness. To changing seasons and neighbourhood landscapes, to pandemics, lockdowns and return to routines. Mood-lifter after a long, tiring day. Co-traveller in each new day.
This friend, this tree-friend, this banyan fig, who I met when I moved to a new neighbourhood and in whose company, I’ve spent countless hours is who I’d like you to meet.
She is home.
All photos by Roshni Ravi.
About the author: Roshni lives in Bangalore and loves meeting birds and trees in her neighbourhood. Listening to birdsong, getting lost in picture books and taking long walks with her dog give her joy.
