COONOOR: Bloom of ‘Spathodea flower’, popularly known as African Tulip or African Tree Tulip which is considered to be the world's most spectacular ornamental flowering tree, has begun to enhance the beauty of autumn charm and colours in Coonoor slopes and is providing a rare visual treat to the tourists.
A ride through the Ooty-NH along the Coonoor- Burliar sector would certainly make one turn towards the bloom of ravishing beauty of the African tulips as the orange-scarlet red flowers in clusters in the tree top tempts one to stop for a while to enjoy its beauty and take pictures. The robust flowering of these African flower beauties looks like as if some jewels are fitted above the tree tops that are glittering with their bright and enchanting colours.
Stating that 'Spathodea bloom' is certainly an autumn gift to the hills, especially in the Coonoor-Burliar slopes, Mr. M. Pragasam, an horticulture expert here, said that the species which is seen in Nilgiris is of western African origin. “This tree is being grown as ornamental avenue trees in Nilgiris though some of them could find their way into the near by jungles in the Coonoor slopes. The conducive agro-climatic conditions in the Katteri-Burliar sector in the Coonoor slopes has made this tree well adaptive to grow in that area and provides visual treat to the visitors,” he noted.
The fairly large bell-shaped flowers with their brilliant colour and robust bloom not only account for its magnificence but entice humming birds and some insects too in good numbers for its rich nectar. This ornamental tree is known to posses some medicinal property as its bark is known for its laxative and anti-septic properties, he added. The bloom which has commenced now would last at least for another couple of months, Mr. Pragasam noted.
