After 35 years of meticulous research, K Sankara Rao, an 85-year-old visiting professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), has unveiled Trees of Bangalore. Published by the Indian Academy of Sciences, this two-volume magnum opus documents over 800 species of trees, shrubs, climbers, palms, and conifers found in the city, often dubbed the “Garden City.”
Rao’s fascination with Bengaluru’s greenery began in his late teens. His book is the first of its kind to comprehensively catalog the city’s flora, providing detailed descriptions, photographs, scientific names, local names, flowering seasons, native ranges, and even the landmarks where these trees thrive. Iconic specimens, like the 400-year-old Dodda Aalada Mara in Tavarekere and the Roseodendron donnell-smithii planted at the cremation site of Nobel laureate C V Raman, also find a special mention.
Beyond documentation, Rao’s work addresses the importance of urban forestry. He critiques missteps in city planning, such as planting unsuitable tree species with hazardous fruits, and offers guidance on selecting trees based on their ecological and aesthetic benefits. His “Greening the City” section advocates for more native species, currently accounting for only 55% of Bengaluru’s tree cover.
For Rao, this journey hasn’t been without challenges—encounters with ants, honeybees, and skeptical residents are etched in his memory. Yet, his passion remains undeterred. “Every tree is special,” he says.
The book, priced at Rs 5,000, is available via [email protected].
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