Horticulture Dept. to introduce 617 new species in Cubbon and Lalbagh, including endangered ones

After almost three years, the Horticulture Department has decided to introduce more than 617 plant saplings of 255 varieties in Lalbagh and Cubbon Park in the city within two months’ time. In the recent years, this is the highest number of saplings ever introduced in the botanical garden.

In 2022, the department introduced around 450 new species. Officials said that three years time gap is maintained after the introduction of new saplings to ensure that the saplings grow well and occupy the space of fallen trees. Introduction of new species is also to ensure that there is enough diversification in the botanical gardens.

What makes it unique is they have decided to introduce medicinal plants cultivated by the Soliga tribe in B.R. Hills in Chamarajanagar district. According to the officials, these medicinal plants fall in the endangered category in International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

M. Jagadeesh, Joint Director of Horticulture (Parks and Gardens), said, “As a botanical garden, our work involves introducing new species of saplings every year that don’t exist in our garden and are endangered in the State. In 2025, we introduced some 150 saplings of 30 varieties only and in 2024, we introduced 120 of them. This year, we planned for four months to introduce 617 of them. Among these 617, we will be introducing the medicinal plants conserved and grown by the Soliga Tribe in B.R. Hills in Chamarajanagar district.”

Explaining the medicinal plants, he said, “There are seven different species of medicinal plants we are borrowing and 28 of the saplings will be introduced in both Cubbon and Lalbagh. It includes Celtis Tetrandra, also known as Kakkilu Marain Karnataka and used in Siddha medicine to treat indigestion issues. Similarly, Sapindus Emarginatus known as Reetha or Soapnut will be planted. Its fruits, leaves and even tree bark are valuable as they have anti-inflammatory qualities.”

The department has coordinated with G.S. Jayadev who is working closely with Soliga tribes under the Biodiversity Conservation project in B.R. Hills.

Prof. Jayadev said, “We are working with the Soliga tribe and nurturing atleast 150 such endangered species of plants in the hills, Western Ghats and other places. For instance, Makali Beru with scientific name Decalepis hamiltonii is climbing shrub usually found in rocky area and deciduous forests. The roots are aromatic and valued in ayurvedic medicine. It was over exploited by people in and around Chamarajanagar for making pickles and nannari juice. It is expensive as it costs ₹1,000 per kg. A few years ago, the Forest Department officials had captured truck loads of makali beru when smugglers tried to smuggle them. Now the number of Makali Beru has reduced to a large extent though people are cultivating them..”

The department is also introducing other flower variety saplings from four other institutions: Nature India Agro Nursery from Nashik in Maharashtra, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, seedlings from University of Agriculture Sciences in Bengaluru (UAS-B), Indian Institute of Wood Science, and the Forest Department nursery from Agumbe.

Mr. Jagadeesh explained, “Bengaluru receives rainfall in June, July and August and introducing new species of saplings in these months will help them grow into trees and adapt to the climate here. We have allocated a budget of ₹two to three lakh for introduction of saplings in our garden. Abrus Precatorius known as rosary pea, Borassus flabellifer known as doub palm and many such species are being brought from Nashik. Likewise, Aporosa Cardiosperma known as Sarali mara is mostly found in Western Ghats, Humboldtia Vahliana known as Korate flower tree is also endangered tree and many such species are being brought from Kerala. From UAS-B, we are bringing seedlings of trees like Hanuman Phala or Mullu Ramaphala’s scientific name is Annona Muricata which is sweet and sour fruit. It is in the shape of strawberry with spikes on it but tastes like pineapple. Banne Mara or Basavanpada with scientific name Bauhinia Racemosa. Flowers grow in this tree between February and May and it is useful for pollination and bees to collect nectar.”