VIDEOS | Pune in Full Bloom: Pink Flowers Steal the Spotlight from Bengaluru
VIDEOS | Pune in Full Bloom: Pink Flowers Steal the Spotlight from Bengaluru
Bengaluru has long been renowned for its stunning floral displays, especially during spring when the streets are adorned with vibrant cherry blossoms. However, Pune has recently made its mark in the floral scene, showing that it too can rival Bengaluru in natural beauty. Videos and photos of the “Cherry Blossom Street” in Pune’s Ravet area have gone viral, attracting the attention of locals. The pale pink flowers set against the clear blue spring sky resemble the iconic Japanese cherry blossoms, but they are actually the blooms of the Gliricidia sepium tree.
Despite their beauty, the Gliricidia sepium trees, which are native to South America, have become a concern for Pune’s forest department. Though the species has been present in India since the British era, with many trees planted in Pune in the 1990s, it has gradually caused ecological problems. The leaves of Gliricidia sepium are acidic, which has led to soil degradation on the hill slopes, preventing the growth of other native plant species. In 2022, the Pune Forest Department cleared 43 hectares of land to remove this invasive species, which has been harming local flora.
Botanists suggest a gradual replacement of Gliricidia with native tree species to avoid exposing the soil, which has been covered for years, and to restore the natural balance of the ecosystem. While the trees may continue to bloom beautifully, their ecological impact cannot be overlooked, and efforts are being made to phase them out to ensure the health of the surrounding environment.
