VIDEOS l Not Bengaluru, But Pune: Cherry Blossom Pink Bloom Stuns Residents With Stunning Views!

When it comes to floral blooms, no city in India can beat Bengaluru. Recently, as spring began, Bengaluru's streets turned hues of pink as cherry blossoms took over the city in full bloom. However, recent videos from Pune have shown that even this city is nothing less than Bengaluru when it comes to floral beauty.

Photos of what is being called the Cherry Blossom Street in Pune's Ravet area recently went viral, captivating Punekars. However, these flowers are not Japanese cherry blossoms. The pale pink blossoms against a blue spring sky are a vision to behold. Nature lovers are admiring the Gliricidia sepium trees in full bloom, resembling the famed sakura.

Interestingly, these Gliricidia sepium trees are currently a blooming headache for the forest department in Pune.

In 2022, the Pune Forest Department cleared as much as 43 hectares of hill slopes. The species (Gliricidia) has slowly degraded the soil on the tekdis, with its acidic leaves preventing other species from growing. Hence, the decision was made to clear it completely.

While Gliricidia’s history dates back to the British Empire, many trees were planted in Pune in 1990.

What is the issue?

These trees, known as gliricidia, are native to South America and are considered invasive in India.

Since they impede the growth of native plant species, many natural species are unable to flourish in gliricidia in Pune.

Botonists recommend that it be phased out gradually to prevent negative effects on the surrounding ecology because its abrupt and complete removal will expose soil that has been buried for years.

In order to promote native tree species, gliricidia should be gradually replaced.