A tree that hosted most birds - Acrocarpus fraxinifolius

Post date: Dec 20, 2013 3:40:48 AM

Recently, during the first week of November, we visited southern part of Kodagu (Coorg) district and spent about three days in a comparatively secluded coffee plantation wherein a different kind of homestay is located. The place is spectacular with a chain of verdant rolling hills. It is also very close to Thadiyandamol, said to be highest peak (1750m, asl) of the district. This area being part of Middle Western ghats and having a heavy annual rainfall is rich in montane evergreen forest having an interesting diversity of plants ranging from mosses, ferns, flowering shrubs to tall trees bedecked with orchids. Naturally the bird life and butterflies is abundant.

The South-western monsoon had just ended and the forest was lush green, with many forest streams gurgling down the slopes making the whole place spectacular ad refreshing. Of course the morning was cool with thick mist blanketing the vegetation. This heralded the arrival of winter, quite soon. The fog would lift slowly at about 9.30 am and sun would appear. And yet, even as early as 6.30 or 7 am, the stillness of the forest sky still dark and chilly, would be pierced with shrill resonating shrieks of bird calls. These birds would wake up early and dart from their roosts in search of food. r bringing the welcome warmth and cheer to birdlife and butterflies.

Of all the trees, that thickly covered the hills, one tree drew our attention most by its majesty. It was Acrocarpus fraxinifolius, as species belonging to Caesalpiniaceae. This tree commonly known as Pink Cedar or Shingle tree, and Huntige or Houlige in Kannada and Balanja in Kodava language, is a tall one known to be a native of S. E. Asia, having distribution in India, Myanmar and Java. It is seen in Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu districts in Karnataka. It is a tall tree growing to a height of about 30 -60 m and having a clean bole of nearly 10 m and buttressed base. It stands apart from other trees by its tallness. In India and Africa the tree is planted to provide shade in Coffee plantation. It is not much seen in wild state as it is heavily exploited for its good-quality timber. However in plantations it is often seen in plenty.