The Indian Subcontinent provides suitable conditions for the growth and development of various kinds of trees in India. Deciduous trees are no exception in this regard. These trees shed their leaves and turn dormant in the winter. Teak Tree, Indian Coral Tree and Indian Beech Tree are the deciduous trees which have been recorded in India. These trees are described below.
Teak Tree
The species name of Teak Tree is T. Grandis. This tree is native to India. A tree named Kannimar, located within the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala is the world`s largest living teak tree. It can be described as a large, deciduous and tropical hardwood tree. This tree has ovate -elliptic to ovate leaves. It has gray to grayish brown branches. The flowers of the tree are white in appearance. It is important to note that the flowers are primarily insect-pollinated, but can occasionally be wind-pollinated. The wood is hard textured. The heartwood has been identified as brownish red in color, which darkens with age. The sapwood of the tree is whitish to pale yellowish brown in appearance and can be separated from the heartwood without any difficulty. Teak is utilized in manufacturing outdoor furniture and boat decks, indoor flooring, etc.
Indian Coral Tree
The botanical name of Indian Coral Tree is Erythrina Variegate. This tree is a highly valued ornamental tree and is regarded as one of the gems of the floral world. This deciduous tree is broad and its length ranges from 60 to 80 ft. Bright crimson flowers in dense terminal clusters are evident on the tree, prior to the growth of leaves in late winter or early spring .The leaves of the tree are compound, with three diamond shaped leaflets. There are curved spines on the long leaf stalks. The beanlike pods are cylindrical and constricted between the reddish brown seeds. The branches have been identified as stout, which are armed with black tiger`s claw spines.
Indian Beech Tree
The botanical name of Indian Beech Tree is Pongamia Pinnata. It is a drought tolerant deciduous tree with soft, shiny burgundy leaves in early summer and glossy, deep green leaves attained on maturity. This tree is adorned with small clusters of flowers of multiple colors like white, purple and pink, throughout the year. Small clusters of these flowers mature into brown seed pods. The flowering months ranges from March to April. The tree has a dense network of lateral roots and its taproot is thick and long. This tree grows fast and attains a height of about 15 to 25 meters.