Kashmir Chinars

Why in News?

J&K Forest Research Institute (FRI) of J&K Forest Department recently geo-tagged and equipped with QR-code of chinar trees in Kashmir for digital protection and to conserve the rich heritage.

• It is a large deciduous tree with a spreading crown and a long life.
• Scientific Name - Platanus orientalis.
• Chinar is also known as Oriental plane tree, maple tree and locally it is called as Boueen.
• Habitat - It is a distinctive feature of the Kashmir valley and is found all around it.
• Origin - It is believed to have been introduced in Kashmir from Persia.
• Height - It can grow up to 30 meters in height and have a girth of 10 to 15 meters at ground level.
• It takes around 150 years for a Chinar to reach its full size.
• Uniqueness - One of the unique characteristics of this tree is that its leaves change colors.
• During the summer season, the chinar tree’s leaves are deep green. But, as the autumn season sets in, the leaves change color to a beautiful blood-red, amber and yellow.

‘Char Chinar’ is an island on the Dal Lake in Srinagar, gets its name after the Chinar Tree.

• Kashmir is home to the World's Oldest Chinar, which is 647 years old and located in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
• Uses
  • Ornamentation,
  • Leaves, and bark are used as traditional medicine,
  • Used for creating wood products,
  • Twigs and roots can be used as fabric dye.

Reference

New Indian Express | Kashmir Chinars