Nelda Foundation

Wattieza is considered one of the earliest known tree-like plants on Earth.

Living around 385 million years ago, it lacked true leaves and seeds, resembling a giant fern.

Its structure helped scientists understand how early plants evolved toward modern trees and forest ecosystems.

Creating shade equity in Indian cities starts with planting trees that offer cooling, air purification, and community benefits across neighborhoods.

Here are 11 trees ideal for shade equity:

• Banyan (Ficus benghalensis) – wide canopy for maximum shade
• Neem (Azadirachta indica) – drought-tolerant and air purifying
• Peepal (Ficus religiosa) – dense shade and oxygen release
• Rain Tree (Samanea saman) – broad umbrella-like cover
• Indian Almond (Terminalia catappa) – layered shade canopy
• Gulmohar (Delonix regia)
• Indian Cork Tree (Millingtonia hortensis)
• Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
• Kadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba)
• Jamun (Syzygium cumini)
• Indian Laburnum (Cassia fistula)

Read blog: https://nelda.org.in/indian-trees-shade-equity/

Every Sunday, small actions create lasting impact. 🌱

Our team gathers to water trees, nurture new life, and care for the land that sustains us. What begins as a simple routine grows into a promise, to protect, restore, and help nature thrive for generations to come.

📍 Hanuman Tekdi, S.B. Road, Pune
⏰ Every Sunday | 7:30 AM

Red Sanders is a slow-growing, endemic tree found in parts of southern India.

Valued for its dense red wood, it plays an important role in dry forest ecosystems.

Due to overexploitation and illegal trade, Red Sanders is now protected and requires strict conservation efforts.

पलाश झाड (Flame of the Forest) हे कोरड्या व अर्धकोरड्या भागात आढळणारे स्थानिक झाड आहे.

याची तेजस्वी लाल-केशरी फुले परागीभवन करणाऱ्या कीटकांसाठी महत्त्वाचा अन्नस्रोत ठरतात.

पलाश मातीची धूप कमी करण्यास मदत करते, जैवविविधता टिकवून ठेवते आणि स्थानिक परिसंस्थेचा समतोल राखण्यात महत्त्वाची भूमिका बजावते.

सौंदर्याबरोबरच पर्यावरणीय मूल्य असलेले हे झाड नैसर्गिक जंगलसंवर्धनाचा एक महत्त्वाचा घटक आहे.