A century-old shady tree, planted by British settlers at a famous park in Udhagamandalam during the colonial period, was uprooted in heavy winds and rains. According to local historians, the 123-year-old tree, named as Rhopalia Crelata Myrtaceae in scientific parlance, was planted at the famed Sims Park at nearby Coonoor in 1890 by some colonial botanical enthusiasts.
The 150-feet tall tree was brought from Australia and planted by the Britishers in 1890 and was one of the 160 saplings planted from as many countries during different period in the Park, horticultural department sources said. According to Park authorities, a few branches of the tree had fallen during the last seasonal rain but it was being maintained properly. There could have been casualties had the tree fallen during the day time when the park is thronged by tourists in large numbers, park sources added.
The 150-feet tall tree was brought from Australia and planted by the Britishers in 1890 and was one of the 160 saplings planted from as many countries during different period in the Park, horticultural department sources said. According to Park authorities, a few branches of the tree had fallen during the last seasonal rain but it was being maintained properly. There could have been casualties had the tree fallen during the day time when the park is thronged by tourists in large numbers, park sources added.