7 Popular Deciduous Trees in India | Deciduous Trees List

Native to the sub-tropical regions of India, you can find these fast-growing trees everywhere! Here are some of the popular Deciduous Trees in India!

The term Deciduous, in a botanical sense, refers to a tree that sheds its leaves annually. There are generally two types of deciduous trees. Ones that are present in polar or temperate climates. They shed their leaves in the winter season when photosynthesis slows down. It happens due to the lesser availability of sunlight. On the other hand, the deciduous trees in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world shed their leaves mainly in the dry season. This process of plants, trees, or shrubs losing their parts is known as abscission. It allows them to go dormant and survive through the adverse climatic conditions. Let’s have a look at some popular Deciduous Trees in India.

Check out our article on the most oxygen-producing trees in India here.

Deciduous Trees in India

There are many deciduous trees found in India. Here is a list of some of the most common ones.

1. Neem Tree

Botanical Name: Azadirachta indica

Common Names: Nimbay, Dhanujhada, Limba, Sengumaru, Veppai

Neem is a fast-growing tree with many medicinal uses. These trees are native to the Indian subcontinent and used for shades. They also act as a natural air purifier. They can remove many harmful pollutants like CO2, sulfur oxide, and nitrogen from the air. Although the trees are evergreen in nature, they can shed many of their leaves in severe drought.

2. Banyan Tree

Botanical Name: Ficus benghalensis

Common Names: Badh, Vat, Bargad, Alai

The national tree of India is also deciduous. This tree is native to India and holds significant importance in Jainism as their first Tirthankara, Adinath, attained enlightenment under a vatvriksha. Apart from that, it is worshiped across the country.

3. Peepal Tree

Botanical Name: Ficus religiosa

Common Names: Peepul, Pipal, Bodhi Vriksha, Ashwathama, Pippol, Plaksha, Pimpala, Arayal, Pippalam, Ravichettu, Aralimara, Piplo

You can put these trees in the category of semi-evergreen or deciduous trees. They are large and can grow up to a height of 50- 60 feet. The trees are significantly important in Hinduism and Buddhism. Buddha had achieved his enlightenment under a bodhi tree.

4. Arjuna Tree

Botanical Name: Terminalia arjuna

Common Names: Arjun, Nirmatti, Maiyokpha, Marutu, Tella maddi, Kohda

The tree has a large and dense canopy, which has branches dropping downwards from it. It holds some importance in the Ayurvedic treatment of heart diseases. The tree also has some commercial influence due to its use in the production of tussar silk. The tree is believed to be the favorite tree of Sita; thus, it also has some religious importance.

5. Curry Tree

Botanical Name: Murraya koenigii

Common Names:  Kari Patta, Kudianim, Mitho, Neem kauri, Kari-veppa-chetu, Kadarya, Barsunga, Bogaino, Bookinee

It is one of the most common choices of people for growing in their houses. The tree produces aromatic leaves that are a part of many Indian dishes, mainly in the south Indian cuisine. Apart from their uses in eating, they are also good air-purifying plants.

6. Sal Tree

Botanical Name: Shorea robusta

Common Names:  Salwa, Attam, Venkungiliyam, Karimaruthu, Agnivallabha, Ashvakarna, Rala, Sakhu, Sakher, Asina, Maramaram

Native to India,  it is one of the largest deciduous trees in India. Sal trees hold significant importance in many religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Also, the tree is significant for commercial purposes and is an essential source of hardwood timber in the country. Besides, the leaves of the trees serve as the fodder for the cattle.

7. Gulmohar

Botanical Name: Delonix regia

Common Names: Gulmohar, Krishna Chura, Gentige hoo, Kempu torai

This tree is not native to India but has been widely naturalized in the country.  It is famously grown as an ornamental tree in the tropical parts of the world. The tree is dry deciduous, which means that it sheds its leaves when the dry seasons arrive.