Seed Stories

“In every seed, there is a forest waiting to be born.”

Meri Mati began with a handful of seeds, scattered by love and carried by the wind. These seeds held stories—of rainforests, of tribal folklore, of birds and bees that once thrived under their canopies. Here, we celebrate each native tree we’ve sown.

Palash – The Flame of the Forest (Butea monosperma)

Palash was one of the first to answer Meri Mati’s call. Its fiery orange blossoms, rising from dry branches, symbolize resilience and rebirth. In Indian mythology, Palash is sacred to the fire god and is often used in rituals. Here, it is a guardian tree—sheltering birds, bees, and butterflies with its vibrant arms.

Sagon – The Silent Strength (Tectona grandis)

Teak, or Sagon, emerges slowly but surely—much like wisdom. Its broad leaves whisper tales of patience, and its wood, once misused by men, now grows freely under the open sky. The seedlings here grow strong and steady, watched over by the sun and rain.

Sona Jhuri – The Eastern Wanderer (Acacia auriculiformis)

Native to Bengal, Sona Jhuri found a home far from its origins. With delicate yellow flowers and feathery leaves, it dances in the wind like music in a forest. It has become a favorite of hummingbirds, sunbirds, and rabbits alike.

Khejri – The Desert’s Gift (Prosopis cineraria)

Though still waiting to rise in Meri Mati, Khejri is the soul of the Thar Desert and is revered in Rajasthan. We sprinkle its seeds and wait with hope—trusting the land to awaken when it’s ready. It reminds us that miracles often take time.

Neem – The Healer of the Soil and Soul (Azadirachta indica)

Standing like an ancient sage, Neem blesses the land with its bitter-sweet wisdom. Its leaves purify, its bark heals, and its presence repels harmful pests without harming the balance of life. Planted across Meri Mati, Neem is both protector and provider—guarding the harmony of the ecosystem.

Amaltas – The Golden Rain (Cassia fistula)

When Amaltas blooms, it feels like the sun itself has showered gold from the sky. In late spring, its cascading yellow flowers drape the branches like garlands, attracting bees, butterflies, and curious children alike. It’s a tree of celebration—gentle and radiant, just like joy should be.

Ber – The Wild Sweetheart (Ziziphus mauritiana)

Thorny yet kind, Ber grows with an untamed spirit. It gives tiny, nourishing fruits for birds and animals while requiring almost nothing in return. It is one of the earliest settlers on degraded lands, and at Meri Mati, it’s a symbol of rough beauty and quiet giving.

Babool – The Thorned Wisdom (Vachellia nilotica)

Though armed with thorns, Babool holds soft secrets—of shade for birds, of gum that heals, of roots that fix nitrogen into the soil. Often misunderstood, it is a friend to the arid land and a humble contributor to biodiversity.

Jamun – The Twilight Fruit (Syzygium cumini)

With its deep purple berries and glossy green leaves, Jamun adds flavor and shade to the monsoon days. Its fruits stain tongues and fingertips, especially of those who climb up for a sweet snack. For animals and children alike, it is the tree of shared laughter.

Siris – The Whispering Shade (Albizia lebbeck)

Locally known as Lebbek or Shirish, this tree is known for its delicate, fragrant blossoms that bloom in secret. When the wind rustles its fine leaves, it sounds like whispers of the forest. In Ayurveda, Siris is a healer; at Meri Mati, it is a giver—of shade, shelter, and serenity.

Arjun – The Warrior of the Riverbanks (Terminalia arjuna)

With its strong trunk and medicinal bark, Arjun is a tree of strength and calm. In mythology, it’s named after the Pandava prince—courageous, silent, and steady. Traditionally found near rivers, at Meri Mati it brings the essence of flowing water to the dry land, improving soil and anchoring the banks of small ponds.

Kachnaar – The Orchid of the Wild (Bauhinia variegata)

Kachnaar blossoms like poetry—with soft pink and white flowers that mimic orchids in spring. Edible buds from this tree have flavored village kitchens for centuries. Birds nest in its branches, and bees hum through its bloom. It’s a celebration of life in transition.

Kadamba – The Dreamer’s Tree (Neolamarckia cadamba)

Myth says that Lord Krishna played his flute under a Kadamba tree. Its golden ball-like flowers carry a sweet, intoxicating fragrance, attracting bees and childhood memories. At Meri Mati, it grows slowly, but its aura is of something ancient, musical, and loving.

Tendu – The Sweet Leaf (Diospyros melanoxylon)

Tendu is known for its leaves, used traditionally to wrap bidis, but there’s more to it—its berries are food for wildlife, and its timber is useful. A quiet tree, it blends into the forest, quietly doing its job. The deer seem to love resting under its dappled shade.

Mahua – The Spirit of the Tribal Heartland (Madhuca longifolia)

Mahua is not just a tree—it is a way of life. Revered by forest-dwelling communities, it offers creamy white flowers that are fermented into a local brew, and seeds that yield rich oil. Its shade is a gathering place, its blossoms a celebration, and its presence a living legacy of sustenance. In Meri Mati, Mahua stands like a grandmother—old, wise, and endlessly giving.

Shisham – The Silent Architect (Dalbergia sissoo)

Strong and dependable, Shisham is the carpenter’s friend. Its wood has built homes and memories across generations. But beyond timber, it offers shade, soil stabilization, and life to countless insects and birds. At Meri Mati, it grows with quiet dignity—rooted deep and standing tall.

Harra – The Keeper of Health (Terminalia chebula)

One of the three sacred fruits of Triphala, Harra is a healer. Its wrinkled fruit is packed with medicinal value, aiding digestion and balance. Its golden-green canopy glows softly at dusk, and its presence in Meri Mati feels like that of a forest doctor—subtle, watchful, and benevolent.

Bahera – The Elder’s Wisdom (Terminalia bellirica)

Bahera completes the sacred trio of Triphala. Its broad leaves and barrel-shaped fruits feed both forest and folk. At Meri Mati, it grows slowly but steadily, promising a future of health for the soil and every being it nurtures.

Kusum – The Quiet Flame (Schleichera oleosa)

Often unnoticed until it bursts into new leaves of fiery red, Kusum is a tree of surprise and resilience. Its seeds provide oil, and its dense foliage offers cover for wildlife. At Meri Mati, it’s like a flickering flame in the forest—low, hidden, but eternally alive.