You step into Lataguri, a place where the forest whispers and the trees stretch their arms like they’ve been standing for centuries. Some of them probably have. It ain’t just any place with greenery; it’s a jungle knit tightly with biodiversity, home to some of the most peculiar, towering, and even medicinal trees. If you’ve been wondering what kind of trees stand guard in this region, get ready—you’re about to know.
1. Sal Trees – The Skeleton of the Jungle
Everywhere you look, you see Sal trees (Shorea robusta) standing like unshakable guardians of the land. These aren’t your flimsy roadside plants—no, these trees are tough, dense, and valuable. Wood from Sal trees? Solid, durable, and one of the most sought-after timber varieties in the region. If you’re sitting on a wooden chair made in Eastern India, chances are it was once part of a Sal tree.
But they don’t just stand pretty. Wild elephants, barking deer, and Indian bison—all rely on the Sal forest for food, shade, and a place to hide when predators lurk. Even the leaves—used to make plates in villages—have a second life long after they fall.
2. Teak – The Tree With a Price Tag
You hear the name Teak (Tectona grandis), you think money. If Sal is the backbone, Teak is the currency of the forest. This wood fetches big bucks for furniture makers, and it laughs in the face of termites. Rot? Not a chance. But here’s the twist—Teak is not native to Lataguri. It was planted decades ago for commercial use, yet somehow, it thrived alongside the wild trees. Nature doesn’t always follow the rules.
Want a solid investment in trees? Teak stands among the most valuable ones here.
3. The Mysterious Chikrasi
Few know about Chikrasi (Chukrasia tabularis), but in Lataguri, it grows wild and untamed. If trees had personalities, this one would be the quiet genius—not famous, but brilliant in its own right. It fights pests, grows faster than most hardwoods, and its reddish-brown timber is prized for making doors and cabinets.
The best part? It helps the ecosystem, because its roots keep the soil rich and full of nutrients. Unlike some trees that suck the land dry, Chikrasi gives back. A true silent contributor.
4. The Medicine Chest – Neem & Arjun Trees
You ever walk in a jungle and suddenly get the feeling like you’re breathing something cleaner? That’s probably because of the Neem trees (Azadirachta indica) scattered around. Bitter leaves, natural insect repellent, and a go-to solution for skin diseases? That’s Neem for you. People here chew on twigs instead of plastic toothbrushes, and guess what? No cavities.
Then, there’s Arjun (Terminalia arjuna). The tree that guards your heart—literally. Arjuna bark powder is an age-old remedy for heart health. If you see someone in Lataguri scraping bark off a tree, don’t be alarmed. They might just be collecting medicine straight from nature.
5. The Scented Wonders – Mahua & Kadam
Mahua (Madhuca indica)—say the name in any tribal village and eyes light up. Not just for its sweet-smelling flowers, but because those flowers get fermented into liquor. That’s right. Mahua wine is the traditional jungle brew, something that’s been around for generations. But don’t be fooled—the tree is more than just a boozy legend. The seeds produce oil, the leaves are fodder for cattle, and the bark? Used in herbal medicines.
Then, there’s Kadam (Neolamarckia cadamba), the tree that poets adore. Rain hits its bright orange flowers, and the whole forest smells like earth after a monsoon. It’s not just about beauty, though—the timber from Kadam is lightweight, perfect for making pulp and paper.
6. The Giants – Banyan & Peepal
Some trees don’t just grow; they expand. That’s Banyan (Ficus benghalensis) for you—roots dropping down like ancient ropes, creating a forest within a forest. You sit under one, and suddenly it feels like time slows down.
And Peepal? That’s where monkeys jump, owls nest, and where some say spirits live. Legends aside, the oxygen these trees pump out is off the charts. Even at night, they keep releasing fresh air, unlike most trees that shut down their production after sunset.
7. Bamboo – The Forest’s Fastest Builder
Technically a grass, but don’t tell Bamboo that. It grows like a tree, spreads like wildfire, and builds houses, bridges, even furniture. Lataguri wouldn’t be the same without its towering Bamboo groves.
Tigers? They sneak through it. Villagers? They harvest it. Even elephants have been caught snacking on the shoots. No waste, no downside—Bamboo is as resourceful as it gets.
Why the Trees Matter More Than Ever
Lataguri’s trees don’t just exist—they shape everything. They house barking deer, shelter hornbills, and keep the air fresher than anything you’d find in a city. But here’s the catch—deforestation is real.
Every tree cut means less cover for wildlife, less rainfall, and one step closer to a world where places like Lataguri become a memory.
So next time you walk these forests, look up. The trees aren’t just standing there. They’re telling you a story.