Nature's Resilience: New Life Beside Lyre tree
Few days back, while I was looking for few plant samples in the Tea Garden, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. The memories of laughter, learning, and growth that once filled these spaces seemed to linger in the air. But amidst the nostalgia, I noticed something remarkable – a young pine sapling, sprouting from the base of a once-majestic tree, now the stump of the tree lying lifeless on the ground. This was no ordinary tree, but the legendary Lyre tree, an emblem of an old residential school and a beloved fixture in the lives of students and teachers alike.
For years, the Lyre tree stood tall, its branches stretching towards the sky like a lyre, earning it its iconic name. It was a gathering spot, a shade provider, and a silent witness to countless moments of joy, discovery, and growth. But, like all things, its time eventually came to an end. The exact reason for its demise remains a mystery, but its passing left a void in the hearts of all who knew it.
As I gazed upon the lifeless tree stump, my eyes were drawn to a tiny, yet vibrant, green shoot emerging from the base of the tree. A young pine sapling, no more than a few inches tall, was growing alongside its deceased predecessor. It was as if the Lyre tree had passed on its legacy, its spirit, to this new generation.
This phenomenon is not uncommon in nature. Trees, especially pines, have the ability to regenerate from seeds or stumps, a process known as “epicormic resprouting.” It’s a testament to the resilience of life, a reminder that even in death, there is always the potential for renewal. However, looking at the sapling I wonder if it’s a seedling of Deodar tree. The tall Deodar which still stands tall in the Tea Garden might have shed seed which found refuge under the old Lyre tree remains. This tiny seed might have survived the harsh weather conditions and other factors. But looking at the site situation it seems, its a natural regeneration and not a plantation. Time will tell whether this young sapling is a Pinus roxburghii or a Cedrus Deodara species.
As I watched the sapling sway gently in the breeze, I couldn’t help but think of the parallels between its growth and the journey of the students who once sat in its shade. Just as the sapling is nourished by the decaying matter of the Lyre tree, so too do we learn and grow from the experiences, wisdom, and legacies of those who have come before us. It’s a poignant reminder that even in the face of loss and change, there is always hope for a brighter future. As the sapling continues to grow, it will one day stand tall, a beacon of resilience and renewal. I hope the young sapling is nursed well.
As I left the school grounds, I felt a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to witness this remarkable display of nature’s resilience. The tree may have fallen, but its legacy will continue to flourish, a symbol of the enduring power of life and growth.
Thank you for reading!!
