IFS officer spots African tree in India, its unusual name sparks memories of Delhi’s Sunder Nursery. The trees seeds are loved by rhinos and hippos

In the bustling lanes of Delhi, an unusual African tree has quietly captured attention with its striking maroon blossoms that hang like chandeliers. Known locally as Jhad Fanoos, this botanical marvel has sparked curiosity among nature lovers and historians alike. IFS officer Ramesh Pandey highlighted the tree’s fascinating journey from Africa to India, revealing how it settled in iconic city spaces, including Sunder Nursery, weaving a rich tapestry of history and horticulture.

Ramesh Pandey shared that the tree, also called Balam Kheera or Sausage tree, carries a medieval charm through its colloquial name Jhad Fanoos, which has largely faded from everyday use. The evocative name, referring to its lantern-like flowers, reflects a time when language intertwined with local flora, much like older Urdu and Hindi expressions that have slipped into obscurity. This linguistic nostalgia adds a layer of cultural significance to the tree, making it more than just a botanical curiosity.

The history of Jhad Fanoos in Delhi stretches back to the 1950s, when the construction of the Delhi Zoo led to its widespread planting. The African species, scientifically known as Kigelia africana, was introduced along the zoo’s enclosures, forming part of a deliberate effort to replicate the African landscape for animals like giraffes, zebras, hippos, and Cape buffalo. Today, remnants of these original plantings survive both within the zoo and in the adjoining Sunder Nursery, standing as living relics of the city’s mid-20th-century vision for green spaces.

Internet reacts

Delhi-based endocrinologist Dr. Ambrish Mithal recalls encountering the tree in Sunder Nursery but admits that its unique name had slipped from memory. A user recalled a childhood memory of a village chooran seller who used to promote Balam Kheera with a catchy phrase about its benefits. The IFS confirmed it was indeed the same Balam Kheera, noting its many medicinal uses and that its seeds are particularly valued. While the fruit isn’t edible for humans, it is a favorite among elephants, rhinos, and hippos. Another commenter pointed out that the fruit can outweigh the stem, while others simply expressed admiration for the tree.

The blend of exotic origin, historical placement, and poetic local nomenclature makes Jhad Fanoos a rare intersection of nature, culture, and heritage in the heart of the capital.