The Colours of Bengaluru-II: Elegance of The Indian Cork Tree

The Orange, The white, The Yellow, and The Purple The White: Elegance of The Indian Cork Tree
‘Draped in nature's elegance, white flowers bloom, embodying grace and beauty’

In contrast to the vibrant and bright colours that crown the arboreal canopy of Bengaluru, there exists a quiet, soothing counterpoint. These are the soft white bloom of the Indian Cork Tree (Millingtonia hortensis). In this series on the colours of Bengaluru, the white is represented by the Indian Cork Tree, also known as tree jasmine, an understated beauty that contrasts with the more flamboyant orange and yellow blooms of its arboreal neighbours. It may lack the passion of orange of the African Tulip, or the vibrancy of the yellow strings of laburnum, but it  exudes an aura of grace and serenity, a soothing presence amidst the bustle of the city.
White, as poets often muse, embodies elegance in its purest form. It combines all colours into one, yet strips them of their heat and passion, leaving behind a quiet, peaceful purity. It has a soft strength, making it the shade of calm contemplation, elevating the landscape with a dignified grace. While bright reds and yellows capture attention with their exuberance, white flowers like those of the Indian Cork Tree invite the viewer to pause, reflect, and simply be.
In the case of Bengaluru, where flamboyant colour abounds, it is the white flowers of this graceful tree that provide moments of soothing tranquillity, offering a contrast to the more striking tones of the landscape. They intersperse the tree canopy with their gentle hue, casting a peaceful spell over those who take a moment to admire them.
The Indian Cork Tree
The Indian Cork Tree is originally from Burma and the Malayan archipelago, though it has adapted wonderfully to Bengaluru's landscape, as elsewhere in Indian peninsula. It is the sole species in the genus Millingtonia, a rather unusual feature in the plant world. It blooms primarily from September to October, offering a seasonal respite from the usual fiery palette of tropical flowers.

The famous Taxonomist Carl Linnaeus The Younger, named this beautiful tree after his inspiration Sir Thomas Millington. The latter epithet, 'hortensia' denoting the species to which the tree belongs, derives from 'hortensis' and 'hortus' which in Latin means related to the garden. The tree is also known as Bignonia suberosa, 'suberosa' derives from 'suberos' which means 'corky' in Latin, explaining the corklike appearance of its trunk as a special characteristic of the tree.
The tree grows tall and straight, with branches that droop slightly under the weight of its trumpet-shaped flowers. These flowers appear in clusters, their delicate white petals standing in stark contrast to the dark green leaves. The tree itself is quite lofty, adding a vertical grace to the landscape, and its fissured bark, which appear like cork and is indeed used for making cork, further sets it apart.
The tree is pollinated by nocturnal insects, which explains why its flowers open fully in the evening, releasing their fragrance into the cool night air. This adds a layer of mystique to the Indian Cork Tree—its beauty, while subtle during the day, truly comes alive under the stars, making it a tree of the night, a silent guardian of the moonlit streets and gardens of Bengaluru.
One of the most enchanting aspects of this tree is how it sheds its flowers during the blooming season, forming a soft carpet on the ground. Walking beneath the Indian Cork Tree when its flowers are in full bloom is a deeply sensory experience. The air is filled with the flowers' sweet, subtle fragrance, and the soft carpet underfoot makes for a memorable stroll. In a busy city like Bengaluru, this quiet moment of natural beauty can feel like a balm to the soul.
Cultural and Historical Connections
The Indian Cork Tree is also deeply entwined with culture, often used in religious ceremonies across South Asia. In India, the flowers are considered sacred and are used in offerings to deities. Their purity and soft fragrance make them a fitting tribute in the temples and homes where daily pujas are held.
In Kannada, the tree is called Akasha Mallige, translating to "sky jasmine," hinting at its ethereal presence in the landscape. The tree has found its way into local folklore and traditions, often symbolizing serenity and divinity. Its delicate flowers and straight, towering structure have inspired reverence among those who hold nature in high regard. The tree is also a popular feature in Indian gardens for both its visual appeal and its sweet fragrance, making it a symbol of quiet beauty.
It is one of those trees that enjoy the distinction of streets and avenues named after them. In Lucknow, Millingtonia Avenue is named after Millingtonia hortensis. 
Literary Mentions
Though not as prominently featured in literature as some other flowering trees, the Indian Cork Tree finds subtle references in regional and classical texts. The beauty of its flowers has often been associated with themes of purity, spiritual elevation, and peace. Its fragrance and moonlit glow evoke sentiments of longing and solace, reminiscent of the melancholic beauty often described in classical Indian poetry.
In some folk songs, especially from Karnataka, the Akasha Mallige is mentioned as a metaphor for beauty that transcends the material world—much like the white flowers themselves, which bloom in the cool of the evening, their essence mingling with the soft breeze, suggesting an otherworldly charm. This tree, in many ways, evokes a sense of connection to the spiritual and natural realms, a bridge between the earthly and the divine.
Ecological Role
Apart from its beauty, the Indian Cork Tree plays an essential role in Bengaluru’s ecosystem. Its tall structure and broad canopy provide shelter for various species of birds, and its fragrant flowers attract bees, moths, and other pollinators, contributing to the rich biodiversity of the area. The tree’s corky bark is also useful in traditional medicine, believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic properties.
Though it loses some of its leaves in winter, the tree is never completely bare, making it a year-round feature in the landscape. Its resilience and adaptive nature make it a symbol of quiet strength—always present, always offering beauty to those who take the time to notice.

Whispers of White
Let me conclude with a short poem that reflects the beauty and tranquillity of the Indian Cork Tree, though inadequately.
Under moon’s soft gaze, the white blooms rise,
Silent whispers of peace in night’s soft skies.
Fragrance floats, in the air so still,
A balm to the heart, a quiet will.
Beneath your branches, the world seems far,
You offer calm where no troubles are.
In your shadow, white petals fall,
Bringing beauty and peace to one and all.
In the cool night breeze, you sway so light,
A quiet sentinel in the cloak of night.
Oh, Cork Tree, white in bloom,
You ease the soul, dispelling gloom.

(Uday Kumar Varma is an IAS officer. Retired as Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting)