Trees and woodlands have such amazing, even inspirational and heart warming stories. From old mythological and ancient stories to more modern day ones.

The Pārijāta tree which refers to the Indian coral tree or night-flowering coral jasmine, is also known as the great wish granting tree, which in Hindu mythology surfaced from the primal waters during the churning of the cosmic sea. It is said to have blossomed at the summit of Mount Meru in the center of heavens five paradise gardens. The tree is said to be one of the five trees that adorned Lord Indra's (King of Heaven) garden in Heaven.

Lord Krishna is believed to have stolen the Pārijāta from Indra’s paradise at the behest of his wife, Queen Satyabhama, Krishna had uprooted the pārijāta tree and brought it to Dwarka on earth.

The Pārijāta tree is native to India and in its natural habitat is found growing up to an altitude of 1,500 meters. It adapts well to dry slopes and rocky ground. Because of its fragrant flowers it is cultivated in gardens throughout the country and still exists today.

Modern tales like the Royal Oak tree and the Original Bramley Apple Tree are known to a lot more people and stand to many as beacons of bravery, even success and stand firm in hearts of Britain.

The Royal Oak Tree:

Following his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in September 1651, Charles Stuart (King Charles II) found himself a fugitive. He evaded Cromwell’s troops by hiding in priest-holes in the houses of loyal subjects; disguising himself as a woman; and by climbing an oak tree at Boscobel House in Shropshire. 

The Bramley Apple Tree:

The original Bramley apple tree is in Southwell, Nottinghamshire. This tree created the seed that spawned the Bramley Apple Empire. The first Bramley apple was sold in 1862 and now makes up more than 90 per cent of British orchards. It was knocked down in a storm in 1900 but survived and still bears fruit.

Although there are many stories of so many famous trees across the world, one should also understand that the average tree in a backyard, on the streets and in parks have just as important roles and stories as those in woodlands or any ancient trees.

They each have a story. One specific tree may hold many stories throughout its lifetime. From the carvings of initials of lovers and families. To the home it has provided to various living beings or someone sleeping rough. To the shelter it provided for picnics, from the rain and heat. To being the listening ear of someone who was going through a rough time. 

Trees provide us with so much that we often take them for granted. They protect us and become natural barriers and help prevent flooding and help absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Only they remember the many stories and life they have lived through and how much they have done for us without once complaining about it. Being selfless. Something we can all learn a little of. So isn't it our right and responsibility to protect them and all the goodness and happiness they provide for us?

What is significant about all these various trees from across the world is that, as time changes the stories live on. Many of these trees live on, but for the ones that don't, They soon become a distant memory in history.

Today many trees are either cut down to make space for development and other uses, or they are dying out because they can no longer adapt. At that point, when we are no longer willing to help cultivate them and care for them, or when they are no longer needed and are labelled as obstructions or obstacles, their stories do not matter then. When they, just like everything else loses any value to us they are discarded and fade away in history.