Colours of the rainbow : getting in petals from another world Lisa Monteiro talks to the Moniz family that is working hard to sprinkle yellow, white and pink petals on the roads of Curtorim and other parts of Goa.
What better way to give back to Goa than to keep it green and grow more plants! Igidio Moniz, originally from Curtorim, an agronomist (expert in soil management and field-crop production) now based in Brazil, still has his heart set here and is introducing the 'Ipe' tree to Goa. See [http://www.tropicalhardwoods.com/htm/tropical_hardwoods/ipe.htm] or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabebuia] His idea is 'to add to the landscape of already beautiful Goa'. The Ipe flowers that come in unusual hues of yellow, white and pink will give Curtorim a vibrant look. The seeds of the tree were sent straight from Brazil where the tree is widely found. "A fully-grown Ipe tree can grow upto a whopping ten metres. The trunk of the tree has a width of 40 cms. The branches tend to spread far and wide so there has to be a gap of six metres between each tree. Wood from Ipe is very heavy and of high quality", says Joaquim Moniz, Igidio's brother, based in Mumbai. The wood is resistant to water and is very difficult to cut. It has great durability and can withstand adverse conditions. It will take five to seven years for the tree to bloom. The predictable bloom cycle will last from August to October. The tree will bloom once a year and when it does, exotic flowers will replace all the leaves. Says Igidio's sister Carol, "With this maiden attempt to introduce Ipe, we want to add to the flora and fauna of Goa." How will the family manage the finances and upkeep of the tree? "The plant has to be looked after like a child- watered and treated. We don't expect the municipality to help us, so we'll be coming down from Bombay often to check on the plants. Igidio will help out when he comes to Goa every year. Local MLA Reginaldo Lourenco is supporting us in a big way too and he'll take care of watering the saplings," ensures Carol. With three hundred saplings in the garden of the Moniz family, ready to be planted around Curtorim, Rachol and Raia, it won't be long before Goa's roads are adorned with this vibrant tree. The Moniz family can't wait to see the effervescent colours of the trees brighten up Curtorim. Finally what's the idea or message that they're trying to convey? Carol's husband, Dr Linus Paul states, " We want to express our love for Goa and create a legacy so that it sets a precedent for others also to do it." "We want to germinate this plant and make Goa a beautiful place for future generations". Add Carol and Joaquim in unison. Contact the writer: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
