IN HIS NEW BOOK, BOTANIST S NATESH TELLS THE STORIES OF 75 MAJESTIC TREES, DRAWING FROM THEIR HISTORY, MYTHOLOGY, SCIENCE AND CULTURE, WITH MOODY ILLUSTRATIONS BY SAGAR BHOWMICK.

The dictionary defi nes the word icon as “something that is a well-known example of its type, or is widely venerated or admired”.

- DIVYA MISHRA

So what might make something as ubiquitous as a tree "iconic"? According to S Natesh, who is both a botanist and the author of this book, iconic trees are those that "stand out in some remarkable, exceptional and uncommon manner". In Iconic Trees of India (Roli Books), this description encompasses both the biological and cultural significance of 75 such trees.

This 250-page hardback was born out of Natesh's lifelong love of flora. Like anything born of love, it delights in meandering explorations, but presents them, as befits a scientist, in a well-organized format that makes it easy to both read and refer to. The book is divided into two main sections, with the introduction providing the framework in which the rest of the book should be read. The second section is where you can almost hear Natesh crack his knuckles, roll up his sleeves, and get down to unpacking the myths, mysteries and undeniable magic of some of India's most iconic trees.