The Trees of Maadi: More Than Just a Pretty Face
By Kenzy Fahmy
Maadi has always been one of Cairo’s most beautiful neighbourhoods, and while the architecture is definitely a big part of its charm, it’s really the trees that make it so special. From the indigenous trees that have been around since the ancient Egyptians, to exotic trees that were imported from the far reaches of the earth by Mohamed Ali Pasha and Khedive Ismail, Maadi’s natural heritage is diverse and incredibly valuable.
Without its trees creating shade and shelter on every street and in every garden, it just would not be the same, the magic would be gone and Maadi would lose the beauty that we’ve all come to love and cherish. Just take a walk around the neighbourhood in late spring and you’ll see the stunning display of vibrant flowers that fill the streets with colour and the air with wonderful floral scents.
So without further ado, here are just some of the trees that make Maadi so iconic.
Silk Floss Tree – Chorisia Speciosa
Native to South America, the Silk Floss Tree has a unique hollow trunk covered in big, sharp thorns, and beautiful pink flowers when in bloom. Its name comes from the silk-like fibers that flow out of the fruit pods once they open up, and while the fibers are not technically cotton, they’re very similar and can be used as stuffing for pillows; the seeds can even be used to make vegetable oil.
Eucalyptus Tree - Eucalyptus Camaldulensis
While the Eucalyptus tree doesn’t have brightly coloured flowers like many of the others on this list, it is still one of the most beautiful. Known to be extremely resilient and useful, the Eucalytpus was brought to Egypt in the 1800s by Mohamed Ali in order to reinforce and protect the banks of the Nile, especially along the canals (some sources also credit Khedive Ismail for importing the native Australian species). The Eucalyptus can still be found lining Canal Street, the ancient canal now a garden, with the towering trees creating plenty of shade and shelter.
Apple Blossom Tree - Cassia Nodosa
Originating in Southeast Asia, the Pink Shower Tree is a tropical plant that, when in bloom, blankets the streets of Maadi with delicate little light pink flowers and fills the air with its bright floral scent. In Thailand, the auspicious tree is believed to bring luck and success, while in the Philippines, the flower is taken as a symbol of feminine beauty and power.
Mulberry Tree – Morus Rubra
Also known as Toot in Arabic, Mulberries are a favourite here in Egypt and you’ll find the trees all over the country, especially in greener neighbourhoods like Maadi and in agricultural areas. The dark, sweet berries are often collected by children during spring when the tree is fruiting, whatever isn’t eaten by children or animals falls to the ground, staining the streets a dark, reddish-purple.
Mango Tree – Mangifera Indica
Another very popular fruit tree, Mango trees were at one time found in almost every garden in Maadi, many villas still have their now almost 100-year old trees that still bear the delicious fruit every summer. Originally brought in from Sri Lanka by Mohamed Ali Pasha in the early 1800s, Egypt’s mangos have become world-famous and are an essential part of summer for anyone living here. And with so many varieties there is no shortage of choice!
Camphor Tree – Cinnamomum Camphora
These resilient and incredibly useful trees originally come from the Far East, and lined the canals of Egypt along with the Eucalyptus trees, providing structural support, shade and food for birds and other animals. Camphor extracted from the tree can be used as a spice, incense, an insect repellent, and also has medicinal properties.
Jacaranda – Jacaranda Mimosifolia
With fern-like foliage and stunning purple flowers, this is definitely one of Maadi’s most beautiful trees, especially in spring when it’s in full bloom. Like many of the trees on this list, the Jacaranda is also not native to Egypt, but came originally from South America, and although it likes lots of water, it lives quite happily here.
Flame Tree - Royal Poincianas
It’s easy to see where the name ‘Flame Tree’ comes from. The Poinciana’s scarlet-coloured flowers are hard to miss, making the tree look like it’s on fire, and during springtime they turn the entire neighbourhood bright red; it’s quite a sight to behold. The trees are originally native to Madagascar, but over the years they’ve become an instantly recognizable and much-loved feature of Maadi’s natural landscape.
Camel’s Foot (Orchid Tree) - Bauhinia Purpurea
The exotic lilac coloured flowers of the Orchid Tree are another Maadi favourite, and the fact that the tree sheds most of its foliage before blooming only makes them all the more striking. But these aren’t just pretty flowers, apparently they’re edible as well, with medicinal applications that vary from the treatment of wounds, bruises and ulcers, to the treatment of fever and illnesses of the stomach.
Sycamore Tree – Ficus Sycomorus
The Sycamore has a long history in Egypt, going back at least a few thousand years, and was considered extremely important to the ancient Egyptians because of its many uses and its association with Nut, Isis and Hathor. Unfortunately, the Sycamore is now under threat of extinction because the wasp that was responsible for its propagation has now disappeared; it’s up to us now to help the trees reproduce.
Saving our Natural Heritage
These trees have given us so much, it’s important that we return the favour and keep them protected. One way to do so is to keep planting more; you can find most, if not all, at plant nurseries all over the country. Take care of the trees that already exist; regular trimming and upkeep on older, larger trees means it’s far less likely they will need to be cut down. Educate, as much as you can, on the importance of having trees, especially in a hot, arid country like Egypt; not only do they reduce pollution, but they also keep temperatures down.
Take care of the trees so they can go on taking care of you.