Trees of Meru Vann, Safari Lodge in Kanha
True to its name, Meru Vann is a sanctuary of native trees, with a significant portion covered by Sal (Shorea robusta)—the dominant tree species that makes up 25% of Kanha Tiger Reserve’s forests and more than 75% of the jungle of Meru Vann. In addition to Sal, the landscape of the lodge boasts 51 species of trees, many of which have naturally thrived here for generations. A select few fruiting trees have been planted long time back for the consumption of the guests and staff, but the majority belong to the original forest ecosystem of the region.
These trees provide a rich habitat, offering food and shelter to a variety of birds, butterflies, bats, monkeys, and other wildlife. At Meru Vann, the forest is fully protected, with no tree-cutting or felling permitted. This commitment to conservation has allowed the forest to regenerate naturally, reclaiming areas that were cleared long ago.
For guests seeking a deeper connection with nature, our Tree Walk with an expert naturalist is an immersive experience. As you explore the ancient trees, you don’t just learn about them, you connect with them. Feel the textures of their bark, listen to the rustle of their leaves, and discover the hidden stories of this thriving ecosystem.
Step into the forest of Meru Vann—not just as a visitor, but as a part of its living heritage.
1. Neem
- Common Name: Neem
- Local Name: Neem
- English Name: Margosa
- Scientific Name: Azadirachta indica
2. Mango
- Common Name: Mango
- Local Name: Aam
- English Name: Mango
- Scientific Name: Mangifera indica
3. Kasai
- Common Name: Kasai
- Local Name: Kasai
- Scientific Name: Bridelia retusa
4. Banana
- Common Name: Banana
- Local Name: Kela
- English Name: Banana
- Scientific Name: Musa paradisiaca
5. Bamboo - Yellow
- Common Name: Bamboo – Yellow
- Local Name: Peela Baans
- English Name: Bamboo – Yellow
- Scientific Name: Bambusa vulgaris
6. Bamboo - Desi
- Common Name: Bamboo – Desi
- Local Name: Desi Baans
- English Name: Bamboo – Desi
- Scientific Name: Dendrocalamus strictus
7. Karanj
- Common Name: Karanj
- Local Name: Kanji
- English Name: Poonga-oil Tree/ Indian Beech
- Scientific Name: Pongamia pinnata
8. Khinni
- Common Name: Khinni
- Local Name: Khirni
- English Name: Ceylon Rosewood
- Scientific Name: Manilkara hexandra
9. Jarul
- Common Name: Jarul
- Local Name: Jarul
- English Name: Crape Myrtle/ Pride of India
- Scientific Name: Lagerstroemia speciosa
10. Tendu
- Common Name: Tendu
- Local Name: Tendu
- English Name: Coromandel/ East Indian Ebony
- Scientific Name: Diospyros melanoxylon
11. Maulshri
- Common Name: Maulshri
- Local Name: Maulshri
- English Name: Spanish Cherry/ Bulletwood
- Scientific Name: Mimusops elengi
12. Jamun
- Common Name: Jamun
- Local Name: Jamun
- English Name: Indian Blackberry/ Java Plum
- Scientific Name: Syzigium cumini
13. Haldu
- Common Name: Haldu
- Local Name: Karam
- English Name: Yellow Teak/ Turmeric Wood
- Scientific Name: Haldina cordifolia
14. Bargad
- Common Name: Bargad
- Local Name: Baddh
- English Name: East Indian fig tree/ Banyan
- Scientific Name: Ficus benghalensis
15. Karineem
- Common Name: Karineem
- Local Name: Meethi Neem
- English Name: Curry Leaf tree
- Scientific Name: Bergera koengii
16. Aamla
- Common Name: Aamla
- Local Name: Aonla
- English Name: Indian Gooseberry
- Scientific Name: Phyllanthus emblica
17. Anar
- Common Name: Anar
- Local Name: Anar
- English Name: Pomegranate
- Scientific Name: Punica granatum
18. Silver Oak
- Common Name: Silver Oak
- Local Name: Silver Oak
- English Name: Silky Oak
- Scientific Name: Grevillea robusta
19. Baheda
- Common Name: Baheda
- Local Name: Bahera
- English Name: Belliric Myrobalan
- Scientific Name: Terminalia bellirica
20. Garri
- Common Name: Garri
- Local Name: Garri
- Scientific Name: Cleistanthus collinus
21. Sal
- Common Name: Sal
- Local Name: Surrei
- English Name: Sal
- Scientific Name: Shorea robusta
22. Amaltas
- Common Name: Amaltas
- Local Name: Kirvara
- English Name: Indian Laburnum
- Scientific Name: Cassia fistula
23. Shareefa
- Common Name: Shareefa
- Local Name: Seetafal
- English Name: Custard Apple
- Scientific Name: Annona squamosa
24. Kusum
- Common Name: Kusum
- Local Name: Kosum
- English Name: Ceylon Oak/ Macassar Oil/ Lac Tree
- Scientific Name: Schleichera oleosa
25. Semal
- Common Name: Semal
- Local Name: Semra
- English Name: Red-Silk Cotton Tree
- Scientific Name: Bombax ceiba
26. Beejasal
- Common Name: Beejasal
- Local Name: Beeja
- English Name: Indian kino/ Bastard Teak
- Scientific Name: Pterocarpus marsupium
27. Lendia
- Common Name: Lendia
- Local Name: Ladiya
- Scientific Name: Lagerstroemia parviflora
28. Peepal
- Common Name: Peepal
- Local Name: Peepri
- English Name: Sacred fig
- Scientific Name: Ficus religiosa
29. Palash
- Common Name: Palash
- Local Name: Dhak
- English Name: Flame of the Forest
- Scientific Name: Butea monosperma
30. Churna
- Common Name: Churna
- Local Name: Churna
- Scientific Name: Ziziphus rugosa
31. Saaj
- Common Name: Saaj
- Local Name: Saja
- English Name: Crocodile Bark Tree/ Indian Laurel
- Scientific Name: Terminalia tomentosa
32. Ghont
- Common Name: Ghont
- Local Name: Ghotiya
- Scientific Name: Ziziphus xylopyrus
33. Siharu
- Common Name: Siharu
- Local Name: Parijat
- English Name: Tree of sorrow
- Scientific Name: Nyctanthes arbortristis
34. Mainhar
- Common Name: Mainhar
- Local Name: Mainphal
- English Name: Emetic nut
- Scientific Name: Catunaregam spinosa
35. Khumai
- Common Name: Khumai
- Local Name: Kumbhi
- English Name: Tummy Wood
- Scientific Name: Careya arborea
36. Harra
- Common Name: Siharu
- Local Name: Parijat
- English Name: Tree of sorrow
- Scientific Name: Nyctanthes arbortristis
37. Pakhri
- Common Name: Pakhri
- Local Name: Pakadi
- Scientific Name: Ficus cupulata
38. Mahua
- Common Name: Mahua
- Local Name: Mahua
- English Name: Honey tree/ Mowra Butter tree
- Scientific Name: Madhuca longifolia
39. Kadamb
- Common Name: Kadamb
- Local Name: Kadamb
- English Name: Wild Cinchona
- Scientific Name: Neolamarckia cadamba
40. Saptparni
- Common Name: Saptparni
- Local Name: Saptparni
- English Name: Devil’s Tree
- Scientific Name: Alstonia scholaris
41. Doomar
- Common Name: Doomar
- Local Name: Goolar
- English Name: Red River fig
- Scientific Name: Ficus racemosa
42. Gulmohar
- Common Name: Gulmohar
- Local Name: Gulmohar
- English Name: Gold Mohr
- Scientific Name: Delonix regia
43. Kachnar
- Common Name: Kachnar
- Local Name: Kachnar
- English Name: Mountain Ebony
- Scientific Name: Bauhinia variegata
44. Rori
- Common Name: Rori
- Local Name: Sindoor
- English Name: Monkey’s Face Tree
- Scientific Name: Mallotus philippensis
45. Karaunda
- Common Name: Karaunda
- Local Name: Karaunda
- English Name: Christ’s Thorn
- Scientific Name: Carissa congesta
46. Lemon
- Common Name: Lemon
- Local Name: Lemon
- English Name: Lemon
- Scientific Name: Citrus limon
47. Sahjan
- Common Name: Sahjan
- Local Name: Monga
- English Name: Drumstick Tree
- Scientific Name: Moringa concanensis
48. Gurar
- Common Name: Gurar
- Local Name: Safed Siris
- English Name: White Siris
- Scientific Name: Albizia procera
49. Chikoo
- Common Name: Chikoo
- Local Name: Chikoo
- English Name: Chikoo
- Scientific Name:Manilkara zapota
50. Amrud
- Common Name: Amrud
- Local Name: Amrud
- English Name: Guava
- Scientific Name: Psidium guajava
51. Sagon
- Common Name: Sagon
- Local Name: Sagvan
- English Name: Teak
- Scientific Name: Tectona Grandis
At Meru Vann, your comfort and satisfaction are our top priority and we take pride in our dedicated and professional team, carefully selected and trained to ensure you have an unforgettable stay. From our courteous chauffeurs to our skilled culinary team, including talented chefs and kitchen staff, every member is committed to offering exceptional service. Our experienced naturalists are here to enrich your wildlife experience with their expertise, ensuring your journey into the wilderness is as seamless and memorable as possible.