Oleander: Bloom in Hiroshima after 1945

New Delhi: The oleander is an extraordinary plant replete with history. It has got the admiration across the world for its vibrant flowers and ornamental appeal. People use this plant for several purposes, such as decorations and bouquets. Besides this, this plant holds a special place in horticulture. There is a remarkable history behind the oleander plant known for its resilience and survival, especially in Hiroshima, Japan. It is the official flower of Hiroshima. In fact, it was the first plant that managed to bloom after the atomic bomb dropped by the USA on Hiroshima in 1945 during the Second World War.

History

Hiroshima, devastated by an atomic bomb on August 6, 1945, saw massive destruction. The explosion reduced the city to ashes, destroying homes, infrastructure, and vegetation within a 2-kilometer radius of the bomb’s epicenter. Trees, plants, and greenery vanished, leaving a gray, barren landscape. Yet, amidst this devastation, the oleander became a symbol of hope and renewal.

Despite the horrific effects of the atomic bomb, the oleander was the first plant to bloom in Hiroshima after the attack. This miraculous event marked the beginning of the city’s healing and restoration of greenery. The oleander’s resilience inspired the people of Hiroshima, making it the city’s official flower and a reminder of the strength to rebuild after unimaginable loss.

Re-Green Hiroshima

The road to restoring Hiroshima’s greenery was challenging. Efforts to replant and rejuvenate the city’s landscape began with the restoration of Hijiyama Park in 1948. This project, supported by the Hiroshima prefectural government, included erosion control and planting cherry blossom trees, known as Prunus yedoensis. These trees grew strong and now attract visitors every spring when they bloom in vibrant pink shades.

In the 1950s, Hiroshima undertook further greening projects, lining its streets with various tree species. These efforts included creating unique boulevards adorned with different types of trees, such as crape myrtles from Aioi-bashi Bridge to Kamiya-cho, cherry blossoms in Kybashi-cho, wingnut trees along Namiki-dori, and trident maples in Moto-machi. Although some species struggled to adapt to the city’s urbanization and soil conditions, many of these tree-lined streets remain today, offering shade and beauty.

A significant milestone came with the “Hiroshima 20 Years in the Future” project from 1957 to 1958. This initiative involved city residents and people from neighboring towns who contributed by planting trees in key areas like Peace Boulevard and Peace Memorial Park. Over 2,500 trees, along with numerous shrubs and bushes, were donated and planted, transforming the city into a lush green space that continues to thrive today.

Dual Nature

While the oleander symbolizes resilience, it is also known for its dual nature. This plant, with its striking flowers, is one of the most poisonous in the world. Despite its toxicity, people cultivate oleanders for their beauty and ornamental value.

The flowers bloom from spring to late summer, forming clusters in shades of white, pink, red, and yellow at the tips of the stems.Oleanders thrive in full sunlight but can tolerate light shade. Although they are drought-tolerant, they look their best when watered during dry spells. Their adaptability and vibrant colors make them a favorite in gardens and landscapes.

Medicinal Uses of Oleander

Interestingly, Oleander’s toxic nature has not deterred its use in traditional medicine. Both its seeds and leaves are utilized in the pharmaceutical industry to produce remedies for various conditions.

Oleander has been used to treat heart problems, asthma, epilepsy, and even certain types of cancer. It has also been employed in addressing painful menstrual periods, leprosy, malaria, ringworm, indigestion, and venereal diseases. A specific combination of oleander leaf extract with other plant extracts has been used to treat mild heart failure. Additionally, oleander is sometimes applied topically to treat skin conditions and warts. Despite these uses, caution is necessary when handling oleander, as improper usage can lead to severe health complications due to its toxicity.

Hiroshima’s Green Legacy

Currently, the greenery of Hiroshima, including the oleanders and other trees planted through collective efforts, stands as a proof to human resilience and hope. Peace Boulevard, in particular, is a focal point of Hiroshima’s lush landscape. The trees lining the boulevard provide shade during summer, bring life to the city in winter, and offer beauty in every season.

The residents of Hiroshima, along with visitors from around the world, enjoy the serene and vibrant greenery that symbolizes the city’s recovery. These trees not only beautify the city but also serve as a living reminder of the strength, cooperation, and determination of Hiroshima’s people to rebuild their home after the devastation of war.

Symbol of Renewal

The Oleander’s story, intertwined with Hiroshima’s history, extends a powerful message to the world. It reminds us that even in the face of unimaginable destruction, life finds a way to thrive. The efforts to re-green Hiroshima highlight the importance of unity and perseverance in overcoming adversity.The oleander, with its delicate yet enduring flowers, continues to inspire as a symbol of renewal, beauty, and the unyielding spirit of humanity.

YP Singh, President, INA