Editing Chinar

{{SHORTDESC:Iconic tree species found in Kashmir}}
{| class="infobox" style="width: 22em; font-size: 90%; text-align: left; border-spacing: 0px; background-color: #f9f9f9; border: 1px solid #aaa; float: right; margin-left: 1em;"
| colspan="2" style="text-align: center; font-size: larger; padding: 5px 0;" |'''Chinar Tree'''
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align: center; padding: 0; background-color: #f9f9f9;" |[[File:Chinar_tree_in_Kashmir.jpg|alt=Chinar Tree|frameless]]
|-
| style="width: 30%; background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;" |'''Genus'''
| style="width: 70%; background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;" |''Platanus''
|-
| style="width: 30%; background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;" |'''Species'''
| style="width: 70%; background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;" |''Platanus orientalis''
|-
| style="width: 30%; background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;" |'''Binomial Name'''
| style="width: 70%; background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;" |''Platanus orientalis''
|-
| style="width: 30%; background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;" |'''Binomial Authority'''
| style="width: 70%; background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;" |L.
|-
| style="width: 30%; background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;" |'''Native Range'''
| style="width: 70%; background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;" |Southern Europe, Western Asia
|}

The '''Chinar tree''' (''Platanus orientalis'') is an iconic and culturally significant tree native to the Kashmir Valley, located in the northern region of India. It is known for its grandeur, resilience, and association with the heritage of Kashmir.

== Etymology ==
The name "Chinar" is derived from the Persian word ''chenar'' (چنار), referring to the Oriental plane tree. Locally, it is also called "Bouin" in the Kashmiri language.

== Characteristics ==
Chinar trees are large deciduous trees that can grow up to 30 meters tall. They are known for their wide, spreading canopies and maple-like leaves that turn a fiery red and gold during autumn. These trees can live for centuries, with some specimens in Kashmir believed to be over 600 years old.

== Cultural Significance ==
The Chinar tree holds immense cultural and historical importance in Kashmir. It is often regarded as a symbol of the region's identity. The tree has been featured prominently in Kashmiri art, poetry, and folklore. The Mughal emperors, particularly [[Jahangir]], were known for their love of Chinar trees and planted them extensively in gardens such as [[Shalimar Bagh, Srinagar|Shalimar Bagh]] and [[Nishat Bagh]].

The Chinar tree is also considered sacred in Kashmiri Sufism and has been a site for spiritual gatherings.

== Conservation ==
Chinar trees are protected under the Jammu and Kashmir Preservation of Specified Trees Act, 1969. Despite their significance, urbanization, pollution, and climate change have posed threats to their population. Efforts are being made by environmentalists and the local government to conserve these trees.

== Notable Chinars ==
Some famous Chinar trees include:

* The "Chinar-e-Khas" at [[Char Chinar]] on [[Dal Lake]].
* The Chinars at Naseem Bagh, a historic garden in Srinagar known for its dense collection of these trees.

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
File:Chinar_tree_autumn.jpg|Chinar tree during autumn
File:Char_Chinar.jpg|Char Chinar in Dal Lake
File:Nishat_Bagh_Chinar.jpg|Chinar trees in Nishat Bagh
</gallery>

== See Also ==

* [[Char Chinar]]
* [[Dal Lake]]
* [[Kashmiri culture]]

== External Links ==

* [https://www.jktourism.org/ Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Official Website]
* [[wikipedia:Platanus|Orientalis plane tree on Wikipedia]]