This is a question I have been asking myself ever since a young couple, neighbours of mine, cut off the most graceful 'Poorman's Orchid' tree (bauhinia) I had ever seen.

They put quite some efforts in it. When the tree trunk was cut to almost ground level, it persisted in sending out young shoots. The pair poured gasolene over it and burned what was left.

Appalled, I asked what the poor floral tree was guilty of.

"The wind blows its leaves on our new car, which could damage it," was their earnest answer.

Over the years, I have seen trees chopped down at the slightest provocation, or none at all.

splendid

The last such 'murder' I saw was committed on a regal poinciana tree which stood, minding its own business, outside a property at the foot of Beverley Hill.

It was splendid when in full bloom and I never forgot to stop by it when it was at its best.

One year it was gone, mysteriously chopped down, and I still wonder why.