Old Friend (ThursdayTreeLove)

We had a very brief visit to the Agatti Island in Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea. It was the destination of our Cruise and I tried to make the most of the short time on shore.

I was surprised to see many familiar trees there. Somehow I expected unknown-to-me 'new' trees after I saw some 'new' species in our visit to Andamans Islands (in the Bay of Bengal).  

Thespesia populnea (aka Indian Tulip Tree) of  Malvaceae was a predominant member there. This particular one grew close to the sea and had a huge spread resembling a Banyan. 

When I went closer, the tree was obviously not a Banyan but a Thespesia populnea!! 

    

     

This species is quite common in Pune along roadsides and gardens. Pretty trumpet shaped yellow flowers with a dark throat that fade to pink. Along with its heart shaped leaves, identification is easier. 

While it's said to be native to India, here's an interesting tidbit from the Flowers of India website on the page for Thespesia populnea "Its name Thespesia means "divinely decreed" and was given by Daniel Solander who saw it in Tahiti as a member of Captain Cook's ship."

Seeing familiar trees in unfamiliar locations is akin to meeting old friends! What do you think? 😄

I am joining Parul in her ThursdayTreeLove bloghop. Do head over to see fantastic trees from around the world. Better still, join in! 

Revisit Finds (ThursdayTreeLove)

 Visiting the over 100 year old Empress Garden in Pune, is always amazing. Everytime I see something new.

It is spread over 45 acres and i haven't visited all parts as yet. It's not a Garden in the true sense of the word with lawns and flower beds but is a botanical garden home to very old trees. 

Recently i visited a part of the garden I had not explored before. Here is one of the predominant tree I saw there.

Several Sterculia foetida or Jungli Badam of Sterculiaceae had a home there. Stately tall and growing almost straight up the lofty trees were atleast 5 storys high. And blooming!  Most of them bore flowers and fruits. 

Here they are

Flower

The pinkish looking structure are actually sepals! And the flowers have an unpleasant smell which possibly explains the botanical name. 

These relatively small blooms grow into large fruit , seeds of which are said to be edible. 

The top image is the fruit..and lower one is part of the fruit. Seed is visible. 

The same place has massive Dhawda Anogeissus latifolia trees as well. 

My visit just reiterated that it's good to revisit any location. You never know which 'tree'sure you may find!

I am joining Parul in her ThursdayTreeLove bloghop. Do head over to see fantastic trees from around the world. Better still, join in. 

Floral Doorways (ThursdayTreeLove)

Jasmines are one of my favourite flowers. Their heavenly scent is especially attractive as are the while blooms. There are different varieties of Jasmines - that we call Mogra, Jai, Jui, Chameli, Kunda..

All belong to the Jasminum genus of the Oleaceae family and almost all are summer bloomers. We use them in offerings during prayer, decorations, rangoli and ofcourse strung up into garlands and worn in hair. 

I was pleasantly surprised to see a Jasmine species grown over doorways. In our visit, these were in full bloom so walking down those streets with the air full of sweet fragrance was a heavenly experience. 

Here are a few images.. 

The Great Banyan (ThursdayTreeLove)

" Love is like a tree, it grows of its own accord, it puts down deep roots into our whole being."

- Victor Hugo

I very briefly visited Bangalore to attend a wedding. Much as I wanted to there was no time to explore and meet the wonderful trees of this city. 

But I did meet this wonderful Banyan (Ficus benghalensis of the Moraceae family) at the hotel we stayed. The glorious tree was a perfect setting for the wedding, as the young couple started on a new life together. 

I thought this quote made a perfect connection between the tree and the newly weds.

A Tree By The Lake (ThursdayTreeLove)

 When travelling its always wonderful to see trees growing there. Healthy happy trees especially in public spaces , to me, shows that locals and the administration take care of the flora and are care deeply about green spaces in their town/city.

I am sure all of you will agree with me.

In Chandigarh, I met this beautiful old Ficus religiosa that was labelled as a Heritage Tree. It lives by the Sukhna Lake and is a lovely sight. Also called Peepal, this belongs to the Moraceae family.

Chandigarh has lovely roads flanked on either side by large  trees. All well maintained. Its a pleasure to be there. 

Here it is.

Grand Old Tree (ThursdayTreeLove)

Today I have yet another tree from my Travels. 

A beautiful tree that .. hold your breath... more than 400 years old!

Yes you read that right.

Its the Robinia pseudoacacia that has its home in Paris at the Square Rene Viviani. Planted in 1601 this species is also called Black Locust and belongs to the Fabaceae family.

The tree was not native to France but was brought from North America by Jean Robin and it surprisingly flourished in its new home. 

The tree has survived many a traumatic phases in history and even was in danger of falling under its own weight. Hence a V shaped support was installed. 

The tree has obviously been given much love, attention and care by many people across generations which  allows us to enjoy its beauty even now.

Here you go!

More Cousins! (ThursdayTreeLove)

Just like us humans, I think plants too have relatives as in 'Cousins' .. I always refer to plants that belong to the same Genus but different specific epithets as being related as 'Cousins'!

I have had other such plants on my blog.. e.g The Malphigeas 

 

Today I have another... the Kala Shirish/Krishna Shirish or  Albizia amara of the Fabaceae family.

Its yet another resident of our very dear Vetal Tekdi in Pune and this one (shown in the photo) grows right opposite a Albizia lebbeck - The Shirish we all know.

Its presently in full bloom and the small round whitish yellow flowers are an attractive sight.

It has different leaves from the Shirish and there are other family members as well who I have not included today... such as the Albizia procera , Albizia odoratissima .

The green leaf tree at the back is the Albizia lebbeck.