Soapnut Again (ThursdayTreeLove)

I have featured many trees here , some more than once - like todays tree which find its second dedicated post.

I am not sure why this tree is not very common..maybe it doesn't have flamboyant inflorescence or is uncommon...

Yet it's a very useful tree especially it's fruit. Reetha or Soapnut is a traditional washing soap . Ideal for delicate fabrics especially silk and also as a shampoo. Some still use Reetha even now.

Here is a lovely Sapindus trifoliatus or S laurifolius of Sapindaceae family in full bloom. The same premises has yet another glorious tree that is largely ignored. This one has its home at a prime spot hence easily noticed (and due to the name plate). 

Time For Change (ThursdayTreeLove)

This year, Pune had a severe summer , monsoon set in early and is in retreat mode now. 

Mornings are chilly and our walk on tekdi is more beautiful if that's possible! As the Sun moves southwards, it's rays pierce the foliage giving these amazing streaks.

People don't notice whether it's winter or summer when they're happy."
- Anton Chekhov

This quote seemed apt for the morning scene. Do you agree?

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

Yellow Carpet (ThursdayTreeLove)

 Anyone going on morning walks in Pune these days will surely have noticed the roads to have such yellow carpets.

 Markhamia lutea of Bignoniaceae is now blooming and it's yellow funnel shaped flowers drop down each morning. Native to Africa , the species is extensively planted along roadsides. It has long twisted fruit (seeds are winged) that gives away the ID. 

Orange throated flowers

Large compound leaf with deep markings. 

Two other species also have yellow funnel shaped flowers namely Tecoma stans of Bignoniaceae and Cascabela thevetia of Apocynaceae and I hope to do a differentiator post in future. Till then here is the Markhamia from morning walks.

Presently the Millingtonias and Parijat also create white carpets making the streets very colourful. What do you notice in your walks?

This post is part of Parul's ThursdayTreeLove bloghop. Do head over to see fantastic trees from around the world. Better still, join in. 

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.