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. 

Unique (ThursdayTreeLove)

After our tree-spotting car drives in 2024 to see the Yellow Bombax, we embarked on another one recently .. albeit it wasn't too far away from Pune.

The aim was to see the elusive, rare beautiful yellow Palash or Yellow Flame of the Forest. 

We all know the red Palash but the yellow one is just as beautiful but very uncommon. According to some experts, the yellow colour is due to a genetic mutation. 

Botanically, it is called Butea monosperma var lutea of the Fabaceae family. 

According to Flowers of India, there are very few trees and is endemic to the Deccan Plateau. Our Tree group reported this particular yellow Palash that lives in Pune. I missed its flowering last year and this year I was determined to see the yellow blooms.

As it turns out, I was a few days late and most flowers had faded and fallen off. I could see some flowers. 

An amazing tree. 

Here you go...

Standing Proud (ThursdayTreeLove)

Recently i had to drive on the Expressway near Chandani Chowk in Pune ...the area alongside the road is now a jungle of steel, concrete and glass. Hardly any greenery ...and just as I was bemoaning this fact...

This glorious Bombax ceiba (aka Seemal or Shalmali) stood tall and proud and in full bloom against all odds.  It's called Sawar in Marathi and belongs to the Malvaceae family. 

It was such a heartening sight. 

Here is the tree from my window...

(I was a passenger in the car)

As the mindless so called development continues, Nature finds a way to survive. 

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

Graceful (ThursdayTreeLove)

Here's another tree from my recent travels.

A graceful Lagerstroemia microcarpa (of the Lythraceae family) in its winter attire!

Having dropped all foliage its trunk and branch 'architecture' was fully visible. The smooth white bark looked was glossy in the winter sun. This must look beautiful when in bloom!

Its home is at the Kasauli Club.