08 August 2019

Surprise (ThursdayTreeLove)

For some inexplicable reason, I was under the impression that only trees in the Ficus genus and Sheflera bore aerial roots. When I saw this tree with profuse roots growing from its branches, I was completely taken aback. 
It is obviously a fully grown tree and I saw it in San Francisco. 

This is a tree called Metrosideros excelsa belonging to the Myrtaceae family. Commonly called the New Zealand Christmas Tree. The species is endemic to New Zealand.

The tree is said to have brilliant flowers however it was not in bloom when during my visit. Instead, I have an image of its leaves.
Surprises never cease and this plant reminded me that there is something new to be learnt all the time.

Ever since my course in Field Botany, my travels are all the more interesting as I spend time trying to identify trees around me. Many a times, I end up just enjoying the tree as no ID seems to match. 

This quote sums it up
"Time spent in Nature is time realising you don't know it all, that you never will.  The earth is meant to be enjoyed by its inhabitants" - AbdulRauf Hashmi

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

10 comments:

Penelope Potty Snooper said...

Indeed it is a surprise. Infact this tree looks as though it has a beard! And you are right about living and learning each day. Isn't it fun to learn something new? I love being on the learning curve. Thanks for sharing this tree.

Archana said...

Hmm yes, indeed does look like a beard!
Happy to have you stop by Sunita! @bellybytes :-)

Parul said...

The leaves look like that of a rubber plan/tree and those aerial roots are huge. Thank you for sharing, Archana. No ID is the right answer for someone like me too who doesn't know Botany. :)
Looking forward to seeing you on the 22nd.

Anjana said...

Nice pic Archana! It is nice to know a botanist after a long long time. When I was studying Taxonomy in 2nd PUC, I used to refer all fruits, veggies, plants, trees by their scientific names. It was a crazy hobby of mine those days. I still am quite good at identifying plants. Oxalis leaf is very fresh in my mind after years of passing out. :) Plants and trees are amazing indeed!

Archana said...

Thats great Anjana! :-) Thanks for stopping by!

JoAnna said...

A great quote and fascinating tree! Makes me want to learn more.

Shiju Sugunan said...

New to me too. Hope you can visit again and capture the brilliant flowers.

Archana said...

@JoAnna Thank you! :-)

Archana said...

@Shiju Sugunan .. A repeat visit is difficult as I saw this tree in San Francisco.. So I will have to enjoy the flowers online!! Thank you for stopping by!

Archana said...

Thanks @Parul!! Happy to participate in TTL!!