Magnificent (ThursdayTreeLove)

These trees have always fascinated me. In fact they have been on my blog earlier. 

I always thought these were all Ficus species that have taken over the centuries old temples at Siem Reap.

I was wrong. 

Not all the trees are Ficus.

Yes I am referring to the temples in Cambodia specifically the so called TreeTemple or Ta Phrom.

The first sight is this ... almost as if the tree is growing out of the top of the structure. Its very high so one cannot appreciate ths thickness of the trunk but its certainly daunting.

As one walks closer and around the structure, the magnificiet tree reveals itself. Rather its trunk and roots do.

                          

Its obviously not a Ficus... the tree was in flower and the inflorescence could be seen on the bare branches. Our guide told us it is the Tetrameles nudiflora of the Tetramelaceae family. He called it the Spung tree which is its local name.

The Ta Phrom complex has many more such daunting massive trees that makes one wonder if its the trees that have retained the structures or the other way around. The ASI has helped in the restoration of this important site.

This temple was built by King Jayavarman VII originally called Rajvihara. More details about the temple complex are available online. Those who have seen the movie Lara Croft : Tomb Raider may remember this temple. 

Either way, visiting Angkor Wat and some of the temples around it was a long awaited trip. Several trees in bloom and I could not identify all.. I think a dedicated botanical visit is required!! ;-) 

Of course, I hope to share some of my finds here on TTL!

Here are more images for this glorious tree.

Fallen inflorescence

Poster at the entrance of the Ta Phrom temple complex

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

Another Baobab (ThursdayTreeLove)

This is the first time I met the Baobab in my travels. A gorgeous mighty old tree that lives on a busy pathway. The staff told me its about 150 years old and it has an excellent home in the Secundrabad Club where I am sure it will continue to be looked after. 

Belonging to the Malvaceae family (same as Hibiscus), the Baobab is known botanically as Adansonia digitata. It becomes leafless in winter and bears large white hanging flowers. 

Baobab is an introduced species in India, having been brought here many centuries ago. It has settled in very well here.  

Age signs on the bark. 

Hyderabad also has another very famous Baobab called Hathiyon ka Ped (Tree of Elephants) possibly because of its mammoth trunk. That tree lives in the Golconda Fort but I am not sure about its current status. 

Easily noticeable from a distance

Gourd like fruit

Baobabs are not new to my blog and you can meet others here and here. 

Have you seen this magnificent tree?

I am joining Parul in her  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! 

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!

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. 

Old Treasure (ThursdayTreeLove)

 I have missed many editions of ThursdayTreeLove for many reasons and I hope I can post regularly now!

Recently I visited Amritsar and the Company Bagh there. Its a fascinating place that is home to many really really old trees. It also has a few old buildings all possibly from over a century ago. 

Many of the trees are labelled which makes identification easy and one can then try to appreciate various features instead of spending time trying to know the tree name!! 

This Camphor tree was especially beautiful. It has 6 trunks emerging from the base which was massive. People casually sat around it or walked past and I seemed to be the only one taking photos of the trees there. 

Here it is!

Cinnamomum camphora belongs to the Lauraceae family. As expected the leaved were fragrant. It is said to be native to East and South East Asia.

Driveway (ThursdayTreeLove)

Here is the beautiful driveway at the Chateau Chenonceau in France. 

Lined by Plane trees, a walk on this road evokes a surreal feeling. 

Plane trees or Sycamore belong to the Platanus genus of Plantanaceae family. It has beautiful lobed leaves and the remarkable trunk is patchy, peeling and in shades of green, yellow, grey and white. 

"Wherever you go, becomes part of you some how"- Anita Desai

Chestnut (ThursdayTreeLove)

 Here is a handsome tree .. not seen in Pune but some of its cousins are seen in northern parts of India.

Without much ado.. meet the beautiful Horse Chestnut .. I could only identify it as from the Aesculus genus ... These have their home in Paris.. the streets are lined with gorgeous massive trees with large digitate leaves. They were in bloom in May when we visited.

Red Glory (ThursdayTreeLove)

Here is a tree from Paris that surprised me due to its shiny red leaves in mid May.

I always thought red leaves were seen as trees drop foliage in autumn. 

Our guide could not help with its name. I hoped Google would help me with ID but as luck would have it...the tree name presented itself to me!!!

Beautiful red wine coloured leave shone in the sunlight!

The Luxembourg Garden had a board next to this lovely tree.

So here's the Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' L of the Fabaceae family (Beech)...a tree that bears new foliage that's red/copper/maroon .

Cigar Tree (ThursdayTreeLove)

Just as we were crossing the road, I meet this glorious Cigar Tree (at least that's what I think it is!!). 

A wonderful tree that literally stopped me in my tracks! And it happened as I was at the Zebra crossing . This was in London but rest assured, I had sufficient time to stay safely back at the traffic signal and appreciate this tree. 

I just had to wait and capture the lovely foliage and long green pods almost like festoons decorating it.

Catalpa speciosa belongs to the Bignonicaceae family (same as my previous tree Waras) and is said to be native to certain parts of the US. 

Its a pleasure to know a place for its trees besides usual attractions like museums, monuments and so on.

I am sure you will agree with me!!

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

Theobroma (ThursdayTreeLove)

 We meet a product of this plant quite often.. we consume it often in most age groups and for some it is a prohibited joy. We have it as  a treat/gift it/ relish it on the cheat day of a diet and so on...

You may have guessed.. I am referring to the Chocolate.. which is made from Cocoa beans that grow on the Theobroma cacao trees of the Sterculiaceae family. 

It is an introduced species in India but seems to be very happy in our southern states where it is widely cultivated and we are now a significant producer of Cocoa beans. These images are from Munnar where it is a common sight. 

The evergreen tree is well branched with shiny green leaves. Its small whitish flowers and grow directly on the trunk and thereafter it grow into a large fruit that's yellow when ripe. 

Cauliflory - refers to flowers that grow directly on the trunk

Tiny fruit visible

A small tree that stands out in the lush green countryside

The fruit needs some processing to extract chocolate as we know it. There are several chocolate making units in Munnar but I could not see their extraction process. 

So that would be for another visit and post!

:-) :-)

Next time you eat chocolate, do think of this flower and tree with the unique sounding name!

I am joining Parul in her ThursdayTreeLove blog hop. Do head over to see some fantastic trees from around the world.

Better still, join in!

Stopping In My Track (ThursdayTreeLove)

The roads in Munnar (a town renowned for natural beauty in the state of Kerala), are narrow and constantly curve up or down hill depending on where one is going. Since I wasnt driving, I was free to enjoy the lovely views and especially the plants. One particular plant with spiky pink flowers was especially interesting.. almost making me stop our vehicle to see it (I finally did do so on the final day of our stay). Stopping and getting off the vehicle was difficult as the road was very busy with lots of cars and buses.  

Its leaves resembled Tamarind but flowers reminded me of the Powder Puff tree. Yet this was different. The plant grew profusely by the roadside, its flowers beckoned me to stop and see. 

Here are its photos when I finally could manage to 'meet' the plant.

A bit of research told me this is the Spiked Powder Puff of Calliandra calothyrsus of the Mimosaceae family. 

The pink thread like structures are staminal filaments

The tree is not native to India but seems to be happy in Munnar. 

Travel has introduced me to several new species and some of them stop me in my tracks (metaphorically speaking). There are two more such plants from the same Munnar trip but I shall share those in another post!

When on a drive, my family is now quite used to my (apparently) random calls to stop.. just cause I have seen some 'different' 'interesting' 'new' plant! 

;-)

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

Another Castle Tree (ThursdayTreeLove)

The post title is a spoiler to today's tree .. ..

It has its home in the famous Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland. As such I did not see many trees inside and being a hot sunny day the cool shadow of this tree was a magnet for everyone. 

We had a wonderful guide to tell us the story and history of the Castle but.. he did not know the name of the  tree. The Castle staff too could not help.

I could see that it was a Maple of some kind. I now enjoy trees just for themselves but knowing their botanical name is always better!! 

;-)

Our guide promised to find out and let me know. I did not have much hope but surprise surprise.. he sent a word next day that the tree is indeed a Maple. A Norway Maple he said. 

I said a mental thank you to him! 

Here is the tree. It grows right outside the Café on the road that gently climbs to the top. Do see it whenever you visit the Castle in Edinburgh!! 

The Castle was very crowded hence it was practically impossible to photograph the tree by itself. Every tree image I have includes tourists. 

Maples do not grow in Pune and I have only met them in my travels. I love them for the beautiful leaves and the lovely colours they wear in Fall every year. 

Google search tells me that Norway Maple is the Acer platanoides of the Sapindaceae family.

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

A couple of images of the Castle..

View from the Castle

A Castle Tree (ThursdayTreeLove)

 Today I have a tree from my travels. It is a new and hence unfamiliar species to me so I will just go with sharing images of a glorious really old tree. 

Without much ado.. .here we go.. This is a tree from the 18th century that has its home at the Cardiff Castle in Cardiff. 

It is a Holm Oak which is apparently the Quercus ilex of the Fagaceae family. 

The impressive trunk invites attention

A bit of the tree's history