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

This walkway, the gardens and hearing stories of the Chateau (of Catherine de Medici, Diane de Poitier and others) indeed left a strong impression on me. 

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

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.

These trees grow on the Champs-Elysee and also in several other places in Paris. Horse Chestnut belongs to the Sapindaceae family. 

Its a pleasure to know a city through its plants. I always make it point to document flora that I see on my travels. Do you?

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

Rare (ThursdayTreeLove)

 Todays tree is a native and according to the book 'Trees of Pune' by Shrikant Ingalhalikar it is native to Pune.

Yet we know of only 2 individuals in the city. 

Isn't that shocking? And sad? 

And in all these years I had not gone to see the tree!! 

The tree is Adinia cordifolia or Haldu of Rubiaceae. 

So when our tree group was buzzing with news of its flowering, I just had to visit.

They grow at an area where Metro construction is on full swing. I am thankful to God these 2 trees continue to flourish growing as they do by the roadside. I pray they continue to do so.

Reaching the spot was a challenge due to lot of traffic diversions and road closures and heavy rain. But I was determined and I made it there.

The majestic duo with huge heart shaped leaves were in full bloom. The branches were full of the round flowers (like Kadamba and Kaim - not surprising as they are the same family) and a wonderful sight. 

People looked askance as I walked balancing my umbrella, navigating contruction material and cars and my phone camera.

Here is the lovely Haldu. 

Opposite heart shaped leaves

Growing at the extreme edge of the road

Branches full of flowers

The flowers!

About 2-3 cms sized inflorescence

 

Have you seen this magnificent tree?

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.

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 .

Some trees had these flowers/fruit - still to find out what they are.. i am being just plain lazy.. sigh

Its wonderful to meet flora of the places we travel to and know the place via its plants. I am sure all of you will agree with me!!

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

Twin Trunk (ThursdayTreeLove)

Pune has a few really old trees.. I have shared some on my previous posts. 
Here is one more. 

A grand old Baobab that seems to have a twin trunk. Or is it two trees growing side by side?

Difficult to tell really. It is easily visible from the road through the wire fence and I did not try to go inside to get a closer look. 

Its already in full foliage after its winter leaf fall and flowering thereafter. The digitate leaves form a glorious green canopy and looking down, one can see faded flowers and early fruit.

Here is the wonderful Adansonia digitata of the Malvaceae family. Its originally from Africa but seems very happy here in India. The feeling is mutual as we call it 'Gorakh Chincha' in marathi.. chincha is Tamarind!

Flower - this image taken earlier from another tree 

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

 

Cool Green (ThursdayTreeLove)

Today I have a tree that most would know.. folks from India at least. 

Its the Tamarind (Tamarindus indica ) of the Fabaceae family. It drops all its leaves in December or January and bursts into new foliage soon after. In the intense summer heat, the Tamarind flaunts fresh green leaves that offer a cool respite to any and everyone. 

The feathery leaves are very pretty as are the yellow flowers that appear once it rains. I am told the flowers make an excellent chutney (though I have not yet tried it). The pods soon develop and its sour flesh is widely used in Indian cooking. 

Tamarind is called Chincha in Marathi and Imli in Hindi. It makes a wonderful Bonsai but needs lot of care when it is repotted. 

Here it is.

Pods

Cool shade under the fresh green leaves!

This a common roadside tree in Pune but also seen in home gardens or parks. We have some beautiful huge old Tamarind trees that I use as landmarks! 

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

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!