Hunger Pangs (Wordless Wednesday)

Carrot Cake 

Tree Frame (ThursdayTreeLove)

This was the view that greeted me as I paused to catch my breath when climbing this hill. The trees seemed a perfect frame for the river Moshi which is one of the tributaries of Pune's Mutha River. It has a dam at Varasgaon and this is the backwater area. 

We walked up at the start of June, when the city was facing a severe water crisis. The south westerlies seemed to be bringing in hoards of clouds which filled the entire sky. 

For a change, the view kept me away from trying to identify the trees... Also they were on the slope and I was not keen on going too close to them. They are likely to be Jamun or Ain, two species which were common in that area.

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

Hibiscus (Wordless Wednesday)

Five petals in Valvate Aestivation 

Close up of the stamens that are united to form a tube

Summer Coolers (Wordless Wednesday)

Summer heat is made tolerable with the uncomparable Mango Mastani and Falooda! Have one or both as you wish!!

Green Cups (ThursdayTreeLove)

From afar, this Ficus looked like any other Ficus benghalensis and I almost gave it a miss. 
Yet something took me closer and lo behold!
I was seeing a tree that I had only read about and had yet to see..

Yes, its the Ficus benghalensis var krishnae  - the tree that boasts of cup like leaves. 
Naturally there are mythological stories associated with this tree specifically because of its leaf shape. The leaves are folded at the base to form a sort of a pocket. Don't believe me.. see for yourself!

It belongs to the Moraceae family and is said to be related to the Ficus benghalensis or the Banyan Tree that we all know. With its aerial roots and spreading branches, this evergreen tree has an imposing canopy. 

Spotting this Ficus was the highlight of that tree walk. 
Have you seen the Ficus benghalensis var krishnae? 

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

Waiting (Wordless Wednesday)

The dry river bed along the backwaters of the Varasgaon Dam waits for the Rain Gods

Blazing (Wordless Wednesday)

The blazing orange of the Gulmohor is a strangely comforting sight in blazing summer