Temples often have wonderfully old trees with massive trunks and huge canopy. Common species that I have seen are the Peepal (Ficus religiosa), Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) and of course the Temple Tree which is variously also called Chafa or Frangipani or Plumeria rubra . Usually the white flowered species is more common than others.
I saw this tree growing outside a Shiva temple located on Sadashivgad which is at Karad in Maharashtra. It was almost leafless and had only few flowers. This meant its superb branch ramification was easily viewed. The spread was so vast that I just could not capture it in a single frame!
Being a bonsai enthusiast, I was immediately drawn to the 'nebari' which refers to the radial layout of the roots as they emerge from the trunk base.
This would be a stunning sight when in full bloom!
Frangipani belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It is deciduous in nature, which means the leaves drop off in the winter season. This is an exotic species. In Pune, I have observed profuse flowering but rarely have I seen the fruit possibly because of lack of suitable pollinators.
Here is an image of the beautiful and fragrant flowers - but these were growing at another place. Pink and red are some other shades of the lovely blossoms.
I have seen spectacular Chafa trees in other temples as well but I shall reserve those for another post!
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!
I saw this tree growing outside a Shiva temple located on Sadashivgad which is at Karad in Maharashtra. It was almost leafless and had only few flowers. This meant its superb branch ramification was easily viewed. The spread was so vast that I just could not capture it in a single frame!
Being a bonsai enthusiast, I was immediately drawn to the 'nebari' which refers to the radial layout of the roots as they emerge from the trunk base.
This would be a stunning sight when in full bloom!
Frangipani belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It is deciduous in nature, which means the leaves drop off in the winter season. This is an exotic species. In Pune, I have observed profuse flowering but rarely have I seen the fruit possibly because of lack of suitable pollinators.
Here is an image of the beautiful and fragrant flowers - but these were growing at another place. Pink and red are some other shades of the lovely blossoms.
I have seen spectacular Chafa trees in other temples as well but I shall reserve those for another post!
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!
14 comments:
Well written,
That tree is wonderful, from the roots to the flower (although you had to take that from a different tree). Nothing like this grows where I live - so enjoyed!
Thank you!
@Alana Happy to share trees from our region!! Thanks for stopping by :-)
Beautiful pictures, loved the first one, remember seeing these flowers in other colors too.
Yes Angela. This tree is quite common across India.
Wow Archana, these are indeed so fascinating. And thank you for the detailed information.
Love the visual impact these stunning trees have.
Looking forward to have you link up with us on #WordlessWednesday this week. :)
Here's the linky:
https://natashamusing.com/2018/12/of-idyllic-afternoons-and-boat-rides-wordless-wednesday-natasha-musing/
Happy to share these beautiful trees Natasha! Thank you!
What a beautiful and grand tree. You are right - I also spot many trees in temple complexes. Either there is some meaning to it or maybe our mind keeps taking us to trees.
Temple trees are beautiful. I once tried to keep one at home. It bloomed but later died. Maybe some day when I have a garden, I will plant one.
Thanks for joining, Archana!
@Parul.. all the best with your garden... Being in a city, I miss having one... As for trees in a temple complex, whatever the reason, they do thrive and grow to huge sizes... Happy to participate in ThursdayTreeLove!! :-) Thank you!!
I love to see those branches when leaves shed off. These flowers are beautiful and commonly visible.
Yes indeed Shilpa! Happy to have you visit this post! Thank you :-)
I love this tree and its blossoms. Every morning and evening my grandchildren pick up the fallen blooms which look just as fresh when they are on the tree.
@bellybytes Yes, this is one of the few species where the fallen flowers look as fresh as those on the tree! Thanks for stopping by Sunita :-)
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