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.
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!
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