Few Of Its Kind (ThursdayTreeLove)

 Today's tree is yet another one that I found via our WhatsApp Tree groups. 

Its a native but very few of them grow in Pune. Usually such one of kind trees grow in inaccessible places that need a lot of determination to reach.

Gathering loads of that I drove to the place, using the shared location. 

As it happened, I could see the tree from afar and its silhoutte could easily be mistaken for a Ficus. It grew on an (apparent) barren area filled with construction debris and ofcouse plastic. Some really determined tree lover had identified the species so now we all know of it and can keep track of its health.

Without much ado, here is the Shrebera swietenioides aka Mokha in marathi of the Oleaceae family. 

Lady Luck was with me, so I found parking space and scrambled over the mounds to reach the tree. 

 

Lucky Find (ThursdayTreeLove)

 As is my habbit, I always look at trees, shrubs and other plants that grow in everyplace we visit. 

(Sometimes even at the cost of not hearing what our toursit guide has to say much to his or her chagrin!!)

Jokes apart, I came across this tree with pretty orange yellow flowers at Siem Reap. Just as we were near our bus parking outside Banteay Srei. Obviously none of the shop owners could tell me its name and I turned to Google Lens for possible IDs.

As it turns out I had gotten lucky. This was the Rumduol or Sphaerocoryne affinis of the Annonaceae family. Romdoul is the national flower of Cambodia and I felt happy and honoured to have seen it.

Some species of Annonaceae like Custard Apple and Hirwa Chafa are very common in Pune hence the flower looked familiar. (I dont take any credit for the ID)

Later, I cross checked with our guide and he was happy to confirm that this indeed was the Romdoul.

Its flowers are said to be very fragrant especially in the evenings and night (we visited in the morning hence I could not notice this) and fruits are said to be very fragrant as well. These edible fruits are said to be used to make lipstick and used in aromatherapy among many other uses. You can read more about it here. 

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!

First Golden Blooms

 This is the Sonsawar. Aka Ganer or Buttercup Tree. Cochlospermum religiosum of the Bixaceae  family. It is seen on the tekdis (hills) in Pune and extending some distance southwards. It doesn't grown in Pune City either. 

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!

Soapnut Again (ThursdayTreeLove)

I have featured many trees here , some more than once - like todays tree which find its second dedicated post.

I am not sure why this tree is not very common..maybe it doesn't have flamboyant inflorescence or is uncommon...

Yet it's a very useful tree especially it's fruit. Reetha or Soapnut is a traditional washing soap . Ideal for delicate fabrics especially silk and also as a shampoo. Some still use Reetha even now.

Here is a lovely Sapindus trifoliatus or S laurifolius of Sapindaceae family in full bloom. The same premises has yet another glorious tree that is largely ignored. This one has its home at a prime spot hence easily noticed (and due to the name plate). 

Time For Change (ThursdayTreeLove)

This year, Pune had a severe summer , monsoon set in early and is in retreat mode now. 

Mornings are chilly and our walk on tekdi is more beautiful if that's possible! As the Sun moves southwards, it's rays pierce the foliage giving these amazing streaks.

People don't notice whether it's winter or summer when they're happy."
- Anton Chekhov

This quote seemed apt for the morning scene. Do you agree?

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

Yellow Carpet (ThursdayTreeLove)

 Anyone going on morning walks in Pune these days will surely have noticed the roads to have such yellow carpets.

 Markhamia lutea of Bignoniaceae is now blooming and it's yellow funnel shaped flowers drop down each morning. Native to Africa , the species is extensively planted along roadsides. It has long twisted fruit (seeds are winged) that gives away the ID. 

Orange throated flowers

Large compound leaf with deep markings. 

Two other species also have yellow funnel shaped flowers namely Tecoma stans of Bignoniaceae and Cascabela thevetia of Apocynaceae and I hope to do a differentiator post in future. Till then here is the Markhamia from morning walks.

Presently the Millingtonias and Parijat also create white carpets making the streets very colourful. What do you notice in your walks?

This post is part of Parul's 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! 

Revisit Finds (ThursdayTreeLove)

 Visiting the over 100 year old Empress Garden in Pune, is always amazing. Everytime I see something new.

It is spread over 45 acres and i haven't visited all parts as yet. It's not a Garden in the true sense of the word with lawns and flower beds but is a botanical garden home to very old trees. 

Recently i visited a part of the garden I had not explored before. Here is one of the predominant tree I saw there.

Several Sterculia foetida or Jungli Badam of Sterculiaceae had a home there. Stately tall and growing almost straight up the lofty trees were atleast 5 storys high. And blooming!  Most of them bore flowers and fruits. 

Here they are

Flower

The pinkish looking structure are actually sepals! And the flowers have an unpleasant smell which possibly explains the botanical name. 

These relatively small blooms grow into large fruit , seeds of which are said to be edible. 

The top image is the fruit..and lower one is part of the fruit. Seed is visible. 

The same place has massive Dhawda Anogeissus latifolia trees as well. 

My visit just reiterated that it's good to revisit any location. You never know which 'tree'sure you may find!

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!

More Cousins! (ThursdayTreeLove)

Just like us humans, I think plants too have relatives as in 'Cousins' .. I always refer to plants that belong to the same Genus but different specific epithets as being related as 'Cousins'!

I have had other such plants on my blog.. e.g The Malphigeas 

 

Today I have another... the Kala Shirish/Krishna Shirish or  Albizia amara of the Fabaceae family.

Its yet another resident of our very dear Vetal Tekdi in Pune and this one (shown in the photo) grows right opposite a Albizia lebbeck - The Shirish we all know.

Its presently in full bloom and the small round whitish yellow flowers are an attractive sight.

It has different leaves from the Shirish and there are other family members as well who I have not included today... such as the Albizia procera , Albizia odoratissima .

The green leaf tree at the back is the Albizia lebbeck. 

Unique (ThursdayTreeLove)

After our tree-spotting car drives in 2024 to see the Yellow Bombax, we embarked on another one recently .. albeit it wasn't too far away from Pune.

The aim was to see the elusive, rare beautiful yellow Palash or Yellow Flame of the Forest. 

We all know the red Palash but the yellow one is just as beautiful but very uncommon. According to some experts, the yellow colour is due to a genetic mutation. 

Botanically, it is called Butea monosperma var lutea of the Fabaceae family. 

According to Flowers of India, there are very few trees and is endemic to the Deccan Plateau. Our Tree group reported this particular yellow Palash that lives in Pune. I missed its flowering last year and this year I was determined to see the yellow blooms.

As it turns out, I was a few days late and most flowers had faded and fallen off. I could see some flowers. 

An amazing tree. 

Here you go...

Standing Proud (ThursdayTreeLove)

Recently i had to drive on the Expressway near Chandani Chowk in Pune ...the area alongside the road is now a jungle of steel, concrete and glass. Hardly any greenery ...and just as I was bemoaning this fact...

This glorious Bombax ceiba (aka Seemal or Shalmali) stood tall and proud and in full bloom against all odds.  It's called Sawar in Marathi and belongs to the Malvaceae family. 

It was such a heartening sight. 

Here is the tree from my window...

(I was a passenger in the car)

As the mindless so called development continues, Nature finds a way to survive. 

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

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