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!

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.. 

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.

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

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 .

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!

Waras (ThursdayTreeLove)

 Here is tree that I have seen on our hills in Pune. There are only a few that grow in the city so I always assumed it was a species that preferred some elevation.

I was proved wrong when we did a few long drives around Pune into the interiors (to see flowering ofcourse!!) . I saw plenty of these lovely stately trees in the plains as well.

I am referring to the Waras or Heterophragma quadriloculare of the Bignonicaceae family. 

It has pretty white flowers with frilly petals and the tree looks majestic when in bloom. 

Many of the native species that grow in and around Pune bloom in Feb/Mar and April. 

It needs great determination to go out in the heat but the joy of seeing and identifying the tree is infinite!! 

For some strange reason, I was unable to find a local name in English for this tree. 

Here it is!

Compound leaves

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 (ThursdayTreeLove)

 After the Yellow Bombax on the last edition of TTL it is vital that I post the usual red Bombax that is mostly seen around Pune.

Here it is:

Bombax ceiba aka Kate Sawar / Shyamli/ Seemal/Silk Cotton Tree of the Malvaceae family. 

From a distance, one can only see red spots on a bare tree in a bare brown countryside. As one moves closer the red becomes darker and a lot of bird and bees/insect activity is seen on the tree. The large flowers are not pretty by general standards. They are almost cup shaped and have plenty of nectar in it which attracts monkeys as well. 

Tree Drive (ThursdayTreeLove)

My title suggests i would be writing about some tree plantation drive.

But that is far from the truth.

Recently, our Tree lovers Whatsapp group was swamped with photos of a Yellow Seemal. Thats right ... Bombax ceiba with yellow flowers. It looked wonderful and is rare in this part of the world.

Like everyone else on the group, I too wanted to see it. 

The only problem was the location was over 60kms away. 

I got major FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) when more folks visited the tree and shared the images. 

Luckily for me, dear husband agreed to accompany me and he drove all the way. 

I packed some sandwiches and we set off early to avoid heat. Surprisingly the road was superb and I ignored all other trees enroute. (That was on the return journey and for another post!! :-)

It was a joy to see the tree at the precise spot, standing alone and in full bloom . The road was lonely, and locals drove or walked past without a second glance. I would like to think they had already had enjoyed the blooms as flowering had been going on for a few weeks at least. 

Without much ado.. here is the Yellow Seemal aka Kate Sawar in Marathi or Silk Cotton Tree. 

Bare (ThursdayTreeLove)

The Peepal (Ficus religiosa) are almost leafless presently in Pune. However the bark colour and peculiar fluting of the trunk and branch ramification make it easier to identify this tree.

This is a massive Peepal standing alone in a parking lot. The ramifications are superb...we try to achieve this in our bonsai (and it's quite difficult to do so). 

This tree just waiting to burst into leaves looked especially attractive to me as I was meeting a few of my batchmates after 40 years!! A unique date (a leap year) added to the surreal quality of our meet up! 

Its great to meet college friends, relive memories and enjoy each others achievements. 

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

 

Theobroma (ThursdayTreeLove)

 We meet a product of this plant quite often.. we consume it often in most age groups and for some it is a prohibited joy. We have it as  a treat/gift it/ relish it on the cheat day of a diet and so on...

You may have guessed.. I am referring to the Chocolate.. which is made from Cocoa beans that grow on the Theobroma cacao trees of the Sterculiaceae family. 

It is an introduced species in India but seems to be very happy in our southern states where it is widely cultivated and we are now a significant producer of Cocoa beans. These images are from Munnar where it is a common sight. 

The evergreen tree is well branched with shiny green leaves. Its small whitish flowers and grow directly on the trunk and thereafter it grow into a large fruit that's yellow when ripe. 

Cauliflory - refers to flowers that grow directly on the trunk

Tiny fruit visible

A small tree that stands out in the lush green countryside

The fruit needs some processing to extract chocolate as we know it. There are several chocolate making units in Munnar but I could not see their extraction process. 

So that would be for another visit and post!

:-) :-)

Next time you eat chocolate, do think of this flower and tree with the unique sounding name!

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!