I had another post with the same title a few weeks ago. So yes, you dear readers, are right in wondering if you have reached the wrong page. But no, this is a different Red, just as spectacular.
I am talking about the spring foliage of a native tree called Kusumb or Schleichera oleosa. It belongs to the Sapindaceae family and is a treat to watch. This deciduous tree bursts into new leaf as winter ends and the tree dons a glorious red. It can be easily spotted from a distance.
The blaze of red one sees when travelling in the ghats in Maharashtra at this time of the year is most likely the Kusumb.
Here are some of the tantalising glimpses we got as we were returning home from a Botany field visit. Finally, we just had to stop and enjoy this beautiful foliage.
Here is the Kusumb from Pune from our Vetal Tekdi.
The Kusumb also bears flowers at this time but the leaves steal the show! Its fruit is very useful among them is being used to make a special kind of hair oil that encourages hair growth.
Schleichera oleosa finds a mention in Trees of Delhi and Jungle Trees of Central India … which means it grows in those regions as well.
Do try to see these gorgeous leaves..because they will turn green soon.
I am joining Parul in her ThursdayTreeLove bloghop. Head over to see some fantastic trees from around the world. Better still, join in!
Its tough to capture so majestic beautiful tree in cell phone camera.
Yes..still I do so every time!! 🤷🏼 Have a great day Shilpa! Thanks.
What a majestic tree. We have our red Japanese maples where I live in the Northeast but they are small trees and nothing like your tree. I would have stopped, too!
Thanks Alana! 😁
Such a lovely shade of Red. You are right that we don’t do good justice to trees when taken on a phone. Still, that’s a good photo and that brings back a lot of memories.
Yes it does Jayanthy! Thanks for dropping by! 🙏🏻
What a lovely one Archana! The way people are clicking, it clearly shows happiness. 🙂 so glad you shared this! If I get to that side, will keep an eye out.
See you tomorrow!
Thanks Parul! Happy to participate in TTL. 🙂
Beautiful color!!! No wonder, you people had to stop to click pics of such eye catching tree..
Thanks Ramya! This was in the Mulshi Ghat.
Beautiful reds and an interesting landscape, too! I’m glad you were able to stop.
Indeed we did not tire of clicking photographs that day! 🙂 Thanks JoAnna!
You are a smart photographer, loved all the clicks – they are simply awesome,thanks for sharing Archana.
Thank you so much Angela! 🙂