Author: Archana

Once a Physiotherapist now a Wordsmith. Field Botanist. Bonsai. Proud Indian. Fauji Wife. Doting Mother and Mother-in-law. Devoted Grandmother. Reluctant Cook. Happiest on a road less travelled. 60s are the new 40s ;-)
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Surprise (ThursdayTreeLove)

For some inexplicable reason, I was under the impression that only trees in the Ficus genus and Sheflera bore aerial roots. When I saw this tree with profuse roots growing from its branches, I was completely taken aback. 
It is obviously a fully grown tree and I saw it in San Francisco. 


This is a tree called Metrosideros excelsa belonging to the Myrtaceae family. Commonly called the New Zealand Christmas Tree. The species is endemic to New Zealand.


The tree is said to have brilliant flowers however it was not in bloom when during my visit. Instead, I have an image of its leaves.

Surprises never cease and this plant reminded me that there is something new to be learnt all the time.


Ever since my course in Field Botany, my travels are all the more interesting as I spend time trying to identify trees around me. Many a times, I end up just enjoying the tree as no ID seems to match. 


This quote sums it up
“Time spent in Nature is time realising you don’t know it all, that you never will.  The earth is meant to be enjoyed by its inhabitants” – AbdulRauf Hashmi


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

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Dancing Trees (ThursdayTreeLove)

Nanded City, Guavas, Peru, Pune

These trees caught my eye from a distance.. the branches made them look as if they were dancing! 
Naturally, I was curious to identify the plants. 
On going closer, I found them to be our old friend.. the Guava … Not one or two but an entire grove of Guavas! 


When in fruit, it would be a feast for birds and people living there I am sure. 
A visual treat for the rest of the year!

Guava goes by the botanical name of Psidium guajava and belongs to the Myrtaceae family. It bears pretty flowers and the tree bark is typically smooth and peeling. 


Have you seen the Guava tree? Do you enjoy to eat Guavas?


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

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Coffee (Wordless Wednesday)

 It takes a special effort to whip up foam in coffee.. I remember the days when I spent up to 10 minutes beating together sugar and coffee powder to a smooth paste in the cup .. this was to ensure a perfect froth when hot milk was poured in. 


Technology has ensured I now need not trouble my shoulder .. I get a perfect frothy coffee in a jiffy with the battery operated Frother! 

I am joining Esha’ s Wordless Wednesday..

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Tree Frame (ThursdayTreeLove)



This was the view that greeted me as I paused to catch my breath when climbing this hill. The trees seemed a perfect frame for the river Moshi which is one of the tributaries of Pune’s Mutha River. It has a dam at Varasgaon and this is the backwater area. 


We walked up at the start of June, when the city was facing a severe water crisis. The south westerlies seemed to be bringing in hoards of clouds which filled the entire sky. 

For a change, the view kept me away from trying to identify the trees… Also they were on the slope and I was not keen on going too close to them. They are likely to be Jamun or Ain, two species which were common in that area.


I am joining Parul in her bimonthly ThursdayTreeLove blog hop. Do head over to see lovely trees from around the world. Better still, join in!

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Green Cups (ThursdayTreeLove)

From afar, this Ficus looked like any other Ficus benghalensis and I almost gave it a miss. 
Yet something took me closer and lo behold!
I was seeing a tree that I had only read about and had yet to see..



Yes, its the Ficus benghalensis var krishnae  – the tree that boasts of cup like leaves. 
Naturally there are mythological stories associated with this tree specifically because of its leaf shape. The leaves are folded at the base to form a sort of a pocket. Don’t believe me.. see for yourself!




It belongs to the Moraceae family and is said to be related to the Ficus benghalensis or the Banyan Tree that we all know. With its aerial roots and spreading branches, this evergreen tree has an imposing canopy. 


Spotting this Ficus was the highlight of that tree walk. 
Have you seen the Ficus benghalensis var krishnae? 


I am joining Parul in her ThursdayTreeLove blog hop. Do head over to see some wonderful trees from around the world. Better still, join in!

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