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)

A walk on the hills of my city has become a part of my life and its something I crave for once there is a gap of more than 2 days. Ever since I started noticing the trees, I unknowingly keep track of them – at least those on my route. I know species that grow on the hill and where. 
Or so I thought.
So it was a huge surprise when I came across this particular tree … Not one or two but an entire avenue as it were…


Which reminded me of John Muir’s words..


“In every walk with nature, one receives far more that one seeks” 

Happily Surprised

This is the Garari which goes by the botanical name of Cleistanthus collinus of the Euphorbiaceae family. Its dark green leaves and almost black fissured trunk are quite attractive but the leaves, bark and roots are said to be poisonous. 


Garari, tekdi, Nature, Pune

nature, hills, tekdi, pune



Obviously, the hills will continue to surprise … Never take things for granted!


Have you been surprised by trees in your neighbourhood? 


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


We are celebrating Diwali here in India so here’s wishing everyone..

Happy Prosperous Healthy Diwali! Lets see, learn from and appreciate what Mother Nature has to offer!

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Survivor (ThursdayTreeLove)

Tree, Tokyo, Gingko biloba



This is my second ThursdayTreeLove post with the same title! Its not for lack of creativity but this seems to be the apt choice for the tree that I want to share. 
My alternative title for today was Living Fossil.
With that, some of you may have guessed the ID of my tree.


That’s right! This is the Ginkgo biloba which is known for its brilliant yellow Fall Foliage. 
I saw the above tree in the premises of a temple in Tokyo and it seemed to have its apex burnt off by lightning. It was obviously a very old tree judging by the texture and girth and appearance of the trunk. Despite losing its apex at some point, the tree had developed new lateral branches and continued to flourish. It did have some protection around it but visitors were not really interested in this. 


Ginkgo biloba is a gymnosperm  which means the seeds are not covered by true fruit. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, disturbed environments and air pollution. In fact, six Ginkgo trees even survived the A-blast of 06 August 1945 in Hiroshima. It is commonly seen as an avenue tree in urban areas – New York, Shanghai, Tokyo (some cities that I spotted the Ginkgo). It is called a living fossil because it is the only living species of its group. 


Ginkgos boast pretty fan shaped leaves which are very distinctive. It is dioecious which means female and male specimens are separate. Most trees planted in cities are male because the fruit like seed has a foul smell when it falls to the ground! 


This is among my favourite species, especially for its wonderful leaves. 


Do you have the Ginkgo growing in your city?


I am joining Parul in her #ThursdayTreeLove blog hop. Do head over to see some glorious trees from around the world. 

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Support (ThursdayTreeLove)

Another set of photos from the Ross Island in the Andaman’s. Ficus trees are known and easily identifiable from their aerial roots. At times these from a ‘forest’ of sorts. At times they grow over and engulf any man-made structure that they grow beside or on. 

Over time, the roots almost completely cover up the cement and concrete and it becomes difficult to decide if the brick structure is supporting the tree or the tree is holding the bricks together!

See for yourself!



The Ficus trees growing in the temples at Angkor Wat in Cambodia are very famous and you may have seen pictures of them or even visited. 


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 with a photo of a tree that has caught your eye!
🙂

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Canopy (ThursdayTreeLove)

Pune, Exotic tree, Avenue
Rain Trees are fairly common avenue trees in Pune. I have been told that these were planted specifically because their canopies give good shade and they grow very fast. Many have massive trunks that cover the entire footpath forcing pedestrians to walk onto the road. Some would take five people holding hands to ’embrace’ the tree!

I have always seen these huge trees from the ground up. Recently I saw their canopies almost at an eye level from the sixth floor of a building. The foliage looked absolutely amazing — almost like green waves rolling in towards  a beach! 

Roads, Trees, Raintree, albizia

Okkk that maybe a slight exaggeration but indeed the canopies are really beautiful.

Rain Tree (Albizia saman) is an exotic species in Pune and is found very commonly. It bears fragrant pink flowers that resemble Shireesh (Albizia lebbeck). This is but natural as the two are ‘cousins’ – botanically speaking. 

Some of the older neighbourhoods in the city boast such Rain Tree-lined roads and the street below get bathed in the filtered sunlight thus staying fairly cool.  Looking up, one can see a beautiful netted canopy created by the multiple branches and subbranches which glitters in the sun. 



I am joining Parul in her bimonthly ThursdayTreeLove blog hop. Do head over to see some fantastic trees from around the world.
Better still, join in with your trees.
🙂

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