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 ;-)
Posted on

Birch (#ThursdayTreeLove)

What do we ‘see’ when we travel away from our home cities? Over the past few years, I have made it a point to look out for plants and flowers of that particular place, especially when overseas. This made my visit to the Scandinavian countries a double delight as I was able to enjoy the flora of the temperate region – which for me had been limited to books and electronic screens so far!


I had a small field guide to help identify the trees and I cannot express my joy at recognising a tree!!  

Here is a road outside our Helsinki hotel that struck me for two reasons, one is obviously the golden carpet of yellowing autumn leaves and the second is the white bark. Moving a little closer, the white almost looked like paint! I did not need any reference to know that these were Birches. They belong the family Betulaceae and the genus Betula. 

Autumn 



White bark


These are mostly deciduous trees which means they shed their leaves in winter. All seemed to have straight trunks. This was most obvious in the countryside, as the scene outside the window was blur of vertical white lines!! 

View from the bus window

An article I read online, mentions that during the World War II, Birch wood was used to build the Hercules H4 which was a strategic airlift flying airboat.  The aircraft is called “Spruce Goose” and is on display at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum at McMinnville in Oregon. Wow!! 


Which trees have you spotted in your travels – for work or leisure? 
🙂


I am participating in Parul’s #ThursdayTreeLove25. Head over to seen some wonderful trees from around the world…

0
Posted on

Sleeping (#ThursdayTreeLove)

Sleeping, Moscow, Kremlin, Trees



Strange as it sounds these trees do have a ‘sleeping’ habit dont you think?


I came across them in Moscow during our tour of the Kremlin. As yet, I havent been able to ascertain their ID and none of the locals around including our Guide could help me in this respect…


Why must they be horizontal? Flattened in some storm perhaps? Or is it the natural growth style of the species? 


I wonder…. Any ideas folks??


I am participating in Parul’s #ThursdayTreeLove24. Do head over for some fantastic trees from around the world.

0
Posted on

Towering (#ThursdayTreeLove)

Posting a little late but still… 




I had only read about this tree and for a long time, it remained just that.. a tree that would need a special effort to see… Finally it was a trip to (hopefully) see tigers, that let me see and admire the Sal. Its botanical name is Shorea robusta and belongs to the Diptocarpaceae family. Special effort because the Sal only grows in northern parts of India.



I saw the Sal forest during my trip to the Corbett National Park. In fact, the road to the Dhikala guest house is dramatic as it passes through these towering trees. It was early summer, and the time was right for fresh foliage to break out. Clothed in glorious shades of green, the Sal lived up to the image that was created in my mind. 


 An indigenous species, it is a handsome tree and the canopy casts dense cooling shadows. 

Sal canopy

Sal Flowering. Image Credit Rahul Rao

The Sal does face some threats, forest fires being a major one. Natural events like lightening too can damage trees. Infact there is landmark in the Dhikala zone called Mota Sal, which is the remant stump of a Sal that was struck down by lightening during a major storm… The stump still is quite awesome and my image does not do justice to its size…




Have you seen the Sal? Do make it a point to admire this glorious species whenever you get the opportunity!


I am participating in Parul’s photo initiative #ThurdayTreeLove. This is my contribution to #ThursdayTreeLove22


And before I forget, yes, we did see Tigers on that visit!!

0