Tag: Nature’s delights

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Bingo (ThursdayTreeLove)

Today, I will share a story spread over five months… a story of identifying a tree … 


It all began in February when I was temporarily staying at a new area and my morning walks took me to a local garden. As is my habit, I mentally named the trees but one particular species (and there were at least six full grown trees) was especially challenging. It had a lovely buttressed trunk, glossy green leaves and round lemon-sized fruit.

This glorious green tree had me staring at it every day! 

See the green fruits

I kept racking my brains, googled the images but no luck. My usual reference books were not available to me. Finally, inspiration struck and I narrowed down a possible ID to Rudraksha. The leaf structure seemed to match perfectly… 


In the absence of flowers, there was a way to confirm.. check the seed. 
While earlier there were plenty of fruits on the walkway, suddenly I could not find any.. Being end of Pune winters, most trees were shedding their dry dead foliage. The cleaning staff used to clear the area before I reached. .. I even checked the mound of collected dead leaves in case I could get a fruit.. 


Then I changed my walk time and got lucky. There was a fruit just waiting for me .. 
I picked it up and almost ran back home to cut it open… 
Bingo… the typical Rudraksha seed smiled at me!!! 

The fruit that escaped the broom!

Fruit and Leaf .. can you see the forked lateral vein?

The unmistakable Rudraksha seed

I was thrilled and shared these images with all and sundry! What is most amazing is that local authorities had planted such a beautiful tree in a small park. 


Next, I had to wait for the flowers. Come June, I was rewarded with the first buds but they took more than 3 weeks to bloom. And when they did, the trees looked absolutely glorious.. the tiny white frilly flowers amid glowing green leaves. 

Have you seen the Rudraksha tree? 
I have not yet identified the exact species but this is definitely the Eleaocarpus genus of the Elaeocarpaceae family. According to the Flowers of India website, a species is found in the western ghats, central and south Sahyadris. Rudraksha is revered by many and is said to have huge medicinal value. 


Hope you enjoyed my story. 


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

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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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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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Bananas (ThursdayTreeLove)

When walking on the road, discarded Banana skins are a big hazard in addition to indisciplined traffic, poor pavements etc. I always keep my eyes on the ground when walking .. besides spotting stuff I am likely to slip on, I am very often rewarded. 
Yes Rewarded!
How?
By sighting some fallen flower or fruit which is the tree calling attention to itself! 


Recently I was happy to see what looks like a discarded Banana skin. 
A closer look revealed it to  be the Muchkunda flower. Of course the pervading fragrance immediately confirmed its identity. 

Banana skin?

It goes by the botanical name of Pterospermum acerifolium and belongs to the Sterculiaceae family (Cocoa family). There is some confusion about exact the specific name so lets just say it belongs to the Pterospermum genus. 


The leaves are large and typically Peltate which means the petiole is not attached to the end of the leaf but nearer the centre. This is clearly seen in the image above. According to this Indian Express article, the tree is also called Dinner Plate Tree as the leaves are threaded together to create a plate!


These are night blooming flowers which are pollinated by bats. 
A handsome native species that demands attention and a sight for sore eyes. 

Notice the fruit which is a woody capsule

Have you seen the Muchkunda? 

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!
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Fragrant Stars (ThursdayTreeLove)

These trees growing along the fence of a prominent hotel in Aurangabad were eye catching even from a distance. They had dark green leaves with mysterious shadows broken by the intermittent breeze. 

Fragrant flowers, Bakul, AUrangabad



On walking closer, I was happy to see that these were the Maulsari or Mimusops elengi . It was December and the tree was in bloom and the tiny star shaped flowers with their haunting fragrance made the morning more beautiful. These flowers are prized because they retain their scent even when dry.



Maulsari is called Bakul in Marathi and is found in many parts of India. It is a native tree belonging to the Sapotaceae family. The leaves are glossy green and have a wavy margin. It bears pretty red coloured fruit which is said to be edible (I have not eaten these and I dont recommend readers to do so unless they have confirmed information about it being edible). 


Red fruit, Mimusops, Pune
Bakul fruits – this image from a tree growing elsewhere

Pune homes and streets in Pune have Bakul. Does this tree grow in your city? Have you seen garlands of these fragrant flowers?


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