PELTOPHORUM PTEROCARPUM

Its summer time and all over the city you will find the Peltophorum tree in full bloom.The tree is completely covered with yellow flowers and it adds colour to the dull city skyline.

There are lots of these trees planted near my house and it is one of my favourites.

During this season you will find a yellow carpet of flowers on the roads and there are no words to describe the experience of walking on it.

Have you ever experienced the peltophorum shower?

Just stand below the tree when the flowers fall and you will feel blessed.

The botanical name is Peltophorum  pterocarpum also know as copper pod or rusty shield bearer because of the shield shaped fruit.The flowers are yellow and have a very mild fragrance.

The tree flowers from April to July and then again from September to November.It is mainly planted along the roadside but it falls easily in heavy monsoon.

MIRACLES OF NATURE

After a few months of compulsory break (Mumbai rains ) I have again started my morning walk.

My early morning walk is one of the activities of the day I thoroughly enjoy.

It is quiet,no traffic,no crowd very few people on the streets mainly morning walkers,milkman on cycle,newspaper distributors and few people leaving early for work.

It is at this time I witness the miracles of nature.The cool breeze touching my skin,birds chirping and the sun getting ready to spread its wings.I witness the seasonal changes of the trees and shrubs,Few trees are in full bloom,few fruiting,few have shed their leaves and on some trees leaves changing colour.Many times I am walking on a carpet of flowers ( mainly peltophorum ) and sometimes I stop in search of flowers whose fragrance I just smelled.

As I take my morning walk I see the world with new eyes.

Today as I was walking all of a sudden  I noticed a tree in full bloom.When I stopped  to observe it the tree was Alstonia scholaris also known as saptaparni.( if you wonder how I know the botanical names let me tell you I design landscapes.).

I have seen this tree many times in many places,it is very common in Mumbai but never in full bloom.I was so thrilled.standing near the tree I could smell the fragrance of the flowers.What a beautiful start to my day.Later in the day when I had time I went and clicked photos of the tree.

Alstonia is a beautiful evergreen tree with greenish white flowers.Its common name in Sanskrit is saptaparni because of the seven lance shaped digitate leaflets at the end of the stalk.The name alstonia is after the Scottish botanist Charles Alston and scholaris because the wood is used to make slates and blackboards.

It will be nice if everyone spends time alone in nature and while you are there in nature remember that you too are part of this miracles of nature.

NAKSHATRA UDYAN

Constellation of stars ( Nakshatra ) and planets spread in the universe are identified all over the world by different names.Effect of stars and planets on various aspects of the earth surface is a topic of elaborate study all over the world.

One of the important aspect of the planets is the role they play in Indian astrology.Their exact positioning in the zodiac can enhance or deplete the physical,spiritual and the financial growth of an individual.

Reference to inter relation between planets,stars and plants are found in the western literature e.g.HEINRICH DAATH as well as in Sanskrit compositions SRITATVANIDHI.

Mention of aradhya trees and specific flowers for a certain nakshatra are found in not only the panchang but also in old Sanskrit literature.

Every person has a different horoscope and nakshatra.These tell about the persons nature and temperament.

In Indian astrology every nakshatra and zodiac sign has a governing tree.

The herbal properties of these trees are also known since ages.It is said that one should sit to meditate below the governing tree of ones nakshatra as it helps to calm down the mind.

Every zodiac sign has two and a quarter nakshatra and each nakshatra has its own governing tree.