Kigelia pinnata of Africa-"Marra Sorkai" in Tamil

4th May 2011

Kigelia pinnata of Africa-"Marra Sorkai" in Tamil--Sausage tree on Marina Beach -Chennai .The English name is derived because the fruit has a likeness to a sausage.  The sausage tree is from Africa was planted all across Chennai, inc ...on Marina Beach by Corpn Dept of Horticulture.

 

Today, as early as 2 pm--I saw the public seek the shade of Trees on Marina off the beach in this sweltering heat of 36-38 deg C. and high humidity- More than 500 people on the beach under trees at 2 pm - waiting for the sea breeze to set in. Surely we have thank Mother nature -and remember that Nature alone provides for the common man-these 3 photos are taken at Marina Beach-Chennai.

"Kigelia" from Africa, planted in many places in Chennai is hardy, withstands extreme summer temperatures, has thick leaves that give much shade, requires little rain and survives extrene temperatures . Studied this and find it is called  Marra Sorkai in tamil i.e. Tree Gourd also because of its resemblance;-but is not Edible as Seeds are said to be harmful for human consumpton i.e. poisonous)  -except some animals like Giraffes eat the leaves; Birds & Bats eat and pollinate the tree. In the sizzling temperatures of summer a blessing.

The peak season of Agni nakshatra >Temp as it is called starts in May already 38 deg C.. Thank God for Trees -TR

 

 

Shree Sathya Sai Baba's Msg--on NATURE

There are many valuable lessons to be learnt from Prakrithi (...Nature). Trees distribute their fruits and grant their shade to everyone, even to those who lay their axe on them with intention to destroy them! Mountains suffer heat, rain and storm without demur, and are plunged in meditation for ages. Birds do not hoard for years together, the wherewithal for food or shelter; they do not use more than is absolutely necessary for their survival. Nature is your school, your laboratory, the gateway to liberation and the reflection of God's manifold majesty. Seek to know the lessons it is ready to teach; all things in Nature are Brahman (God) just as you are. So, every act is Divine; all work is worship; build the mansion of your life on the strong foundation of the faith that all creation is Divine. -SAI BABA

 

To conclude

Trees also have a Spl. "Swadharma" OM Vrikshe Namaha"-- eg Shade Giving , Fruits, Decorative, Beauty, Fragrance.

Trees -have specific qualities and as living organisms vary so much inc the purpose of planting --suited to locale and purpose.

India has the best selection of local trees -

TR

Growing fruit Trees-

25th April, 2011.
Greetings-

Growing fruit Trees-
This site below gives useful basic data on Tree Planting suited to India-but much depends on conditions in your locality --soil, water rainfall and above all Care  Given to nurture. This site does not cover fruit trees but has valuable tips on planting etc- However, all our Goa to Kanaras & Maharashtra areas give an idea of suitable fruit trees inc Mango, Cashew,Jackfruit,Papaya, Banana , Coconut,Bimbla, Karmal, Chickoo, Pomegranate & Guava-
Some others too, but much care and a gardener's assistance is needed-
note: Most of the fruit tree sites relate to climates -not quite suited to India;  but now in modern Greenhouses and scientifically managed fruit culture farms, many exotic fruits like Strawberries even are commonly seen these days-We have come a long way in this.
but-- I am speaking of a simple Garden -one that we can manage easily.
Happy growing.  
Rgds
TR

TIPS ON TREE PLANTING
http://www.cleanindia.org/resoucewatch/tree_plantgtips.htm

Almond Trees in South India -

2nd April, 2011
Greetings
The Indian Badam tree is very interesting to observe as its leaves change colour from Green to Red and it is really a beautiful tree with large leaves that gives much shade. It is noteworthy to find Almond Trees (Indian Badam) being planted in many places where it essentially is for giving shade -not the fruit or seed.

I observed a Badam Tree on Marina Beach (at a Govt Office premise) in Jan-March daily and was amazed to see the colours of the leaves change from Green to orange to Red and few other shades too.  I learnt they grow well on  sandy soil and on costline too- See pics taken.

In my travels, I have seen them planted  at the most unusual places and growing nicely-inc. at Railway stations, on a Sea shore, at a housing colony entrance.
Some of the photos taken are attached below-
My knowledge of this tree is very limited and so I have added in comments section data from two reliable sources-with all credit to them.
Rgds
TR

 Almond Trees at Fort Kochi --on sea shore 

 Almond Trees at Kanhangad Railway station-platform.

 Almond Trees at Kanhangad Railway station-platform.

 Almond Trees at Kanhangad Railway station-platform.

Almond Tree at entrance of Saraswat Colony-Santa Cruz West, Mumbai platform.

The Oudamber Tree - at Anandashram

Namaskar
Contd from previous post featuring the Oudamber Tree -at Anandashram , Kanhangad :
These pics were taken at Anandashram.
The tree is also very old.--but it's Regenerative capacity and strength are admirable-
It was growng with a Bilwa and Ixxora Plant.
See pics.below:

 The Oudamber Tree -at Anandashram , Kanhangad

 This Oudamber is a very old tree; growing  with a Bilwa Tree bearing fruit and Ixxora plant with floweres.
Spiritually and symbolically these 3  Trees/ plants  represent Shri Dattatreya, Lord  Shiva and Shree Devi.

 Bilwa fruit on top seen

 Ixxora flowers

 Despite the trunk having being hollowed out (decay) damage, -the Tree has productive branches and at lower portion of the trunk a new small branch and fruits growing even.

 The Oudamber Tree -at Anandashram , Kanhangad

 The Oudamber Tree -at Anandashram , Kanhangad-is truly remarkable

 The strength and regenerative capacity of this Oudamber Tree is a Marvel
GOD BLESS

Pic above is of  Anandashram -the Main Prayer Hall

Any advice on the hollowing out of the tree trunk, cause, reason etc  by a Botanist or Tree Expert (Arborealist) will be most welcome.

I have never seen such a remarkable Tree growing despite damage on the trunk-

The Regenerative capacity of a Tree is  truly  Divine and so it does so much good.

Rgds
TR

The Oudamber Tree-sthala vriksha at Uma Maheshwar temple, Mangalore

Oudamber Trees- (Gulaar) Ficus .
I was at Shree UmaMaheshwar Temple, Mangalore 19th-22nd March and and  had the good fortune to  study and photograph  two outstanding Oudamber (Ficus) trees.This post  features the Sthala Vriksha at the temple adjacent to Shri Dattatreya Sannidhi;

It is a very old tree and maybe over 75 years old and was extremely well decorated in Alankar -see  pics.below.

Note- next post   is of the Oudamber Tree at Anandashram Kanhangad.

Oudamber Trees-

Sthala vriksha at Uma Maheshwar temple, Mangalore, nearShreeDattatreya Guru Sannidhi

In Alankar -with Shri Dattatreya Moorthy

Shri Dattatreya in Sannidhi

Shree UmaMaheshwar Temple, Mangalore, entrance.

Each was a wonder in many ways and as I studied them realised what a marvel of creation a Tree is -ranging from:

1)  Trees Give only and take nothing. 

2) Tolerates so much  from all esp actions of Man.

3. The strange symbiotic relationship with Wasps in pollination.

The Regenerative capacity of a Tree is  truly  Divine and so it does so much good.

However I noticed some leaves had what is called "galls -on leaves"-possibly arising from insects (Wasps possibly) 

I am not a Botanist and so referred to all sources and this was confirmed.

For Tree Care /Eco Protection  here, I think a simple remedy (non harmful)  would be the Neem Guard liquid that is used as a Herbicide -sold in Garden stores. 
However reliable sources seem to state these Galls are  not a  harmful. -
See References in comments section below-
Readers Advice / Comments welcome.  
RGDS 
TR

Galls are small lumps on the Leaves-

On Magnification pic

Panchavati Trees-

Panchavati Trees- 

Hindu Samskars & legends on traditional worship of  Trees with local practices has been researched a lot and recorded in recent times.

PANCHAVATI refers to a group of 5 trees grown in selected spot that gives a powerful aura.This has been tested and experinced by many reliable authorities . 

They are: 'ShamI' (vanni, Acacia ferruginea), 'Ashvattha' (peepal, Ficus religiosa), 'Nimba' (margosa/neem, Azadirachta indica) and 'Audumbara' (country fig, Ficus racemosa). 

These are  known as the 'panchavati' trees.

 

In another version, the 'panchavati' trees refer to 'banyan, fig, gooseberry (amla/nelli), bilva and ashoka' trees.

 

NOTE:

The Peepal Tree ,Ashwattha in Gita and Banyan -Vata Vriksha of Shree Dakshinamurty 

or Nyagrodha in Shree VS) are in our  stotras.The Bilwa of Shree Mahalakshmi Devi, Shammi of Shiva & Shani & Oudamber of Dattatreya is in our Puranas

 

Indian villages used to have a large, round, raised platform built around the 'panchavati' trees where religious and other village meetings were held. These trees purified the air around and also had a powerful aura; people who sat under them breathed this and were calm and collected -have expressed this. 

Pranic Healing also mentions breathing under Trees for rejuvenation.

 

I have tried this and sincerely recommend it.

Pranayama or simple deep breathing under Trees. 

Maintain the system i.e.-Namaskar to the Vriksha, ask- seek permission and  do the breathing exercise. Even sitting quietly in such spots helps immensly-

 The 'panchavati' trees have been a source of inspiration for our sages.

 

WE can emulate this and encourage growing this in parks and our own residential colonies. 

Vriskhsa Naam Pataye Naam 

Neem Tree- is a wonder tree.

dt 8th March 2011.
The Neem Tree- is a  wonder tree.
In Sanskrit the Neem is called Arishtha- meaning the reliever of the sickness and is Natures Gift to us all in India esp.Called as "Azadirachta indica" in botany- commonly referred to as Margosa, Vembu /Vepa in Tamil Also popularly called Nimba.

WE have this Neem tree on the southern side of our house-

In lower pic it is the Frangipani tree with white flowers  "Temple Flowers" in SW corner & Neem on south.

 BELOW
The NIMBA at Shirdi---Of Shree Sai Baba
"Om Sai Ram"
source (site)

NEEM TREE 
WE have this wonderful  tall Neem tree grown on the south side (by sheer chance)- now about 29 years old. When my dear Uncle Sri Katre Dinkar Maam visited me years ago, he saw it and  explained how to make a neem liquid for garden use.--quote" Just drop all the fallen neem leaves in a tub and add water and allow to soak for some days. If urgently needed, a small quantity of neem leaves can be boiled in water and cooled -diluted and sprayed on plants and trees affected by pests or any fungus or disease. It cleans it up all well. Spray periodically as required -or use in a Watering can . Dilute for small plants"-
The effect is just remarkable and no side effects. It even deters ants which often cause havoc in gardens with small anthills making garden work difficult. Try Neem leaves and liquid spray instead of using DDT which has many side ill effects.

We have the Shree Seethala Devi Temple at Mahim, Mumbai ; Similarly in in every locality in South, the Shree Devi Karumari Amman Temples. Neem leaves are used to treat Chickenpox.  In the tradition in South India, it is believed that the Goddess protects from chickenpox--and Seethala Devi lives in the Neem tree.

Neem is extremely bitter and a mixture of leaves with sugar is taken on Yugadi to teach us to accept the sweet and bitter in life with equanimity. Neem tea is usually taken to reduce the headache and fever. Its flowers are used to cure intestinal problems. Neem bark acts as an analgesic and can cure high fever as of malaria-
Summing up-
It is the only green plant that no insect will attack and so the best herbicide /pesticide to use.
Many companies market it in small cans with a spray kit-easy to use eg Neem Plus,Health Safe Guard for plants . Neem uses  includes: Medicinal, Pesticidal. Cosmetic esp Soap for skin trouble relief.The neem stick has been a simple rural tooth brush & paste since time immemorial.
The worldwide Neem Foundation has promoted Neen awareness but in India -very few in Metros few read this information-Every part of the  neem (like the Coconut tree) is used.
In Ayurveda it has been used and recorded since  4000 years back..
It has a multitude of uses ranging and the list is endless; but for a start Soap, Toothpaste, Pesticides & Cleaning Agents is seen all across
Namskar Neem Vriksha
RGDS
TR