Lalbagh Botanical Gardens are undeniably one of the greatest attractions of Bangalore and I consider myself lucky to be living in this city. Every time we have a visitor, Lalbagh is immediately on the itinerary, whether we accompany them or not. We usually do.
This fabulously verdant oasis located inside the city draws people, both locals and tourists and has something for everyone. Early morning walkers take advantage of this beautiful place to get their Vit D and Oxygen; kids come here to play and enjoy themselves. Others just go to sit on the benches-I mean what's not to like with a lush green surrounding and trees of so many varieties, a lotus pond, wood sculptures, bonsai garden, lake, hills, birds, rose garden, fossil rocks and trees-wait, let me catch my breath. Yes, lots to see. And a metro station right at the gate.
Perfect spot for spending a day with a picnic lunch! Also, during January and August, they have a magnificent flower show.
Today's spotlight is on the gorgeous white silk cotton trees at Lalbagh Botanical Gardens - that sit grandly on the premises. There are several silk cotton trees in the gardens, all superbly majestic to look at.
This one close to the West Gate is different from the others. Very Wabi-Sabi - damaged but not broken. Just goes to show that imperfection can be perfect!
Look:
You can't figure out where the branches end and they seem indistinguishable from the trunk itself. One can easily settle into one of the crevices in the trunk/root. I am kicking myself for always being behind the camera and not clicking one of myself with the tree after so many visits. Sigh. Note to self - next time.
See the board near the tree:
Here's what it says:
White Silk Cotton Tree
Common Name: True Silk Cotton Tree [Cabbage Wood]
Botanical Name: Ceiba Pentandra / Kopak floss
Family: Bombacaceae
Origin: India, China
A big soft wooded deciduous tree, grows to an height of 25 to 30 meters with buttressed trunk, pinnate leaves with 5-7 leaflets. Huge orange scarlet, fleshy flowers with five petals, overlaid with glowing crimson colour, blossoms during spring season. White silk cotton sticks obtained from fruits will be used for making pillows and beds. The wood is very light, hence used for making match sticks and packing cases. This tree is approximately 200 years old.
Flowering time is around March-April following which one can see the dark green pods burst around June-July, scattering the silk cotton all over the place. Nature knows how to showcase her beauty eh?
Apparently, the silk cotton is used to fill pillows and mattresses. The wood is light and used for making packing cartons.
Generally, the silk cotton tree is super-tall and has a well-defined trunk and branches. Here's one in another part of the garden. See the trunk. I somehow felt it looked like a giant owl.
I found the trunk of the white silk cotton tree fascinating!
That's our first Thursday Tree Love for 2019. I am hoping to be regular with this, what with me being super-crazy about clicking trees.
Thanks to Parul's encouragement with her Thursday Tree Love linkup.
