....Taare Zameen Par!

Sea Poison Tree- Always wondered why they are known by this name! These are such pretty flowers with their pinkish-white fibers. When I first saw them strewn on the ground, I was captured by their beauty and thought they resemble stars fallen on earth.

These were clicked in October 2007, at Bombay Port Trust Garden, also known as BPT Garden, Colaba. The official name of this Botanical Garden is Sagar Upvan.

I first went there following a Landscaping Studio in School. Landed at the garden at sharp 8am, since its open from 5am- 9pm. Its one of the richest and lushest gardens in Mumbai along the Arabian sea.
For me, the only other Botanical garden that made my jaw drop is Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bangalore. Its one of the biggest gardens in the city. Cubbon Park is another favorite of mine. Its called 'lung' area of the city and rightly so, for its located right within the heart of the city.
My short stay in Bangalore in 2008 was made beautiful and memorable because of these two gardens.

Some more information about this tree-
Source: The Trees of Mumbai, published by Bombay Natural History Society.

Common Names: Samudraphala (Kannada); Ondalam,
                           Samuthrapplam (Tamil),
                           Suraponnachettu (Telugu),
                           The Queen of Shores (English)

Scientific Name  : Barringtonia asiatica

The tree blooms throughout the year. Flowers are white and resemble powder puffs. They bloom at night and wither by morning. It is planted as an ornamental and avenue tree and is also good for afforestation of swampy grounds. In coastal areas, seeds are dispersed by sea.
The scientific name Barringtonia is given in honor of Daines Barrington, an English Naturalist and asiatica applies to its native country.

This tree is also spotted at Joseph Baptista Garden in Mazagaon.