Ann-Christine invites us to explore Trees this week and show a few which have caught our attention. I often look for unusual formations and details in the shape of their trunk and branches plus whether or not they are growing in an unusual place such as asphalt and concrete. As a side note, other trees have been previously featured in my blogs although the two best known are Angel Oak on Johns Island, SC and the Lone Cypress in Pebble Beach, CA.
When in Aruba a few years ago, we located this well-known Diva-Diva tree on the beach close to the road.
There are a couple of the popular Mysore Fig trees on the Winter Estates in Fort Myers, FL. Unfortunately, in September 2016 one of them was blown over during Hurricane Irma, a Category 3 storm. The larger Fig tree survived but not sure whether it was this particular one or not.
In addition to Mysore Fig trees at Edison & Ford Winter Estates they also have beautiful botanical gardens as well as their signature Banyan trees. The growth pattern and life cycle of Banyan trees is amazing plus the health benefits they provide in modern medicine. To learn more, Google “health benefits of banyan trees” and also see Banyan in Wikipedia.
A few years ago we visited Marathon, Florida and Key West with friends and enjoyed the beautiful sights along the way! When traveling on the Seven Mile Bridge, we noticed these two trees growing in the asphalt on the old bridge. Apparently the conditions there are good since they both look healthy!
Marathon, which is a little over an hour drive south to Key West, is a nice area along the beach with plenty to do and see. Palm trees were prevalent everywhere we looked. The ones on the left are Carpentaria Palms with their brilliant red fruits. As pretty as it looks, the fruit should be avoided since its juice can cause a skin irritation. On the right is Malayan Coconut Palms which are loaded with coconuts almost ready to eat. Their white “meat” and sweet watery milk makes this fruit a delicacy!
Hope you have enjoyed viewing a few of my favorite trees as much as I have enjoyed seeing them again!