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Gul Mohr- the Flamboyant Peacock Flower

  
Scientific Name: Delonix Regia
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Gul Mohr is one of the most striking ornamental trees of the tropic.  Gul means flower, Mohr means Peacock. To some it means Mohur- a coin. It was first discovered by Botanist Wensel Bojer in its native Madagascar. Its botanical appellation is in honor of M DE Poinci- 17th century Governor of Antilles. It is naturalized in India.
This is the season of its bloom. I cannot help but wonder how a literally bare tree with very less foliage standing in hard earth can produce such a wealth of glorious bloom.

I see daily the whole tree sparkling with vivid splashes of Crimson and Orange flowers with feathery minimal foliage. I became an admirer!
Large flower sprays bear numerous intermingling blooms and roundish nodding buds at the ends of bare, long grey branches.
Individually each flower will be about five inch across. Five thick green sepals with red interior form the base. From the spaces between them radiate the five spoon shaped wavy, crinkle edged red/orange petals. One of them is larger scarlet colored and has white or yellow streaked center. Ten long stamens spread and curve from the center.
After the fall of the flowers, the soft, green elongated pods emerge. Soon they become hard and black resembling a sword hanging amongst the leaves. 
Even when Gul Mohr is flowerless, it can be recognized by its characteristic formation of outward spreading branches and long bi-pinnate leaves. There is no depth to the foliage- from below it seems to be one layer of leaves- an umbrella of lace.

Gul Mohr is usually planted in avenues- if every tree is of same height, they form a splendid vista.
Gul Mohr has cultural significance too. It is believed that blood of Jesus Christ was shed over the flowers of this tree when he was crucified and thus these flowers got the sharp red color.

   
Season is mine! #premonsoons #cloudy sky! 

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