Smile of Earth- 9

Clerodendrum

Clerodendrum infortunatum- Hill glorybower

The genus Clerodendrum is native to tropical and warm temperate regions of the world, with most of the species occurring in southern Asia and tropical Africa. Many species are widely distributed throughout the continents.

Most of the species are ornamental with bright and attractive flowers. The flowers provide food for butterflies, Sunbirds, and Hummingbirds.
Many species of this genus have been described in various indigenous systems of medicine and are used in preparation of folklore medicines for the treatment of various life-threatening diseases. Many of Clerodendrum genus have been very well studied for their chemical constituents and biological activities.

Clerodendrum belongs to the family Lamiaceae and are mostly woody shrubs.

Clerodendrum paniculatum- Pagoda flower (Krishna kireedam)

Clerodendrum splendens- Flaming glorybower

Seed head- Flaming glorybower

Smile of Earth- 8

Oh My Gourd!

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia)- Female flower

The Gourd family (Cucurbitaceae) of flowering plants has about 950+ species of vegetable and ornamental plants. Members of the family are annual or perennial herbs native to temperate and tropical areas and include cucumbers, gourds, melons, squashes, and pumpkins.
These are fast-growing creeping or climbing vines.

Most species have unisexual flowers, borne in the leaf axils. Flowers may be white or yellow. Male flowers have up to five anthers, often fused or joined and in female flowers the ovary is seen at an inferior level to petals.
The fruit in most species is a fleshy many-seeded berry with a tough rind, often attaining considerable size. The seeds are flattened.

Enjoy these cheerful yellow flowers of  Gourd family!

Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo)- Male flower

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)- Female flower

Ash gourd (Benincasa hispida)- Male flower

 

Eventide- 14

Spectacle from San Simeon

San Simeon – located along California’s scenic Highway 1 – is a perfect coastal yet rural getaway.

Beautiful coast line. Arrived there just in time for sunset, on the way back from Hearst Castle. Captured these moments from a vantage point.

What an amazing view of the sunset!!