Friends in my garden- 60

Indian palm squirrel

Indian palm squirrel (Funambulus palmarum) is known for the distinctive three stripes across its back, much similar to that in Chipmunks, a smaller variety of squirrels seen in N. America.
There is a legend related to the stripes seen on this squirrel. Though it is a well-known legend in India, here it is in brief.
According to this Mythological legend, the squirrel helped Lord Rama to collect sand and build bridge to reach Lanka, the Kingdom of Ravana, where Sita was in captivity. Lord Rama stroked squirrel’s back to show his appreciation and three stripes, marks of his fingers, appeared on its back.
I have two more posts on Indian palm squirrel. Please check out here- Post1 Post2.
This adorable critter decided to have lunch on my backyard wall. Looked like the rice I had placed was tasty.
Observe the expressions!

Wow…lunch!

Let me taste it…

It’s tasty!

No…I won’t share with you

Landscape- 8

From the Himalayan Kingdom

A small, landlocked country nestled deep in the Himalayas between India and China, Bhutan is characterized by steep mountains and deep valleys.

The pristine nature is so mesmerizing and awe-inspiring. Bhutan is a country for nature lovers… not forgetting the traditional art and architecture!

Druk Yul — the local name for Bhutan — means “Land of the Thunder Dragon”. Haa Valley is one of the most beautiful, and isolated areas in the kingdom, adorned with pristine alpine forests and tranquil mountain peaks. Three views of Haa valley are presented here.

Smile of Earth- 17

Flowers of Solanaceae

Eggplant flower

Solanaceae, also known as the potato family or nightshade family, is one of the most utilized and important plant families. The members of the family are found throughout the world but are abundant in the tropical regions.
It includes some of the most important food plants. Solanaceae has many ornamental plants also. Here, I am presenting flowers of food crops or vegetables of the family.
The common vegetables of the family are potato (Solanum tuberosum), eggplant or brinjal (Solanum melongena), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and chili peppers (Capsicum species).

Potatoes are carbohydrate-rich food and are important in the diet of many people around the world. Tomato is prized for its red, fleshy, vitamin-rich fruits. Less commonly eaten is the eggplant and it’s large, purplish, edible fruits are used in Indian dishes. The numerous varieties of chili are used to give a hot, spicy flavor to many foods.
All photographs are from my garden.

Potato flower

Green chili flower

Tomato flowers