Tropical tree, alternate pinnate leaves, 6cm samaras

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by wcutler, Dec 4, 2011.

  1. wcutler

    wcutler Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout 10 Years

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    I saw these trees at two locations in Honolulu. This first one is in Ala Moana Park. This particular tree isn't much to look at, but the masses of 6cm round samaras were very striking.
    20111125_AlaMoanaPk_DiscTree_Cutler_P1170335.jpg 20111125_AlaMoanaPk_DiscTree_Cutler_P1170337.jpg 20111125_AlaMoanaPk_DiscTree_Cutler_P1170338.jpg 20111125_AlaMoanaPk_DiscTree_Cutler_P1170340.jpg

    This grouping is planted the length of the Sun Yat-Sen Mall along River Street in Chinatown. I think the third photo shows a branch, not just a huge double compound leaf. At the end of the branch, you can see that the leaves have the same alternate pinnate arrangement.
    20111129_RiverBeretania_DiscTree_Cutler_P1180036.jpg 20111129_RiverBeretania_DiscTree_Cutler_P1180039.jpg 20111129_RiverBeretania_DiscTree_Cutler_P1180040.jpg 20111129_RiverBeretania_DiscTree_Cutler_P1180042.jpg
    20111129_RiverBeretania_DiscTree_Cutler_P1180045.jpg
     
  2. Tony Rodd

    Tony Rodd Active Member

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    Pterocarpus indicus
     
  3. wcutler

    wcutler Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout 10 Years

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    Thanks, Tony. Nice to have the name to be able to look up the flowers and read about the uses of the leaves and the wood.

    I see that the National Tropical Botanical Garden Meet the Plants page describes the fruits as being shaped like flying saucers.
     
  4. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Botanical name equates to something like "winged fruits from India".
     
  5. wcutler

    wcutler Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout 10 Years

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    So you mean not really from outer space? :)
     
  6. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Not my point, but now that you mention it they probably aren't. Unless India is from outer space.

    That does seem plausible.
     

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