The Handkerchief Tree*

By Rhiannonw

Mon, 30 May 2016
  • 1769 reads
6 comments
 

Surprise amongst the trees –
waving hankies fluttering in the breeze  –
no artificial ‘prayer’ flags these –
doves shine shimmering in the sun?
no joke or fun –
soft white flower-bracts
snow-white, ‘persil’ white
cover branches of a tree from China:
cheering impact
attracts:
astonishing and amusing sight.

*Davidia involucrata, 'handkerchief tree' or the 'dove-tree', native to South Central and Southwest China, can be seen in Kew gardens etc. This specimen photographed at Queenswood aboretum, Dinmore, Herefordshire

 

Certificate U
Poem
Nature
Nature

Comments

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

I've thought of having one of these trees - they're amazing aren't they!

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Yes! It was beautiful, and unexpected. I'd heard of it, seen the notice at other times, or maybe seen a few on one before, but never like this, the tree covered with dangling large bright white hankies! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by jeand on

Hi Rhiannon

I'd never heard of the tree before, but it does look and sound to be very interesting.

Jean

Jean Day

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Jean. Yes, a pleasant surprise. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Rhiannon,

what an amazing tree of such natural beauty. Loved how you describe it with words. I too have never heard of the handkerchief tree. A very enlightening piece of writing.

Loved the picture too.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Jenny. Glad to introduce you! Rhiannon