Erythrina afra, new flowers yet again

A blooming old Erythrina afra tree is a joy to behold, particularly in years when the spring flowers appear with earlier vigour than the leaves.

Grown by itself or planted long ago by someone who could only fantasise about its maturity in the distant future, its pageant is new, something different every year. Those that have come to know it well will recall the performance of a few past spring seasons and become confused about the features of each display; if they are not remembered as all the same.

A tree full of flowers touches every life that notices it; the significance of such perception a matter of awareness... and choice. May the saying not be forgotten that one should plant trees under which future generations may sit, even if the planter is forgotten.