Load, Aim, and Splash!

Spathodea Campanulata - "Fountain Tree" AKA "African Tulip Tree" AKA "Pichkari" or "Nandi Flame"

We call this tree "Neerukayi mara" in Kannada, which roughly translates to "waterbud tree" or "piss-bud tree" (because we sprayed water on other kids shorts / pants to make it look like they pissed their pants) - quite a literal meaning! The flowers of this tree emerge from the very same buds that carry water inside of them, and it attracts birds by storing water and dew drops inside of it before it completely blossoms.

This tree is a major part of my childhood memories. As children, the buds from this tree as seen in the picture above used to be our water gun. We used to pinch open the front portion of the bud and press the bud with full force to squirt a jet of water to other kids. Smaller size buds contain more amount of water content in them, than the larger ones. Total fun, and a great past time!

Of-course the tree is more than just a source of entertainment to a bunch of kids. Here are some of its known uses:
As Food - The seeds are edible and used in many parts of Africa.
As Timber - In its original habitat, the soft, light brownish-white wood is used for carving and making drums.
As Poison - The hard central portion of the fruit is used to kill animals.
As Medicine - The bark has laxative and antiseptic properties, and the seeds, flowers and roots are used as medicine. The bark is chewed and sprayed over swollen cheeks. The bark may also be boiled in water used for bathing newly born babies to heal body rashes.

Unfortunately, the population spike in the city and ever increasing need for more space to build houses, roads, and vehicle parking lots, have made them go almost extinct, except in some places where the trees are protected. It is never easy to watch the memories getting massacred at this rate.