Monday, May 24, 2010

The Color Purple

Aloha ,


May and June are Purple months in the islands...I look forward to these months every year for many reasons, and one of them is most definitely the many shades of purple that dot the upcountry landscape.


The Jacaranda tree is not especially beautiful before it blooms, with only a few disc shaped pods hanging off the ends of the barren branches, shedding little twigs before the leaves open. Two Jacaranda trees at Hale Ho'okipa are displaying lavender color blossoms right now, with more opening daily.


The Lower Kula Highway is such an impressive and scenic drive with these blossoms showering the landscape. The bell shaped flowers flutter down in the trade winds, blanketing pasture land and road ways purple . The pesky silver oak tree also blooms this time of year. Orange blooms of this invasive tree make a nice contrast to all the shades of purple and blue.


Today I happened upon a Jacaranda in bloom with a large cactus flowering right next to it...The stretch of road that divides upper Kula from lower Kula is dotted with statuesque cacti. The cactus flowers will form an edible fruit we call Panini. It is covered in fine little spines that have to be removed before the fruit can be peeled. I have never attempted this job, but from what I hear it takes some heavy gloves to harvest the fruit and then many shakes in a paper bag to remove the spines. It is alot of tricky work for a not so impressive fruit.


Often, plein air artists of Maui can be seen along the roads and accross the pasture lands as well this time of year. Inspiration abounds with soft golden light at sunset. I hope to post some paintings by some of our artists soon.


Today the sky was such a brilliant blue, and the sun so bright... I really did need my sunglasses.

It was almost breathtaking. Every single day I am grateful for the place I call home, today I was in awe.


So, come to Maui, quick...you have one more month to witness the many Colors of Purple.
It will really put a smile on your face!


Aloha, hope to see you soon..........

Cherie

5 comments:

Yvonne Rayburn said...

I have been to Maui many time, but never this time of year. You have convinced me May/June should be the time of my next trip.

I follow your blog and I too, love the place that you call home. I hope to return someday soon.

Cherie said...

Aloha Yvonne,

It's a lovely time to visit, not as busy as winter months...
Mahalo for your note,
Cherie

Liza on Maui said...

love, love these purple trees :)

Liza
A Maui Blog

Trurogirl said...

Incredibly lovely photos, Cherie!

Wonderful idea to share the jacarandas with us. I remember seeing them in FL also - the color is so beautiful it is almost surreal!

I can't believe I've been back on the Mainland for almost a month now. I will definitely visit you in person on my next trip. I appreciate being able to talk with you on the phone when I was in Wailea!

Sending you my aloha,

Jane

ShellsHawaii said...

Very beautiful tree and good written.
Janjirarities