Ahoy there!

Hardwickia binata

The majestic tree stands tall

A few words: Only recently did we heard about this magnificent species at the Auroville Botanical Gardens.  We were given the task of collecting the giantess' seeds. Unfortunately, seed season was over. On the bright side, we had the chance to get a closer look at the tree. The most outstanding characteristic, in my view, would be the bark, which bears a likeness to crocodile skin.

Crocodile bark

Common name: Anjan tree

Scientific name: Hardwickia binata

Scientific classification: Kingdom: Plantae
                                               Phylum: Angiospermae
                                               Class: Eudicots
                                               Order: Fabales
                                               Family: Fabaceae
                                               Subfamily: Detarioideae
                                               Genus: Harwickia
                                               Species: binata

Mature leaf

Type of species: Indigenous

Distribution:  The tree is most commonly found in the dry open forests of Central and South India. However, its range extends to the western Himalayas up-to 1500m elevation.

Habitat: Dry deciduous forests

Conservation status: Least concern

Distribution map:

Sourced from envis.frlht.org

Mooning 101 (Ass taught by a red-vented bulbul)

Are you ready?

Boom shaka laka!!

You like, huh?

Huntsman spider

Front view.

Top view.

To scale.

Orthomorpha coarctata

Two millipedes mating.

Defense mechanism

To scale.

Scientific name: Orthomorpha coarctata

Scientific classification: Kingdom: Animalia
                                             Phylum: Arthropoda
                                             Class: Diplopoda
                                             Order: Polydesmida
                                             Family: Paradoxosomatidae
                                             Genus: Orthomorpha
                                             Species: O. coarctata

Type of species: Indigenous

Habitat: Found in a wide range of habitats. One such area is semi-forested areas with high levels of humidity.
 
Conservation status: Least concern
 
Distribution: This common millipede is purported to be native to Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, due to human carelessness, it has found its way across the world (sub-tropics only).

Source: wikimedia