Black Beech flowers.....

....way up high as branches sway in the breeze, there's a hint of red caught by the light. I reach for the camera and extend the lens till it won't go any further and there before my eyes are the dainty minute flowers in clusters along the branches mingling with soft green leaves.

The flowers appear this time each year but this year they seem to be more prolific. Each flower has petals which to me resemble tiny little fingers. 

The tree is tall and it's only in certain lights that these tiny, tiny flowers can be seen from the ground. There's another in extra which was taken further away in the afternoon light.

The Black Beech is endemic to New Zealand. Usually found in the forest it reaches to a height of 25 m. It has rough grey bark which is often covered in black mould resulting from honeydew of aphids that feed on the sap. Leaves are small and flowers are described as being small and inconspicuous. Female flowers are closer to the branch ends than male ones, which may have red anthers. I'm fortunate to have this tree in my garden, although it is getting quite tall. Our arborist gives it a yearly health check.

Wednesday.....showers in the morning clearing to a sunny afternoon. Another day of amazing cloud formations like yesterday. Eye therapy appears to have gone well, time will tell.

Happy Wednesday everyone :)