Temple Tree (standard:non fiction, 250 words)
Author: Juggernaut	Added: May 06 2012	Views/Reads: 3191/0	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
Plumeria tree is called Temple Tree since it is grown on Hindu temple premises for its colorful flowers to make garlands to adorn Hindu dieties. In Hawaii, Plumeria flowers are used to make Leis or floral garlands to wear as neck ornaments.

Temple Tree 

Subba Rao 

In nature, physical attraction lures whomever for whatever 

purposes.  Colored in bright black, red and yellow, plump and juicy 

caterpillars on Plumeria tree uses its physical attraction to poison 

potential predatory birds.  Attracted by bright colors, birds try to 

pick the caterpillar for a meal only to find poisonous.  Either from 

self experience or knowledge passed on, smart birds leave the worms 

alone on the tree.  Cuckoo birds however learned to outsmart the 

caterpillars by whacking them against a tree limb to get rid of the 

poisonous contents from the worms to eat the rest. There is always a 

way to get around. 

The caterpillars brightly colored to protect themselves from 

the birds transform into dull gray butterflies to protect themselves 

from the same birds to complete life cycle on Plumeria trees. 

Plumeria trees shelter caterpillars were also named Temple 

Trees since they grow on temple premises to supply fragrant flowers to 

make garlands to adorn the Hindu deities. 

Hindus have a tradition going back to thousands of years to 

adorn deities and beloved guests with floral garlands. In Hawaii, 

people wear Leis or floral ornaments made of colorful flowers mostly 

from Plumeria trees. May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii to celebrate many 

events wearing Leis. May Day in India shall be celebrated as wells as 

Garland Day as a symbol of friendship and recognition just as Christmas 

Day is celebrated as Happy Cake Day in Andhra Pradesh, India as gesture 

of goodwill and friendship. 


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