Glowing
Vine
One quiet morning, I was visiting a friend’s home when my eyes were suddenly
drawn to a delicate vine gently swaying in the soft morning breeze. It
shimmered in the golden sunlight—simple yet striking. As always, I had my
camera with me, and I couldn’t resist capturing the moment. I composed the
frame diagonally to highlight the thin, glowing vine, turning an
often-overlooked detail into a piece of visual poetry.
In our
everyday lives, we often miss such small wonders. But through the lens of a
photographer—with a sense of aesthetic and appreciation—these moments can be
elevated and celebrated.
A
“vine” generally refers to a plant that climbs or trails along a
surface, using tendrils, runners, or stems of other plants for support. In
Hindi, it’s called ‘Lata’, a word with multiple meanings. It not only
refers to climbing plants but also serves as a common Indian female name.
Interestingly, in Portuguese, “lata” also means a can or tin.
The name
“Lata” resonates deeply with many Indians due to the legendary Lata
Mangeshkar, the Nightingale of India, whose voice transcended boundaries
and generations.
Speaking of
vines, grapevines are especially renowned. In India, grape production is
centered in Maharashtra—particularly in Nashik, often referred to as the
Wine Capital of India. Other major grape-growing regions include Pune
and Sangli in Maharashtra, and the Nandi Hills in Karnataka. I’ve also had the
pleasure of visiting the beautiful Hunter Valley in Australia, where I
explored sprawling vineyards and sampled exquisite wines.
In the
countryside, vines like the bottle gourd vine (Lauki ka Lata) are
commonly seen climbing over rope trellises stretched between bamboo poles.
These fragile yet determined plants rely on support to grow—whether it’s a
tree, rope, or man-made structure.
Vines teach
us an important lesson: they may be delicate, but with the right support, they
can flourish beautifully. They climb using various strategies—twining stems,
tendrils, or rootlets—showing resilience and adaptability. Found in diverse
environments, vines can be woody or herbaceous, and they often grow rapidly,
covering surfaces and transforming spaces.
Beyond their
aesthetic appeal, vines offer many practical benefits—from providing
shade and privacy to attracting pollinators like butterflies and bees, which
support biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. Their sprawling nature allows them
to cover large areas quickly, making them valuable in community gardens and
urban green spaces.
In this
photograph, a single vine glows under the morning sun, capturing a fleeting yet
timeless beauty.
Text
& Photo by – Ashok Karan
ashokkaran.blogspot.com
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