To win the Lotto is everyones dream. The Lotto Tree can help you. A ticket to a better life. Having the option to choose to go where you want, when you want. To buy what and where you please.

Everyone has their own formula. Numbers are chosen based on the birth dates of loved ones and family members. Some will spin a wheel, others a turn of the cards. There are those who dream the numbers or a car licence plate kicks a gear in their imagination. In India there are pigeons who will predict. Computers can offer you a best guess and there are progammes to help you on your way. Praying could help. Random turns of the pages of your holy book and eyes closed pointing. What is that number? What did the gypsy say?

You could of couse leave it to the Lotto's own magic numbers. The lucky dip.

But there is another way.

Hopea odorata is a tree of the Dipterocarpaceae family which is found over much of South East Asia. It is not common and is classed as a vulnerable species. In Thailand the tree is known as Ta Khiang Thong and whereas it has limited applications as a timber tree it is important in traditional medicine for the treatment of blood disorders and other complaints. Being of large size it is usually found deep in the forests though it can also be found close to Wats in Thailand.

It is a large tree and capable of reaching heights of thirty and more metres. Such large trees are thought to be the home of spirits and wood nymphs (Nang mai) and as such get a degree of protection from believers. They would be afraid to fell a tree in case some harm may come their way. The Ta Khiang tree is believed to be the home of a beautiful wood nymph known as 'Nang Takhian' (Lady Takian). Woe will befall any who upset her.

The recent discover of a Ta Khiang Thong tree in Chonburi province caused great excitement. People headed to the tree to see if Nang Takhian would help them choose their lottery numbers. To accomplish this a small offering and prayer is made to the nymph. Next white powder is rubbed upon the bark of the tree and then an attempt is made to 'read' numbers in the powder.

Good luck to them.

Not so unusual though. At a temple in the north of Thailand a rock had been split apart during the preparation of a site to erect a statue. The rock definitely has something to say. Maybe you can read the message below.

Or go and find your own Hopea odorata Roxb tree.

Good luck to you.