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Project Noah Nature School
Luis - this appears to be in the ballpark of a Linaria (Scrophularia family) - but not sure of genus. Similar to vulgaris - which is considered to be invasive (although lovely). So, if you manage to get seed, be cautious in placement! I have it and enjoy it - even if I have to weed it sometimes! Thanks!
Wonderful photo Luis. Take a look at this photo at http://www.flickr.com/photos/pix-diana/3... . It was taken at Zion - making it a likely suspect! Another possible is C. chromosa – with a similar congested habit of growth and height. Thanks!!
One of the interesting things about this genus is that while the 'plants' are parasitic (having no chlorophyll) - they attract their pollinators by way exuding a foul smell of rotting meat. Thus, flies and other carrion feeders visit these guys in hopes of finding a meal. Probably a really good example of co-evolution! They aren't even visible until the buds are forming or blooming. This genus also comprises the largest blooms to be found; Raffelesia arnoldii has the largest bloom of the genus at 1m (~3 ft.) wide!
Impt. Lesson – photos such as this are the perfect way to ‘share and tell’ as these are seriously endangered due to widespread habitat destruction within much of the rainforested area of Southeast Asia and the fact that Rafflesia buds are also collected for traditional medicine, to treat fertility problems, in parts of their range.
Thank you ShaumingLo!!
Wow - this is a very nice catch. I had (mistakenly) thought this species had gone extinct - but that was the Ivory-billed woodpecker. We have 5 spp. showing up ongrounds here in NoVa. I wish this were one of them!
Wow! This is a showstopper - or should be in a book... And half the treat is the information you have provided so that more of us know the details. Thanks so much.
Lovely photo!
Lovely Azalea! One good way to ID the (probably) cultivar is to take a walk around some of the nurseries. We're in full bloom time (I'm in NoVa, too) so you may be able to snag a name for this. Good Luck!
Wong - perhaps seizing the moment (before the butterfly got away?). Sometimes these guys are pretty skittish!
