Grass hanging on retaining wall
Flowers and phyllodes on stem of cinnamon wattle (Acacia leprosa). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.
Cinnamon wattle (Acacia leprosa) in bloom. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Inflorescences of chenille plant (Acalypha hispida). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Maple samara caught on spider silk. Swarthmore, PA.
Fruiting branch of everglades palm (Acoelorrhaphe wrightii). Fruit is edible. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Everglades palm (Acoelorrhaphe wrightii) fruit. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta) flowers. Female. Swarthmore, PA.
Female tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima). Springfield, PA.
Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) leaf gland. Rose Tree Park, Media, PA.
Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) samara. Little Crum Creek Park, Swarthmore, PA.
Wild garlic (Allium vineale). Hildacy Preserve, Media, PA.
‘Madikeri White’ cultivar of red ginger (Alpinia purpurata). Not a pure A. purpurata cultivar. First crossed with Etlingera elatior, followed by some backcrossing. Then seeds were dosed of gamma radiation. One of the hundreds of progeny matured into the plant now called ‘Madikeri White’. Madikeri is a town in India that has fog and a very nice waterfall, hence name. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, Papaikou, HI.
Lace flower (Alsobia dianthiflora). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Variegated porcelain berry (Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata). John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Philadelphia, PA.
Variegated porcelain berry (Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata). John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Philadelphia, PA.
Frond of a giant fern (Angiopteris evecta). Longwood Gardens’ meadow, Kennett Square, PA.
Maturing spadix on Anthurium ‘Pandola’ (a hybrid). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Pendulous, urceolate flowers of the Marina strawberry tree (Arbutus ‘Marina’). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Dwarf misteltoe (Arceuthobium sp.). Sisters, Oregon.
Burdock (Arctium sp.) seed heads covered with snow. Crum Woods, Swarthmore, PA.
Mauna Kea silversword (Argyroxiphium sandwicense). Mauna Kea, Hawai’i.
Rigid sagebrush (Artemisia rigida). Chimney Rock, Prineville, OR.
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus). Hue, Vietnam.
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) in seat belt. Swarthmore, PA.
Dehiscing seed pods of swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata). Swarthmore, PA.
Seed of swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) in pods. Swarthmore, PA.
Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) seed. Swarthmore, PA.
Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) seed. Swarthmore, PA.
Seedling of swamp milkweed (Asclepius incarnata). Swarthmore, PA.
Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) seedling. Swarthmore, PA.
Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) seedling. Swarthmore, PA.
Jar full of swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) seeds. Swarthmore, Pa.
Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) pod with dehiscing seeds. Binky Lee Preserve, Chester Springs, PA.
Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) seed. Swarthmore, PA.
Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) infected with aster yellows phytoplasma (Acholeplasmatales). Typically transmitted by the aster leafhopper (Macrosteles quadrilineatus). Swarthmore, PA.
Black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) growing in lagoon. Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos.
Groundsel tree (Baccharis halimifolia) with spider. John Heniz National Wildlife Refuge, Philadelphia, PA.
Common daisy (Bellis perennis) growing on lawn. Kew Gardens, London, UK.
Galápagos lava cactus (Brachycereus nesioticus). Isla Fernandina, Galápagos.
Harvest Brodiaea (Brodiaea elegans). Yosemite National Park, CA.
Phytotelmata in axil of bromeliad. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square.
Bromeliad on tree branch. La Selva, Costa Rica.
Inflorescence of scarlet powder-puff tree (Calliandra haematocephala). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
California incense-cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) growing next to a charred log. Yosemite, CA.
Carex sp.. Pink Hill serpentine barrens, Tyler Arboretum, Media, PA.
Carex sp.. Pink Hill serpentine barrens, Tyler Arboretum, Media, PA.
Golden shower tree (Cassia fistula). Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
Red drupes on Galápagos bitterbush (Castela galapageia). Isla Isabela, Galápagos.
Wavyleaf paintbrush (Castilleja applegatei). Yosemite National Park, CA.
Crimson fountain grass (Cenchrus setaceus) growing on lava. Kekaha Kai Beach Park, Kalaoa, HI.
Coastal sandbur (Cenchrus spinifex). Cancun, Mexico.
Old man cactus (Cephalocereus senilis). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Curveseed butterwort (Ceratocephala testiculata). Crooked River National Grassland, Madras, OR.
Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) in protective tube. Hildacy Preserve, Media, PA.
Fruiting branch on flame-thrower palm (Chambeyronia macrocarpa). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Glory in the snow (Chionodoxa forbesii) in the snow. Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA.
Princess vine (Cissus sicyoides). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi) flowers. Longwood Gardens, Kennet Square, PA.
Virgin’s bower (Clematis virginiana) infructescence. Binky Lee Preserve, Chester Springs, PA.
Spider flower (Cleome hassleriana). Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, NY.
Bronze-leaf clerodendron (Clerodendrum quadriloculare) in bloom. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Grove of coconuts (Cocos nucifera) near Chain of Craters Road in Volcanoes National Park, Hawai’i.
Coconuts (Cocus nucifera) near cliff. Volcanoes National Park, Hawai’i.
“Beware of falling coconuts” sign. Nāpo’opo’o Park, Hawai’i.
Small-flowered blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia parvifolia). Crooked River National Grassland, Madras, OR.
Colpomenia sp. Malibu Beach State Park, Malibu, CA.
Columnea sanguinolenta. Guanacaste province, Costa Rica.
Columnea sanguinolenta. Guanacaste province, Costa Rica.
Conifer sapling next to burned conifer log. Yosemite, CA.
Chaparral dodder (Cuscuta californica) flower. Eaton Canyon, Los Angeles, CA.
Chaparral dodder (Cuscuta californica). Eaton Canyon, Los Angeles, CA.
Chaparral dodder (Cuscuta californica). Eaton Canyon, Los Angeles, CA.
Cuscuta cross section. On Chenopodium album.
Dodder (Cuscuta sp.) cross section, stained.
Dodder (Cuscuta sp.). John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Philadelphia, PA.
Dodder (Cuscuta sp.). Swarthmore, PA.
Dodder (Cuscuta sp.) on goat’s foot Convolulus (Ipomoea pes-caprae). Isla Santiago, Galapagos.
Swamp dodder (Cuscuta gronovii). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Stained cross-section of Cuscuta haustoria attached to Chenopodium.
Dodder (Cuscuta sp.) growing on roadside plants. Jamaica.
Saltmarsh dodder (Cuscuta pacifica) attacking Salicornia. Baylands Nature Preserve, Palo Alto, CA.
Pacific goldenthread (Cuscuta pacifica). Baylands Nature Preserve, Palo Alto, CA.
Saltmarsh dodder (Cuscuta pacifica) on pickleweed (Salicornia). Waldport, OR.
Dodder (Cuscuta sp.) growing on edge of lake. Pennsylvania.
Silver cholla (Cylindropuntia echinocarpa). Joshua Tree, CA.
Pigmented flowers in the center of a Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota) umbel.
Dendrochilum filiforme. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Dendrochilum wenzelii (Orchidacaeae). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Flat-branched tree-clubmoss (Dendrolycopodium obscurum). Jessup, PA.
Caudex of Mexican yam (Dioscorea mexicana). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Close-up the caudex of Mexican yam (Dioscorea mexicana). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Dipteryx oleifera pod with eggs and larvae. La Selva, Costa Rica.
Fork-leaved sundew (Drosera binata) with fungus gnat. Longwood Gardens’ meadow, Kennett Square, PA.
Fork-leaved sundew (Drosera binata). Longwood Gardens’ meadow, Kennett Square, PA.
Glandular trichomes on forked-leaf sundew (Drosera binata). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Echinocacrus ingens thorns. Huntington Gardens, Pasadena, CA.
Golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii). Philadelphia Flower Show, Philadelphia, PA.
Engelmann’s hedgehog cactus (Echinocereus engelmannii). Joshua Tree National Park, CA.
Mojave mound cactus (Echinocereus mojavensis). Joshua Tree National Park, CA.
Mojave mound cactus (Echinocereus mojavensis). Joshua Tree National Park, CA.
Beechdrop (Epifagus virginiana) inflorescence at base of beech tree. Wawa Preserve, Media, PA.
Infructescence of fireweed (Erechtites hieraciifolius). Hildacy Preserve, Media, PA.
Golden yarrow (Eriophyllum confertiflorum). Yosemite National Park, CA.
Beach-creeper (Ernodea littoralis). Cozumel, Mexico.
Yellow trout lily (Erythronium americanum). Swarthmore, PA.
Yellow trout lily (Erythronium americanum). Tyler Arboretum, Media, PA.
Yellow trout lily (Erythronium americanum). Swarthmore, PA.
Euphorbia amplexicaulis. Isla Genovesa, Galápagos.
Chamaesyce (Euphorbia amplexicaulis). Isla Santiago, Galapagos.
Hollow Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium fistulosum) amid goldenrod. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Hollow Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium fistulosum) amid goldenrod. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Inosculation of ID plate by American beech (Fagus grandifolia). Winterthur, Delaware.
Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) emerging near stream. Crum Woods, Swarthmore, PA.
Seedlings of pineapple-flavored alpine strawberry (Fragaria vesca).
Yellow fritillary (Fritillaria pudica). Crooked River National Grassland, Madras, OR.
Common snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis). Swarthmore, PA.
Gopher apple (Geobalanus oblongifolius). Highlands Hammock State Park, Sebring, FL.
Gleditsia triacanthos (honey locust) branch in winter. John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Philadelphia, PA.
Gomphrena haageana bud. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Inflorescence of orange button flower (Gomphrena haageana). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Darwin’s cotton (Gossypium darwinii). Isla Isabela, Galápagos.
Gossypium darwinii. Isla Isabela, Galápagos.
Snow-covered flowers of Hamamelis ‘Jelena’ (H. mollis x H. japonica). Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA.
American witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
English ivy (Hedera helix) choking a sycamore tree. Swarthmore, PA.
Red and purple cultivar of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Nightfire’) about to bloom. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ′Nightfire′ with petals curling inward. At Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.
Manchineel (Hippomane mancinella). Isla Isabela, Galápagos.
Wax plant (Hoya carnosa) flower with nectar droplet. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Shining clubmoss (Huperzia lucidula; Huperziaceae). Springfield, PA.
Darwin’s cotton (Gossypium darwinii). Isla Isabela, Galapagos.
Common jewelweed (Impatiens capensis). John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Tinicum Township, Pennsylvania.
Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) being visited by a bumble bee. Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, NY.
Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) growing on a rock face. Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, NY.
Underside of mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) flower. Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, NY.
Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) inflorescence. Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, NY.
Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia; Ericaceae) growing on a rock face near Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, New York (USA).
Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) seed cone. Tyler Arboretum, Media, PA.
Female strobilus of Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi). Sometimes called a larch rose. Tyler Arboretum, Media, PA.
Japanese larch (larix kaempferi)
Laurencia sp. in intertidal. Malibu, CA.
Laurencia sp.. Malibu, California.
Bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva). Chimney Rock, Prineville, OR.
Stigmatic fluid on lily (Lilium sp.) style. Longwood Gardens. Kennett Square, PA.
American sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) fruit. Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, NY.
American sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua; Altingiaceae). John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Philadelphia, PA.
Bigseed biscuitroot (Lomatium macrocarpum). Chimney Rock, Prineville, Oregon.
Twin-spined cactus (Mammillaria geminispina)
Cucamonga manroot (Marah macrocarpus) fruit. Eaton Canyon, Pasadena, CA.
Marah macrocarpa (chilicothe) fruit. Eaton Canyon, Los Angeles, CA.
Oregon manroot (Marah oreganus; Cucurbitaceae). Cape Perpetua, OR.
Ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) emerging in spring. Newtown Square, PA.
Fruit of Galápagos leatherleaf (Maytenus octogona). Celastraceae. Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos.
Ohi’a tree (Metrosideros polymorpha). Volcanoes National Park, Hawai’i.
Slender phlox (Microsteris gracilis) growing inside mountain lion paw print. Crooked River National Grassland, Madras, OR.
Slender phlox (Microsteris gracilis) with single flower. Crooked River National Grassland, Madras, OR.
Moss (Mnium sp.) covered by fungal hyphae. Springfield, PA.
Scartlet beebalm (Monarda didyma) inflorescence. Swarthmore, PA.
Ghost plants (Monotropa uniflora) emerging from soil. Crum Woods, Swarthmore, PA.
Flower of ghost plant (Monotropa uniflora). Media, PA.
Ghost plant (Monotropa uniflora). Espopus Bend Nature Preserve, Saugerties, NY.
Ghost plant (Monotropa uniflora). Espopus Bend Nature Preserve, Saugerties, NY.
Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens), coral fungus (Ramaria sp.), and Indian pipe (Monotropa uniflora) next to rotting log. Platte Clove Preserve, Elka Park, NY.
Moss growing in an interesting pattern on a tree trunk. Costa Rica.
White moss (Leucobryum albidum), brocade moss (Hypnum imponens) and dusky fork-moss (Dicranum fuscescens). IDs tentative. Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, NY.
Cluster of young fruit on Blood Banana (Musa acuminata ‘Rowe Red’). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Fruit stalk on Musa (AAB Group) ‘Rajapuri’ (Musa x paradisiaca ‘Rajapuri’) bananas, a triploid, seedless banana from India. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Base of an ant plant (Myrmecodia sp.). In the coffee family (Rubiaceae). C. Fred Edwards Conservatory, Huntington Botanical Garden, Pasadena, CA.
Water mimosa (Neptunia oleracea) infloresence . Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Florida prickly pear (Opuntia austrina). Highlands Hammock State Park, Sebring, FL.
Close-up of prickly pear (Opuntia echios gigantea) stem showing spines (modified leaves) and glochids (tufts of short bristles, which are probably modified trichomes). Cerro Dragon, Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos.
Prickly pear (Opuntia echios gigantea). Cerro Dragón, Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos.
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA..
Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus) inflorescence. At the Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Garden, Papaikou, HI.
Fruit of stinking passionflower (Passiflora foetida). Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos.
Stinking passionflower (Passiflora foetida). Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos Islands.
Perfumed passionflower (Passiflora vitifolia). La Selva, Costa Rica.
Opened pod of princess tree (Paulownia tomentosa). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Winged seeds of princess tree (Paulownia tomentosa). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Winged seeds of the princess tree (Paulownia tomentosa). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Allée of princess trees (Paulownia tomentosa) in fog. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Sketonized leaves of Philodendron radiatum. La Selva, Costa Rica.
Spiny phlox (Phlox hoodii). Crooked River National Grassland, Madras, OR.
Pink Hill, Tyler Arboretum, Lima, PA.
Moss phlox (Phlox subulata) near serpentine rocks. Pink Hill Serpentine Barrens, Tyler Arboretum, Media, PA.
Clumps of moss phlox (Phlox subulata) at Unionville Serpentine Barren, Unionville, PA.
Phoradendron bolleanum ssp. densum. Joshua Tree National Park, CA.
Desert mistletoe (Phoradendron californicum). Joshua Tree National Park, CA.
Desert mistletoe (Phoradendron californicum). Joshua Tree National Park, CA.
Common reed (Phragmites australis) on banks of Darby Creek. John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Philadelphia, PA.
Seeds of Physalis philadelphica (tomatillo) inside dried fruit. Swarthmore, PA.
Pine tree resin. Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, NY.
Black pepper (Piper nigrum) fruit. Hue, Vietnam.
Platycerium superbum (Polypodiaceae). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora) fruit. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Mayapples (Podophyllum peltatum) growing at base of beech tree. Crum Woods, Swarthmore, PA.
Pollen covering car window. Swarthmore, PA.
‘Ae (Polypodium pellucidum vulcanicum) growing inside cracks in lava. Volcanoes National Park, HI.
Shawagunk conglomerate partially covered with haircap moss (Polytrichaceae), ferns, and lichens. Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz.
Purslane (Portulaca sp.) in rock crack. Isla Santiago, Galapagos.
Elephant bush (Portulacaria afra). At the time, unreported on the Galapagos. I reported it. Isla Rabida, Galápagos.
Saltwater bush (Rachicallis americana). Cozumel, Mexico.
Red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) seedlings on maternal tree. Key Largo, FL.
Rhopalomyia hirtipomum on sagebrush. Chimney Rock, Prineville, OR.
Exposed roots covered in pine needles. Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, NY.
Aster yellows phytoplasma on rudbeckia. Swarthmore, PA.
Fruiting snowplant (Sarcodes sanguinea). Yosemite National Park, CA.
Flowering snowplant (Sarcodes sanguinea). Yosemite National Park, CA.
Sassafrass (Sassafras albidum). Hildacy Farm Preserve, Media, PA.
Thorn shrub (Scutia spicata var. pauciflora) with fruit. Urbina Bay, outskirts of Volcan Alcedo. Isla Isabela. Galápagos, Ecuador.
Giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) bark. Yosemite Park, CA.
Scarlet sesban (Sesbania punicea) pods. Zolfo Springs, FL.
Scarlet sesbane (Sesbania punicea) fruit pod. Zolfo Springs, FL.
Sea purslane (Sesuvium portulacastrum). Cerro Dragón, Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos.
Sea purslane (Sesuvium portulacastrum). Cozumel, Mexico.
Green bristletail (Setaria viridis) growing on cinder block wall. WaR3house 3, Swarthmore, PA.
Spined fruit of oneseed bur cucumber (Sicyos angulatus). Hildacy Preserve, Media, PA.
Silene latifolia (white campion) capsule with seeds. Ridley Creek State Park, Edgemont, PA.
Burned stems of common greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia). Unionville serpentine barrens (Unionville, Pennsylvania).
Chalice vine (Solandra maxima). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Fruit of Solanum carolinense (Carolina horse-nettle) in snow. Hildacy Preserve, Media, PA.
Carolina horse-nettle (Solanum carolinense) fruit.
Controlled burn of prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis). Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA.Media, PA.
Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) after a controlled burn. Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA.
Controlled burn of prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis). Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA.
Narrow-leaved bird-of-paradise (Strelitzia juncea) with nectar dripping down inflorescence. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
‘Mandela’s Gold’ bird-of-paradise flower (Strelitzia reginae). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.
Strophanthus courmontii. Kew Gardens, London, UK.
Flowers on an inflorescence (spadix) of eastern skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus). Swarthmore, PA.
Eastern skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) flowering. Rose Tree Park, Media, PA.
Eastern skunk cabbages (Symplocarpus foetidus) in snow. Crum Woods, Swarthmore College, Pennsylvania.
Tortula moss (Syntrichia caninervis). Apparently collects water via microgrooves on leaf-tip awns (among several other methods). Those awns are what give the moss the whitish bloom. Dioecious. Crooked River National Grassland, Madras, OR.
Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum). Taylor Memorial Arboretum, Wallingford, PA.
Cacao (Theobroma cacao) flower. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Flower and developing pod on trunk of a chocolate tree (Theobroma cacao). Longwood Gardens’ meadow, Kennett Square, PA.
Splayed variant of a Theobroma cacao flower.
Bulbous airplant (Tillandsia bulbosa) on tree. La Selva, Costa Rica.
Air plant (Tillandsia sp.) on lichen-covered pine branch. Zolfo Springs, FL.
Small ball moss (Tillandsia recurvata) on trunk of a pine tree. Zolfo Springs, FL.
Pacific poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum). Eaton Canyon, Pasadena, CA.
New leaves of poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). Crum Woods, Swarthmore, PA.
Adventitious roots of poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). Crum Woods, Swarthmore, PA.
Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) leaves. Hildacy Preserve, Media, PA.
Yellow salsify (Tragopogon dubius). Crooked River National Grassland, Madras, OR.
Jamaican feverplant (Tribulus cistoides). Isla Bartolomé, Galápagos.
Galápagos carpenter bee (Xylocopa darwini) on goat’s head (Tribulus terrestris). Newly introduced to Genovesa Island. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.
Flowering goat’s head (Tribulus terrestris). Genovesa, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.
Narrow-leaved cattails (Typha angustifolia). John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Philadelphia, PA.
Fruit developing on a MacDaniel’s palm (Veitchia macdanielsii). Kew Gardens, London, UK.
Victoria amazonica leaf with water droplets. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Abaxial veins of a giant Amazonian water lily (Victoria x ‘Longwood Hybrid’). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Underside of a Victoria ‘Longwood Hybrid’ waterlily after a wind storm (Victoria amazonica x Victoria cruziana). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Spines on vertical edge of Victoria ‘Longwood Hybrid’ waterlily (Victoria cruziana x V. amazonica). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Spines on giant water lily (Victoria sp.). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
A strong wind storm flipped up the edge of this Victoria water platter to show the intricate midribs (hollow beams) that support the leaf, plus the razor-sharp spines that protect it. You can also see one of the two notches that allow rain to drain off the leaf. Longwood Gardens created this monster (up to 8′ in diameter) by crossing two water lily species (Victoria amazonica x Victoria cruziana). Kennett Square, PA.
Grapes (Vitis vinifera ‘Muscat of Alexandria). Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) flower bud. Hildacy Farm Preserve, Media, PA.
Yucca brevifolia bending toward ground. Joshua Tree National Park, California.