The tricky little flower of two names, Frangipani aka Plumeria, releases most of its scent after dark to lure moths. The nighttime pollinators are duped into transferring pollen by the blooms, as there is no nectar available.
Treasured for its beauty in tropical climates around the globe, the entire Apocynaceae family hides another secret; a poisonous, milky sap. Once again proving that looks aren’t everything…
After a few dry months, our rainy season started a couple weeks ago. Which means everything is greening up nicely (and that I have to mow, sigh).
As a former desert rat, I appreciate a good thunderstorm and the precipitation it brings. However, I think a more appropriate name for this time of year would be Mosquito Season. Tried to explore a new nature preserve the other morning but was instantly swarmed by the hungry girls.
A can of bug spray now resides in the back of my car, joining the ever-present sunscreen, hat, and extra pair of flip flops (never know when you’re gonna have a blowout).
While I’ve encountered the remains and molts of adult Atlantic Horseshoe Crabs before this was my first meeting with the young of the species. It was so perfectly camouflaged that I only noticed it when it bulldozed through the sand in an effort to avoid getting stepped on.
I couldn’t resist spending a few minutes with this little one before releasing it on its merry way. While formidable in appearance even at this age, the tail (or telson), is mainly used for steering.
Spotted this while on my evening beach walk recently. The entire contraption was about four feet tall – definitely not your average beach accessory!
There was a young couple nearby but they were absorbed in each other so I didn’t dare interrupt. But I was certainly left in a state of wonderment.
Never a dull moment on my favorite beach. If anyone knows what it is, I’d love to learn more about it!
I came across this little herbal firework while roaming Sawgrass Lake Park with friends recently. Not only is it a showstopper, this native ground cover is also a host plant for Little Sulphur Butterflies. I can’t wait to add this to my yard!
Spotted this immense and laden mango tree on my way home from a park this past weekend. I made a u-turn just to take these photos. The tree absolutely dwarfs the house! I wonder how old it is? I’d be a happy girl if this was in my yard!
What a view! Looking northeast across Tampa Bay, in the background is the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
And yes, the water really was that color. Just gorgeous!
The Water Hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes) originated in the Amazon Basin but has since been introduced around the world, for better or worse.
While beautiful (and in some cases, useful) this species has amazing regenerating super powers: not only is it one of the fastest growing plants on the planet (up to 16 feet in a day), it can also spread by stolons as well as by seed. All of which make control or eradication near impossible.
This rapid reproduction means the species can quickly cover a body of water, disrupting an entire ecosystem. On the plus side, they excel at removing heavy metals from waterways which can be helpful in a water treatment system. The stems are fibrous and can be woven into a multitude of useful items.
Looks like Floridians better start learning to weave!
There are a couple sand sculpture festivals here in Treasure Island every year and I am always in awe of what can be created out of grains of sand. This might be my favorite one yet – so simple and yet such an iconic image (Note: I did not see this in person, found it on the internet).
While humorous, I thought it might be a good time to remind folks that it is sea turtle nesting season, therefore it is important to fill in any large holes on the beach. Turtles can get stuck in the holes (and trust me, lugging her body across the sand, digging a nest, and laying 100 eggs is more than enough work for her).
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