Lygodesmia texana – Texas skeleton-plant
Just as the name of this blog might remind you of Thomas Hardy’s novel The Return of the Native, perhaps the title to this post will remind you of the poem by Dylan. Dylan Thomas, of course. Or the photo might remind you of the title of the poem. One could also think of an oak tree as a slow explosion, with its mushroom cap shaped crown. But enough said. Click on the photo for a larger picture and meditate on the photo and the title together.
Old man’s beard (Clematis drummondii)
It’s getting on past halfway through summer and the Clematis drummondii are starting to show off their old man’s beards – which is interesting, since this plant has both male and female plants – the stamens are sterile on the female plants, and the stigma on the male plants are probably sterile too, I would guess – haven’t seen it documented anywhere yet.
Another common name for these flowers is Virgin’s Bower, or Texas Virgin’s Bower. Go figure.
bob's brain: living well with a movement disorder and other comorbidities 