SN/NC: Hymenaea Courbaril, Fabaceae Family

 

Jatoba or Brazilian Cherry is endemic to the Caribbean, Central, and South America. The tree’s wood is used for manufacturing quality furniture and decorative items. Jatoba is otherwise popularly known as Brazilian cherry or South American cherry. The tree actually does not bear a cherry but its legume belongs to Fabaceae family. The edible pulp which appears like a soluble fiber is present inside the tough shell that is capable of getting readily dissolved in water/milk. On consuming raw fruit it may tend to stick in the mouth and some people add sugar to get more enhanced sweet flavor. The fruit contains high source of starch and proteins.

  

O jatobá-verdadeiro, jatobazeiro ou apenas jatobá, (nome científico: Hymenaea courbaril) é uma árvore da família das fabáceas. É a espécie arbórea dominante na floresta estacional semidecidual submontana. A espécie pode alcançar 40 metros de altura e 2 metros de diâmetro, embora uma árvore tenha atingido 95 metros na Amazônia. As folhas são compostas por 2 folíolos, semidecíduas, coriáceas, com seis a 14 cm de comprimento e 3 a 5 cm de largura. A floração ocorre na época de seca do ano e a frutificação ocorre cerca de 4 meses depois. Embora a espécie seja considerada ameaçada de extinção devido à superexploração, e como árvore rara, com apenas uma árvore por hectare pelo Instituto de Pesquisa e Estudos Florestais (IPEF), foi avaliada como pouco preocupante na Lista Vermelha da União Internacional para a Conservação da Natureza e dos Recursos Naturais versão 3.1, pois tem uma larga distribuição geográfica, por ser considerada comum, e por ocorrer em áreas protegidas, e por sua população não estar ameaçada ou em declínio.

É considerada sagrada por povos indígenas, que serviam os frutos antes de rituais de meditação, pois acreditavam que o fruto trazia equilíbrio mental, e pesquisas recentes demonstraram que realmente, o fruto pode trazer benefícios à organização mental, o fruto é rico em ferro, e é indicado a quem sofre de anemia. A madeira do jatobá é uma das mais valiosas entre todas as espécies do mundo. Como espécie mais amplamente distribuída do gênero, o jatobá pode ser encontrado desde o sul do México e Antilhas até grande parte da América do Sul, no Brasil é encontrado desde o norte a sudeste; na Amazônia, na Caatinga, no Cerrado, na Mata Atlântica e no Pantanal, e está sendo introduzida na China, na Costa do Marfim, na Indonésia, no Quênia, no Madagascar, na Maurícia, em Singapura, no Sri Lanka, em Taiwan e em UgandaÉ encontrada em altitudes superiores a 700 metros acima do nível do mar.

Das 6 variedades da espécie, 3 são endêmicas do Brasil, a variedade Hymenaea courbaril var. stilbocarpa está em risco de extinção, foi uma das espécies plantadas pelo Instituto Florestal de São Paulo, para conservação genética ex situ.[Há mais de 90 denominações registradas para a espécie. Os nomes populares "jatobá" e "jutaí" são usados para os frutos e para a madeira, indistintamente e para todas as espécies do gênero Hymenaea.Jatobá pode ser traduzido do tupi como árvore dos frutos duros. Também é popularmente chamada de jutaí-açu, jutaí-bravo, jutaí-grande, jataí, jataí-açu, jataí-grande, jataí-peba, jataí-uba, jataí-uva, jataúba, jatioba, jatiúba, jupati, copal, e de jataíba, que é traduzido como árvore da abelha nativa de jataí, pois suas flores são melíferas. Devido ao forte cheiro da fruta, a árvore também ganhou o apelido de "fruta-chulé".

 

Courbaril L., conocido comúnmente como algarrobo, guapinol (en español), locust, jatobá o courbaril entre muchos otros, es un imponente árbol forestal que produce vainas grandes y muy duras conteniendo una pulpa de un olor penetrante pero comestible y semillas de gran tamaño. Es conocido por sus múltiples propiedades antibacteriales, antimicóticas, antiparasitarias, y nutricionales debido a sus características químicas y bromatológicas. La pulpa de su fruto tiene alto contenido de fibra. No es muy común en Centroamérica. Muy presente en la región amazónica de Brasil y los países vecinos que hacen parte de la llamada "Rain Forest. Además de Su fruta que tiene propiedades medicinales y nutritivas, la madera tiene alto valor comercial y es muy buscada y comercializada bajo el nombre Brazilian Cherry.

Walking slowly on a foggy morning when these red berries suddenly appeared up ahead! Love the color, range of tones and curving red stems that support them so elegantly.

 

The Firebush is probably one of the most commonly planted unknown edibles. They are usually arranged in the landscape to attract butterflies and migratory or resident hummingbirds. However the fruit is edible and the plant has a long history of medicinal and industrial uses.

 

It would be difficult to make a better consumer lawn shrub than the Firebush. It is showy, fast-growing, evergreen, stays small, attracts birds and insects and provide an edible fruit. It blossoms all year with tubular flowers, reddish-orange or scarlet. Even the stems of the flowers are red. The fruit is a juicy berry with a lot of little seeds. It ripens from green to yellow to red then black. It can be eaten out of hand, made in to a syrup or wine, a particular favorite in Mexico. It can fruit nearly all year unless damaged by cold. The berry is deceptive raw. It has an initial sweetness and grape-texture that yields to a sticky, lingering, slightly bitter aftertaste in the back of the mouth. Try one first, not a lot. See if you like it.

 

The Mayans called it, Ix-canan, or “guardian of the forest.” In Belize the Firebush is used to treat a variety of skin problems... sores, rashes, wounds, burns, itching, cuts, skin fungus, and insect stings/ bites. For topical use they boil two handful of leaves, stems and flowers in two gallons of water for 10 minutes. Once cool, they apply to the affected area. This same liquid is used as a tea to relieve menstrual cramps.

 

Lab animal studies with Firebush leaf extracts showed analgesic, diuretic, and hypothermic actions. External use showed significant anti-inflammatory activity. The bush also has antibacterial and antifungal properties against a wide range of fungi and bacteria.

 

Scarlet Firebush, Hamelia patens

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami Fl

www.susanfordcollins.com

Although edible the mushroom is a bit bitter and is usually used as a medicinal tea as it takes in Betulenic acid from the host tree. It is strongly antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti fungal and also has the ability to strengthen the immune system and has been shown to help the immune system recognise and destroy cancer cells.

The underside of the mushroom can be cut into strips and used as a plaster as it is porous, antiseptic, anti fungal and sticks to itself.

The common name refers to the mushroom being cut into flat strips and attached to a wooden board which is then used to hone cut throat razors by barbers.

When dry the mushroom can be used to catch a weak spark and will smoulder for a long time so can be used to transport fire.

Bought new socks. Antibacterial. Cool. Grabbed out a pair to wear yesterday...they all say no nonsense across the toe. HA...2 FUNNY

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clematis

 

Clematis is a genus of about 380 species within the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. Their garden hybrids and cultivars have been popular among gardeners, beginning with Clematis 'Jackmanii', a garden staple since 1862; more cultivars are being produced constantly. They are mainly of Chinese and Japanese origin.

 

Species names

Most species are known as clematis in English, while some are also known as:

 

traveller's joy, a name invented for the sole British native, C. vitalba, by the herbalist John Gerard;

virgin's bower for C. terniflora, C. virginiana, and C. viticella;

old man's beard, applied to several with prominent seedheads;

leather flower for those with fleshy petals; or vase vine for the North American Clematis viorna.

Etymology

The genus name Clematis is from Ancient Greek κληματίς : clēmatís, ("a climbing plant") from κλήμα : klḗma – 'twig, sprout, tendril'.

 

Botany

The genus is composed of mostly vigorous, woody, climbing vines / lianas. The woody stems are quite fragile until several years old. Leaves are opposite and divided into leaflets and leafstalks that twist and curl around supporting structures to anchor the plant as it climbs. Some species are shrubby, while others, like C. recta, are herbaceous perennial plants. The cool temperate species are deciduous, but many of the warmer climate species are evergreen. They grow best in cool, moist, well-drained soil in full sun.

 

Clematis species are mainly found throughout the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, rarely in the tropics. Clematis leaves are food for the caterpillars of some Lepidoptera species, including the willow beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria).

 

The timing and location of flowers varies; spring-blooming clematis flower on side shoots of the previous year's stems, summer/fall blooming clematis bloom only on the ends of new stems, and twice-flowering clematis do both.

 

Taxonomy

The genus Clematis was first published by Carl Linnaeus in Species Plantarum in 1753, the first species listed being Clematis viticella. The genus name long pre-dates Linnaeus. It was used in Classical Greek for various climbing plants, and is based on κλήμα (klēma), meaning vine or tendril.

 

Archiclematis and Naravelia

Some morphologically distinctive taxa lacking the combination of characters defining Clematis were formerly segregated as the genera Archiclematis (1 species) and Naravelia (several species). DNA sequence studies have found that these two genera are deeply nested in Clematis, the morphological characters they were erected on being either reversals or misinterpretations, and that consequently the genera should be reduced to the synonymy of Clematis. Naravelia is a monophyletic group within Clematis.

 

Species to be transferred include:

 

Clematis alternata syn. Archiclematis alternata

Clematis antonii, syn. Naravelia antonii

Clematis dasyoneura, syn. Naravelia dasyoneura

Clematis horripilata, syn. Naravelia laurifolia

Clematis zeylanica, syn. Naravelia zeylanica

 

A partial list of species:

 

Clematis addisonii Britt. – Addison's leather flower

Clematis akebioides (Maxim.) H.J.Veitch

Clematis albicoma Wherry – whitehair leather flower

Clematis alpina (L.) Mill. – alpine clematis

Clematis aristata R.Br. ex Ker Gawl. – Australian clematis

Clematis armandii – Armand clematis

Clematis baldwinii Torr. & A.Gray – pine hyacinth

Clematis bigelovii Torr. – Bigelow clematis

Clematis brachiata Thunb. – traveller's joy

Clematis campaniflora Brot. – Portuguese clematis

Clematis catesbyana – satin curls

Clematis chinensis Osbeck – wei ling xian in Chinese (Chinese: 威靈仙; pinyin: Wei ling xian)

Clematis chrysocoma Franch. – gold wool clematis

Clematis cirrhosa L. – includes the 'Freckles', 'Wisley Cream', and 'Jingle Bells' cultivars

Clematis cirrhosa v. balearica (Balearic Islands)

Clematis coactilis (Fern.) Keener – Virginia whitehair leather flower

Clematis columbiana (Nutt.) Torr. & A.Gray – British Columbia virgin's bower

Clematis crispa L. – swamp leather flower

Clematis cunninghamii

Clematis dioica L. – cabellos de angel

Clematis drummondii Torr. & A.Gray – Drummond clematis

Clematis durandii

Clematis fawcettii F.Muell.

Clematis flammula L. – fragrant virgin's bower

Clematis florida Thunb. – Asian clematis

Clematis foetida Raoul (1846) – New Zealand clematis

Clematis fremontii S.Watson – Fremont's leather flower

Clematis glaucophylla Small – whiteleaf leather flower

Clematis glycinoides DC. – headache vine

Clematis gouriana – Indian traveller's joy

Clematis henryi Oliv.

Clematis hirsutissima Pursh – hairy clematis

Clematis hedysarifolia DC.

Clematis integrifolia L.

Clematis ispahanica Bioss

Clematis × jackmanii T.Moore – Jackman's clematis

Clematis koreana Kom. – Korean clematis

Clematis lanuginosa Lindl. & Paxton

Clematis lasiantha Nutt. – pipestem clematis

Clematis leptophylla (F.Muell. ex Benth.) H.Eichler

Clematis ligusticifolia Nutt. – western white clematis, hierba de chivo

Clematis linearifolia Steud.

Clematis macropetala Ledeb. – downy clematis

Clematis mandshurica

Clematis marmoraria Sneddon – New Zealand dwarf clematis

Clematis microphylla DC. – small-leaved clematis

Clematis montana Buch.-Ham. ex DC. – anemone clematis

Clematis morefieldii Kral – Huntsville vasevine

Clematis napaulensis DC.

Clematis occidentalis (Hornem.) DC. – western blue virginsbower

Clematis ochroleuca Ait. – curlyheads

Clematis orientalis L. – Chinese clematis

Clematis palmeri Rose – Palmer clematis

Clematis paniculata J.F.Gmel. – puawhananga

Clematis patens C.Morren & Decne.

Clematis pauciflora Nutt. – ropevine clematis

Clematis pickeringii A.Gray

Clematis pitcheri Torr. & A.Gray – bluebill

Clematis pubescens Hügel ex Endl. – common clematis

Clematis recta L. – ground clematis

Clematis reticulata Walter – netleaf leather flower

Clematis rhodocarpa Rose

Clematis smilacifolia Wall.

Clematis socialis Kral – Alabama leather flower

Clematis stans Siebold & Zucc. – kusabotan

Clematis tangutica (Maxim.) Korsh. – golden clematis

Clematis terniflora DC. – sweet autumn clematis

Clematis texensis Buckley – scarlet leather flower

Clematis urophylla

Clematis versicolor – manycolored leather flower

Clematis verticillaris – purple virgins bower

Clematis viorna L. – vasevine, traveller's joy

Clematis virginiana L. – devil's darning needles, Virginia bower

Clematis viridiflora [sv] Bertol.

Clematis vitalba L. – traveller's joy, old man's beard

Clematis viticaulis E.Steele – Millboro leather flower

Clematis viticella L. – Italian leather flower, purple clematis

Formerly placed here

Akebia trifoliata (Thunb.) Koidz. (as C. trifoliata Thunb.)

Subdivisions

One recent classification[which?] recognised 297 species of clematis. Consequently, taxonomists and gardeners subdivide the genus. Several classification systems exist.

 

Magnus Johnson divided Clematis into 19 sections, several with subsections. Christopher Grey-Wilson divided the genus into 9 subgenera (Clematis, Cheiropsis, Flammula, Archiclematis, Campanella, Atragene, Tubulosae, Pseudanemone, Viorna), several with sections and subsections within them. Several of the subdivisions are fairly consistent between these two systems; for example, all of Grey-Wilson's subgenera are used as sections by Johnson. Alternatively, John Howell defined twelve groups: the Evergreen, Alpina, Macropetala, Montana, Rockery, Early Large-Flowered, Late Large-Flowered, Herbaceous, Viticella, Texensis, Orientalis, and Late Mixed groups.

 

Many of the most popular garden forms are cultivars belonging to the Viticella section of the subgenus Flammula as defined by Grey-Wilson. These larger-flowered cultivars are often used within garden designs to climb archways, pergolas, or wall-mounted trellises, or to grow through companion plants. These forms normally have large 12–15 cm diameter upward-facing flowers and are believed to involve crosses of C. patens, C. lanuginosa, and C. viticella. Early-season, large-flowering forms such as 'Nelly Moser' tend towards the natural flowering habit of C. patens or C. lanuginosa while later-flowering forms such as ×jackmanii are nearer in habit to C. viticella.

 

Garden history

Clematis patens C.Morren et Decne. (Kazaguruma), native to Japan, was introduced to Europe in 1836 by Philipp Franz Balthasar von Siebold. Today, it is the most frequently used species for developing large-flowered cultivars.

 

The wild Clematis species, such as Clematis florida, native to China had also made their way into Japanese gardens by the 17th century. These species were also brought to Europe through Japan.

 

Japanese garden selections, mostly cultivated in Edo Period using species that are native to Japan or China, were the first exotic clematises to reach European gardens, in the 18th century, long before the Chinese species were identified in their native habitat at the end of the 19th century.

 

After it arrived in Europe, it acquired several meanings during the Victorian era, famous for its nuanced flower symbolism. It came to symbolize both mental beauty and art as well as poverty.

 

Cultivation

The climbing varieties are valued for their ability to scramble up walls, fences, and other structures, and also to grow through other plants, such as shrubs and trees. Some can be trained along the ground to provide cover. Because of their adaptability and masses of spectacular flowers, clematis are among the most popular of all garden plants. Many choice and rare cultivars are to be had from mail order and online catalogues. Specialists regularly put on displays in national flower shows such as the Chelsea Flower Show. In theory, it is possible to have a clematis in flower at any time throughout the year. Many varieties provide a second period of interest with a flush of flowers, or decorative seed heads.

 

They will grow in any good garden soil. The roots usually require a moist, cool substrate, while the herbage can take full sun. Some more delicate cultivars such as 'Nelly Moser' do better in light shade. Many clematis can be grown successfully in containers.

 

Pruning

Different varieties and cultivars require varied pruning regimes from no pruning to heavy pruning annually. The pruning regime for a cultivated clematis falls into three categories:

 

Vigorous species and early-flowering hybrids do not require pruning, other than to occasionally remove tangled growth (as in C. armandii, C. montana, and C. tangutica)

Large-flowered hybrids blooming in early summer on the previous season's growth can be pruned lightly in the dormant season for structure

Late-flowering hybrids which bloom on the current season's growth can be pruned back to a pair of buds in the dormant season

Cultivars

Over 80 varieties and cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.

 

In the Atragene group are woody deciduous climbers with bell-shaped flowers in spring, produced on the last year's growth. These include 'Markham's Pink', a pale pink breed.

 

In the early large-flowered group, which flower on the last year's growth, are:

 

'Arctic Queen' or 'Polar bear' (double white)

'Clematis Josephine' or 'Clematis Evijohill' (pinkish-mauve)

'Marie Boisselot' (white)

'Miss Bateman' (white with red stamens)

'Nelly Moser' (white with pink stripes)

'Niobe' (maroon)

'The President' (blue)

In the Clematis integrifolia group (or Integrifolia group) are non- or semi-climbing plants that flower on the current year's growth. These include the violet-pink 'Arabella'.

 

In the late large-flowered group, which flower on the current year's growth, are:

 

'Jackmanii' (purple)

'Polish spirit' (purple)

'Prince Charles' (violet)

In the Clematis montana group (or Montana group) are vigorous climbers that flower in spring, such as:

 

'Mayleen (pale pink)

Clematis montana var. grandiflora (white)

Clematis montana var. rubens 'Tetrarose' (rose pink with green stamens)

In the Clematis viticella group (or Viticella group) are compact deciduous climbers with small flowers produced on the current year's growth, such as:

 

'Alba Luxurians' (white)

'Betty Corning' (pale lilac pink)

'Madame Julia Correvon' (crimson)

'Purpurea Plena Elegans' (purple double)

Other breeds include:

 

'Princess Diana' of the Clematis texensis or Texensis group (deep pink)

×triternata rubromarginata (white & purple)

For further details see the List of Award of Garden Merit clematis.

 

Horticultural classification

This follows the classification adopted by V. Matthews in The International Clematis Register and Checklist 2002, except that C. ispahanica, now considered to have been included in error, has been omitted from the list of parent species in Tangutica Group.

 

Small-flowered Division: Flowers (1.5–)2–12(–18) cm across

Armandii Group: Cultivars belonging to, or derived from, species classified in subsection Meyenianae (Tamura) M. Johnson, mainly C. armandii.

Atragene Group: Cultivars belonging to, or derived from, species classified in subgenus Atragene (L.) Torrey & A. Gray, such as C. alpina, C. chiisanensis, C. fauriei, C. koreana, C. macropetala, C. ochotensis, C. sibirica, C. turkestanica. The former Alpina Group and Macropetala Group are included here. Historically, the Alpina Group was used for single-flowered cultivars, and double-flowered cultivars were assigned to the Macropetala Group.

Cirrhosa Group: Cultivars belonging to, or derived mainly from, C. cirrhosa.

Flammula Group: Cultivars with at least one parent belonging to, or derived from, species classified in section Flammula DC. (excluding subsection Meyenianae (Tamura)M. Johnson), such as C. angustifolia, C. flammula, C. recta, C. terniflora.

Forsteri Group: Cultivars belonging to, or derived from, species classified in section Novae-zeelandiae M. Johnson (native to Australia and New Zealand) such as C. australis, C. foetida, C. forsteri, C. marata, C. marmoraria, C. paniculata, C. petriei.

Heracleifolia Group:Cultivars with at least one parent belonging to, or derived from, species classified in subgenus Tubulosa (Decne.) Grey-Wilson, such as C. heracleifolia, C. stans, C. tubulosa.

Integrifolia Group:Cultivars belonging to, or derived mainly from, C. integrifolia. Includes the Diversifolia Group (which covered C. × diversifolia (C. integrifolia × C. viticella) and its cultivars).

Montana Group: Cultivars belonging to, or derived from, species classified in section Montanae (Schneider) Grey-Wilson such as C. chrysocoma, C. montana, C. spooneri.

Tangutica Group: Cultivars with at least one parent belonging to, or derived from, species classified in section Meclatis (Spach) Baill., such as C. intricata, C. ladakhiana, C. orientalis, C. serratifolia, C. tangutica, C. tibetana. This Group has also been known as the Orientalis Group.

Texensis Group: Cultivars derived from C. texensis crossed with representatives from either of the Large-flowered Groups.

Viorna Group: Cultivars with at least one parent belonging to, or derived from, species classified in section Viorna A. Gray, such as C. crispa, C. fusca, C. ianthina, C. pitcheri, C. reticulata, C. texensis, C. viorna. Cultivars assigned to Texensis Group, and cultivars with C. integrifolia in their parentage, are excluded.

Vitalba Group: Cultivars with at least one parent belonging to, or derived from, species classified in section Clematis L., such as C. ligusticifolia, C. potaninii, C. vitalba, C. virginiana.

Viticella Group: Cultivars with at least one parent mainly derived from C. viticella. Excludes hybrids between C. integrifolia and C. viticella: see Integrifolia Group.

Large-flowered Division: Flowers (5–)10–22(–29) cm across, usually flat.

Early Large-flowered Group: Comprises the former Patens Group and Fortunei Group. Cultivars of the Patens Group were derived mainly from C. patens, either directly or indirectly. They were characterized by producing flowers in spring on the previous year's wood, and often again in summer or early autumn on the current year's growth. The former Fortunei Group (also known as Florida Group, although it had nothing to do with C. florida) comprised cultivars with double or semi-double flowers that were produced on the previous year's growth in spring. Hybridization has made it impossible to keep the original Groups separate: there are a number of cultivars that produce both single and double flowers, or that only produce semi-double or double flowers under certain conditions.

Late Large-flowered Group: Comprises the former Lanuginosa Group and Jackmanii Group. Cultivars of the Lanuginosa Group were derived mainly from C. lanuginosa, either directly or indirectly. The Jackmanii Group covered cultivars produced from a cross between C. viticella (or a derivative therefrom) and a member of the Patens Group. Both Groups produce their flowers on the current year's growth in summer and autumn. It is often impossible to say whether a cultivar belongs to the Lanuginosa Group or to the Jackmanii Group, due to hybridization and/or lack of information on the parentage, so it is not possible to maintain these Groups.

Use and toxicity

The European species did not enter into the herbalists' pharmacopeia. In the American Old West, the Western white clematis, Clematis ligusticifolia, was called pepper vine by early travelers and pioneers, who took a tip from Spanish colonials and used seeds and the acrid leaves of yerba de chivato as a pepper substitute. The entire genus contains essential oils and compounds which are extremely irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. Unlike black pepper or Capsicum, however, the compounds in clematis cause internal bleeding of the digestive tract if ingested in large amounts. C. ligusticifolia is essentially toxic. When pruning them, it is a good idea to wear gloves. Despite its toxicity, Native Americans used very small amounts of clematis as an effective treatment for migraine headaches and nervous disorders. It was also used as an effective treatment of skin infections. Clematis is also a constituent of Bach's Rescue Remedy. Leaf extracts from two Ethiopian species (Clematis longicauda steud ex A. Rich. and Clematis burgensis Engl.) are used locally to treat ear disorders and eczema. Phytochemical screening of the extracts from both of these species showed antibacterial and antifungal activity. The extracts of these plants also possess wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities which could also be attributed to the phytoconstituents.

 

Clematis has been listed as one of the 38 plants used to prepare Bach flower remedies, a kind of alternative medicine promoted for its effect on health. However, according to Cancer Research UK, "there is no scientific evidence to prove that flower remedies can control, cure or prevent any type of disease, including cancer".

 

Pests and diseases

Clematis species are susceptible to several pests and diseases. Clematis wilt, a stem rot caused by the fungus Phoma clematidina, causes dramatic wilting and death of whole branches, although many species are resistant to it. The species of this genus are also alternate hosts of Puccinia recondita f.sp. tritici.: 3  C. mandshurica specifically is known to provide inoculum transferrable to wheat in the former eastern Soviet territories, and several of this genus are hosts for several other P. recondita strains: 8  and other Puccinia.: 25  Other pests and diseases include powdery mildew, viruses, slugs and snails, scale insects, aphids, earwigs, and green flower disease, which is usually caused by infection with a phytoplasma, a type of bacterium.

Globularia alypum is a species of plant in the Plantaginaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean basin in Greece, France, Italy, Spain and North Africa where it colonizes rocks and dry, arid terrains. It is a branched subshrub reaching 30-60 cm in height with erect stems. It is also widely used in folk medicine against skin diseases and abscesses, however there is no scientific evidence justifying its use. There is a study aimed to evaluate the wound healing and anti-inflammatory effect, the antibacterial and antioxidant activities, as well as the chemical compositions of GA methanolic extract (GAME).

  

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One of about 400 varieties of Garcinia, Imbe is the best known relative of the Mangosteen in Africa.

 

The name commemorates one Laurent Garcin (1683-1751), a French botanist who was active in India, where the genus is particularly diverse.

 

With sap that makes arrow poison, leaves that contain antibacterial compounds, and fruit as tasty as its cousin Mangosteen, the uses of Imbe are as varied as the places visited by its namesake David Livingstone.

 

Although the fruit is tasty, the plant is more often used as an ornament in landscaping than a source of food. The tree decorates Mozambique’s capitol and can be seen near Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Hardy, somewhat salt-tolerant, and drought-resistant, the tree occurs naturally in landscapes as varied as the sand dunes of Tana Delta in Kenya, open woodland of South Africa, the Okavango Delta of Botswana, and termite mounds in Zambia. The tree provides forage for wildlife like elephants and canoe-building material, although the latex produced by the tree can make the wood difficult to carve.

 

The fruit is eaten raw, cooked with porridge, seeded and dried, or crushed like grapes to create a drink. The fruit can also be fermented to make a purplish wine or soaked in alcohol and mixed with syrup to make liqueur.

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A ripe Imbe hangs in the tree.

 

Garcinia livingstonei

Family Clusiaceae

 

The Hunt Grove

Merritt Island

Florida

USA

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Ubiquitous in the West Cape, South Africa, this particularly elegant form of the Polygala myrtifolia called Bloukappie [=Bluehood] in the Afrikaans language was seen in Stellenbosch. It was extensively described first by Karl Wilhelm Ludwig Pappe (1802-1862), a German physician and botanist trained at Leipzig. He went to the Cape in 1831 where he practiced as a doctor, later becoming the first colonial botanist and also South Africa's first professor of botany (1858). He was anthropologically interested and described the use to which the Bloukappie was put by the Cape Malays: they extracted from the white-gray bark of the shrub's twigs a liquid with which they bathed the limbs of their deceased. Perhaps they understood the anti-bacterial working of that elixir.

Incidentally, the Cape Malays are the descendants of the slaves and political/religious (Muslim) dissidents whom the Dutch transferred from the Dutch East Indies to the Cape, especially after 1654. Today they are a large community of some 200,000 in the Cape, many of whom live in an especially beautiful hillside area of Cape Town called the Bo-Kaap, that is increasingly being yuppified.

Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

Brooksville, Florida

 

The leaves of Beautyberry contain compounds that have antibacterial and pest-deterring properties. Fire ants, ticks, deer flies and mosquitoes are repelled by the plant compounds callicarpenal and intermedeol.

Coprinellus micaceus is a common species of fungus in the family Psathyrellaceae with a cosmopolitan distribution. The fruit bodies of the saprobe typically grow in clusters on or near rotting hardwood tree stumps or underground tree roots. Depending on their stage of development, the tawny-brown mushroom caps may range in shape from oval to bell-shaped to convex, and reach diameters up to 3 cm (1.2 in). The caps, marked with fine radial grooves that extend nearly to the center, rest atop whitish stems up to 10 cm (3.9 in) long. In young specimens, the entire cap surface is coated with a fine layer of reflective mica-like cells that provide the inspiration for both the mushroom's species name and the common names mica cap, shiny cap, and glistening inky cap. Although small and with thin flesh, the mushrooms are usually bountiful, as they typically grow in dense clusters. A few hours after collection, the gills will begin to slowly dissolve into a black, inky, spore-laden liquid—an enzymatic process called autodigestion or deliquescence. The fruit bodies are edible before the gills blacken and dissolve, and cooking will stop the autodigestion process.

 

The microscopic characteristics and cytogenetics of C. micaceus are well known, and it has been used frequently as a model organism to study cell division and meiosis in Basidiomycetes. Chemical analysis of the fruit bodies has revealed the presence of antibacterial and enzyme-inhibiting compounds. Formerly known as Coprinus micaceus, the species was transferred to Coprinellus in 2001 as phylogenetic analyses provided the impetus for a reorganization of the many species formerly grouped together in the genus Coprinus. Based on external appearance, C. micaceus is virtually indistinguishable from C. truncorum, and it has been suggested that many reported collections of the former may be of the latter.

 

Photographed in the woods at Nymans National Trust, Handcross, West Sussex, UK.

SN/NC: Medinilla Magnifica, Syn. Medinilla speciosa, Melastomataceae Family

  

Medinilla is a perennial epiphytic plant in the genus Medinilla of the family Melastomataceae. Medinilla is named for José de Medinilla y Pineda, who was governor of Mauritius (then known as the Marianne Islands) in 1820. Medinilla speciosa reaches on average a height of 45–60 centimetres (18–24 in). This evergreen shrub has woody branched stems and opposite leathery green leaves (up to 20 centimetres (7.9 in) long and 15 centimetres (5.9 in)wide, with prominent veins. The dainty small flowers are bright pink-colored and are produced in large panicles on pendant reddish stems. The flowering period extends from early Summer to Fall. When the blooming is finished for about a month remains a raceme of showy berries, pending that the plant reflowers. These rounded fruits are at first pink and purple-blue when ripe (hence to common name of Showy Asian Grapes.) Other common names: Rose Grape, Showy Medinilla, Malaysian Orchid, Chandelier Tree, Kapa-kapa.

The plant is utilized as a traditional medicine, by boiling, brewing, or consuming it directly. The fruits are consumed by pregnant women as health supplement and also used as diarrhea, mouth sores, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antibacterial treatment. This plant occurs naturally in Borneo, Java and Philippines. In Borneo, the plant can be found at the Kinabalu in the Malaysian part of the island. It's distribution include peninsular Malaysia (Penang, Perak, Pahang, Selangor), Java, Sumatra, Lesser Sunda Isl. (Sumbawa, Lombok).

  

Medinilla is een overblijvende epifytische plant van het geslacht Medinilla van de Melastomataceae-familie. Medinilla dankt zijn naam aan José de Medinilla y Pineda, die in 1820 gouverneur was van Mauritius (toen bekend als de Marianen). Medinilla speciosa bereikt een gemiddelde hoogte van 45-60 centimeter (18-24 inch). Deze groenblijvende struik heeft houtachtige vertakte stengels en tegenoverliggende leerachtige groene bladeren (tot 20 centimeter (7,9 inch) lang en 15 centimeter (5,9 inch) breed, met opvallende nerven. De kleine delicate bloemen zijn helderroze van kleur en zijn geproduceerd in grote pluimen op hangende roodachtige stengels. De bloeiperiode loopt van het begin van de zomer tot de herfst. Als de bloei ongeveer een maand is afgelopen, blijft er een tros van opzichtige bessen over, wachtend tot de plant weer bloeit. ronde vruchten zijn aanvankelijk roze en paarsblauw wanneer ze rijp zijn (vandaar de algemene naam van opzichtige Aziatische druiven.) Andere veel voorkomende namen: rozendruif, opzichtige medinilla, Maleisische orchidee, kroonluchterboom, kapa-kapa.De plant wordt gebruikt als traditionele geneeskunde, gekookt, vergist of direct geconsumeerd. De vruchten worden door zwangere vrouwen geconsumeerd als gezondheidssupplement en ook gebruikt als diarree, zweertjes in de mond, ontstekingsremmende, kankerbestrijdende en antibacteriële behandeling. Deze plant komt van nature voor op Borneo, Java en de Filippijnen. Op Borneo wordt de plant gevonden in Kinabalu op het Maleisische deel van het eiland. De distributie omvat het schiereiland Maleisië (Penang, Perak, Pahang, Selangor), Java, Sumatra, Lesser Sunda Isl. (Sumbawa, Lombok).

  

Medinilla est une plante épiphyte vivace du genre Medinilla de la famille des Melastomataceae. Medinilla doit son nom à José de Medinilla y Pineda, qui était gouverneur de Maurice (alors connue sous le nom d'îles Marianne) en 1820. Medinilla speciosa atteint en moyenne une hauteur de 45 à 60 centimètres (18 à 24 pouces). Cet arbuste à feuilles persistantes a des tiges ligneuses ramifiées et des feuilles vertes coriaces opposées (jusqu'à 20 centimètres (7,9 po) de long et 15 centimètres (5,9 po) de large), avec des veines proéminentes. Les petites fleurs délicates sont de couleur rose vif et sont produites en grandes panicules sur des tiges rougeâtres pendantes. La période de floraison s'étend du début de l'été à l'automne. Lorsque la floraison est terminée pendant environ un mois, il reste une grappe de baies voyantes, en attendant que la plante refleurisse. Ces fruits arrondis sont d'abord roses et bleu-violet à maturité (D'où le nom commun de Showy Asian Grapes.) Autres noms communs: Rose Grape, Showy Medinilla, Orchidée malaisienne, Chandelier Tree, Kapa-kapa.La plante est utilisée comme médecine traditionnelle, en la faisant bouillir, en la brassant ou en la consommant directement. Les fruits sont consommés par les femmes enceintes comme complément de santé et également utilisés comme diarrhée, plaies buccales, traitement anti-inflammatoire, anticancéreux et antibactérien. Cette plante est naturellement présente à Bornéo, à Java et aux Philippines. À Bornéo, la plante se trouve au Kinabalu dans la partie malaisienne de l'île. Sa distribution comprend la Malaisie péninsulaire (Penang, Perak, Pahang, Selangor), Java, Sumatra, Lesser Sunda Isl. (Sumbawa, Lombok).

  

Medinilla ist eine mehrjährige epiphytische Pflanze aus der Gattung Medinilla der Familie Melastomataceae. Medinilla ist nach José de Medinilla y Pineda benannt, der 1820 Gouverneur von Mauritius (damals als Marianne-Inseln bekannt) war. Medinilla speciosa erreicht im Durchschnitt eine Höhe von 45 bis 60 Zentimetern. Dieser immergrüne Strauch hat holzige, verzweigte Stängel und gegenüberliegende ledrige grüne Blätter (bis zu 20 Zentimeter lang und 15 Zentimeter breit) mit hervorstehenden Adern. Die zierlichen kleinen Blüten sind hellrosa gefärbt und werden in großen Rispen produziert an hängenden rötlichen Stielen. Die Blütezeit erstreckt sich vom Frühsommer bis zum Herbst. Wenn die Blüte etwa einen Monat lang beendet ist, bleibt eine Traube auffälliger Beeren übrig, bis die Pflanze wieder blüht. Diese abgerundeten Früchte sind im reifen Zustand zunächst rosa und lila-blau (daher zum gebräuchlichen Namen von auffälligen asiatischen Trauben.) Andere gebräuchliche Namen: Rosentraube, auffällige Medinilla, malaysische Orchidee, Kronleuchterbaum, Kapa-Kapa.Die Pflanze wird als traditionelle Medizin verwendet, indem sie gekocht, gebraut oder direkt verzehrt wird. Die Früchte werden von schwangeren Frauen als Nahrungsergänzungsmittel konsumiert und auch als Durchfall, Mundschmerzen, entzündungshemmende, krebsbekämpfende und antibakterielle Behandlung verwendet. Diese Pflanze kommt natürlich in Borneo, Java und den Philippinen vor. In Borneo befindet sich die Pflanze im Kinabalu im malaysischen Teil der Insel. Die Verbreitung umfasst die Halbinsel Malaysia (Penang, Perak, Pahang, Selangor), Java, Sumatra und Lesser Sunda Isl. (Sumbawa, Lombok).

  

Medinilla è una pianta epifita perenne nel genere Medinilla della famiglia Melastomataceae. Medinilla prende il nome da José de Medinilla y Pineda, che fu governatore delle Mauritius (allora conosciute come le Isole Marianne) nel 1820. Medinilla speciosa raggiunge in media un'altezza di 45–60 centimetri (18–24 in). Questo arbusto sempreverde ha steli ramificati legnosi e opposte foglie verdi coriacee (lunghe fino a 20 centimetri (7,9 pollici) e larghe 15 centimetri (5,9 pollici), con venature prominenti. I piccoli fiori delicati sono di colore rosa brillante e sono prodotti in grandi pannocchie su steli rossastri pendenti.Il periodo di fioritura si estende dall'inizio dell'estate all'autunno. Quando la fioritura è terminata per circa un mese rimane un racemo di bacche appariscenti, in attesa che la pianta si rifiorisca. Questi frutti arrotondati sono inizialmente rosa e viola-blu quando sono maturi (da qui il nome comune di Showy Asian Grapes.) Altri nomi comuni: Rose Grape, Showy Medinilla, Malaysian Orchid, Chandelier Tree, Kapa-kapa.La pianta viene utilizzata come medicina tradizionale, bollendola, fermentandola o consumandola direttamente. I frutti vengono consumati da donne in gravidanza come integratore per la salute e usati anche come diarrea, piaghe alla bocca, trattamento antinfiammatorio, antitumorale e antibatterico. Questa pianta si trova naturalmente in Borneo, Giava e Filippine. Nel Borneo, la pianta si trova nel Kinabalu nella parte malese dell'isola. La sua distribuzione include Malesia peninsulare (Penang, Perak, Pahang, Selangor), Giava, Sumatra, Lesser Sunda Isl. (Sumbawa, Lombok).

  

Medinilla es una planta epifita perenne del género Medinilla de la familia Melastomataceae. Medinilla lleva el nombre de José de Medinilla y Pineda, quien fue gobernador de Mauricio (entonces conocido como las Islas Marianne) en 1820. Medinilla speciosa alcanza en promedio una altura de 45 a 60 centímetros (18 a 24 pulgadas). Este arbusto de hoja perenne tiene tallos leñosos ramificados y hojas verdes coriáceas opuestas (hasta 20 centímetros (7,9 pulgadas) de largo y 15 centímetros (5,9 pulgadas) de ancho, con venas prominentes. Las delicadas flores pequeñas son de color rosa brillante y se producen en grandes panículas. en los tallos colgantes de color rojizo. El período de floración se extiende desde principios del verano hasta el otoño. Cuando la floración termina durante aproximadamente un mes, sigue siendo un racimo de bayas vistosas, a la espera de que la planta vuelva a florecer. (de ahí el nombre común de Showy Asian Grapes.) Otros nombres comunes: Rose Grape, Showy Medinilla, Malaysian Orchid, Chandelier Tree, Kapa-kapa. La planta se utiliza como medicina tradicional, hirviéndola, preparándola o consumiéndola directamente. Las mujeres embarazadas consumen las frutas como suplemento de salud y también se usan como diarrea, llagas en la boca, antiinflamatorios, anticancerígenos y antibacterianos. Esta planta ocurre naturalmente en Borneo, Java y Filipinas. En Borneo, la planta se puede encontrar en Kinabalu, en la parte malasia de la isla. Su distribución incluye Malasia peninsular (Penang, Perak, Pahang, Selangor), Java, Sumatra, Lesser Sunda Isl. (Sumbawa, Lombok).

  

A medinila é uma planta arbustiva, de textura semi-lenhosa e florescimento ornamental. Seus ramos são quadrangulares, alados, frágeis, pouco ramificados e eretos. Eles crescem lentamente e podem atingir até 2 metros de altura. As folhas são sésseis, opostas, grandes, verde-escuras, cerosas, brilhantes e com nervuras claras e bem marcadas. As inflorescências pendentes, surgem na primavera e verão e são muito duráveis. Longas, elas chegam a 30 cm de comprimento, e apresentam brácteas e flores róseas dispostas em cachos, como se fossem uvas, o que lhe rendeu o nome popular "uva-rosa".

A medinila pode ser utilizada isolada ou em grupos. Ela é perfeita para compor conjuntos com outras plantas tropicais, como alpínias, helicônias, gengibres, formando suaves contrastes de texturas e cores. Por ser uma planta vistosa, mas ainda rara e exótica, causa impacto aos espectadores de sua beleza e tem sido utilizada em jardins contemporâneos e tropicais. Como seu crescimento é demasiado lento, ela necessita pouca manutenção e podas. Curiosamente, as medinilas são muitas vezes encontradas epífitas (sobre as árvores) nas Filipinas, seu local de origem. Seu nome é uma homenagem a José de Medinilla y Pineda, então Governador de Mauritius, (Anteriormente conhecida como Ilhas Marianas), em 1820.

   

I fell this morning, so no photography today. This is from last April.

I am not supposed to fall at my age, so I usually use a shepherd's stick for balance. I didn't have my stick when I just went out the front door to turn on the water irrigation system. I slipped and fell forward. Fortunately, I know how to fall, using my arms as shock absorbers. My arms are very strong. So the only injury was a skinned right hand and skinned knees... I applied antibacterial ointment and bandages to both. But I have been out of it and not up to carrying a camera.... :-()

I have slept a lot this afternoon and evening. Now it's almost midnight and I am wide awake. I still don't feel very good.

I just now made myself a Vodka and DeKuyper Buttershots martini and I feel much better... :-))

 

IMG_0386 - Version 2

Pirianda..

Picrasma quassioides (Picrasma; Chinese: 苦樹 ku shu, Japanese: ニガキ nigaki "bitterwood"; also India Quassia, Quassia Wood, Shurni, Quassia-wood, or Quassiawood; syn. P. ailanthioides) is a species of Picrasma native to temperate regions of southern Asia, from the northeast of Pakistan east along the Himalaya and through southern, central and eastern China to Taiwan and Japan..

It is a deciduous shrub or small tree growing to 10–15 m (rarely 20 m) tall with a trunk up to 50 cm diameter. The bark is smooth and dark grey-brown. The leaves are 15–40 cm long, pinnate, with 7–15 leaflets 2.5–10 cm long and 1.5–4.5 cm broad, with a coarsely and irregularly toothed margin. The flowers are green to yellow-green with four or five sepals and petals, produced in cymes 8–15 cm long in mid to late spring. The fruit is an ovoid to globose red to black drupe 6–7 mm diameter..

Cultivation and uses:The bark is used in herbal medicine as a bitter flavouring and antibacterial agent. Extracts from the wood are also used as a natural insecticide in organic farming..

It is occasionally grown as an ornamental tree in Europe and North America, valued for its bright orange to red autumn colour..

Extracts from Wikepedia

“Elderberry comes from the medicinal plant Sambucus nigra, or black elderberry, which has demonstrated antibacterial and antiviral potential,” explains Marc Goldstein, MD, chief of allergy and immunology at Pennsylvania Hospital and member of the advisory board of the health-care company Curist.

Day 1 (v 9.0) - not going in, though. fyi, do not touch this door. you'll require volumes of antibacterial soap and counseling

Coprinellus micaceus is a common species of fungus in the family Psathyrellaceae with a cosmopolitan distribution. The fruit bodies of the saprobe typically grow in clusters on or near rotting hardwood tree stumps or underground tree roots. Depending on their stage of development, the tawny-brown mushroom caps may range in shape from oval to bell-shaped to convex, and reach diameters up to 3 cm (1.2 in). The caps, marked with fine radial grooves that extend nearly to the center, rest atop whitish stems up to 10 cm (3.9 in) long. In young specimens, the entire cap surface is coated with a fine layer of reflective mica-like cells that provide the inspiration for both the mushroom's species name and the common names mica cap, shiny cap, and glistening inky cap. Although small and with thin flesh, the mushrooms are usually bountiful, as they typically grow in dense clusters. A few hours after collection, the gills will begin to slowly dissolve into a black, inky, spore-laden liquid—an enzymatic process called autodigestion or deliquescence. The fruit bodies are edible before the gills blacken and dissolve, and cooking will stop the autodigestion process.

 

The microscopic characteristics and cytogenetics of C. micaceus are well known, and it has been used frequently as a model organism to study cell division and meiosis in Basidiomycetes. Chemical analysis of the fruit bodies has revealed the presence of antibacterial and enzyme-inhibiting compounds. Formerly known as Coprinus micaceus, the species was transferred to Coprinellus in 2001 as phylogenetic analyses provided the impetus for a reorganization of the many species formerly grouped together in the genus Coprinus. Based on external appearance, C. micaceus is virtually indistinguishable from C. truncorum, and it has been suggested that many reported collections of the former may be of the latter.

 

Xylaria hypoxylon is an inedible species of fungus in the genus Xylaria. It is known by a variety of common names, such as the candlestick fungus, the candlesnuff fungus, carbon antlers, or the stag's horn fungus. The fruit bodies, characterized by erect, elongated black branches with whitened tips, typically grow in clusters on decaying hardwood. The fungus can cause a root rot in hawthorn and gooseberry plants.

 

Photographed in the woods at Nymans National Trust, Handcross, West Sussex, UK.

A fascinating digger wasp (all wasps fascinate me) that paralyses honey bees then buries them alive in its lair for the young to feed on. Its tunnel can be a meter or more long with lots of side chambers. Each of up to 30 chambers will be the tomb for 4-5 bees and a single egg. When the egg hatches it has a larder of live but paralysed bees to feed upon. Before the bees are placed in each chamber the wasp will clean them. It will then coat them with a substance that acts not only as an antibacterial agent, but a fungicide too. This means the bees remain fresh and healthy as they are devoured.

It has many healing properties. Best known to heal wounds. Great on skin blemishes and scars.

Manuka honey also has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties that may help treat numerous ailments, including irritable bowel syndrome, gastric ulcers, periodontal disease, and upper respiratory infections. It's also regarded as "super food"

The Hoopoe is a medium sized bird, 25–32 cm (9.8-12.6 in) long, with a 44–48 cm (17.3-19 in) wingspan weighing 46-89 g (1.6-3.1 oz). The species is highly distinctive, with a long, thin tapering bill that is black with a fawn base. The strengthened musculature of the head allows the bill to be opened when probing inside the soil. The hoopoe has broad and rounded wings capable of strong flight; these are larger in the northern migratory subspecies. The Hoopoe has a characteristic undulating flight, which is like that of a giant butterfly, caused by the wings half closing at the end of each beat or short sequence of beats.[6]

 

The song is a trisyllabic "oop-oop-oop", which gives rise to its English and scientific names.

  

[edit] Behaviour

In what was long thought to be a defensive posture, Hoopoes sunbathe by spreading out their wings and tail low against the ground and tilting their head up; they often fold their wings and preen halfway through.[13] The Hoopoe also enjoys taking dust and sand baths.[14]

  

[edit] Diet and feeding

The diet of the Hoopoe is mostly composed of insects, although small reptiles as well as some plant matter such as seeds and berries are sometimes taken as well. It is a solitary forager which typically feeds on the ground. More rarely they will feed in the air, in pursuit of numerous swarming insects, where their strong and rounded wings make them fast and manoeuvrable. More commonly their foraging style is to stride on relatively open ground and periodically pause to probe the ground with the full length of their bill. Insect larvae, pupae and mole crickets are detected by the bill and either extracted or dug out with the strong feet. In addition to feeding in soil Hoopoes will feed on insects on the surface, as well as probing into piles of leaves and even using the bill to lever large stones and flake off bark. Common diet items include crickets, locusts, beetles, earwigs, cicadas, ant lions, bugs and ants. These can range from 10 to 150 mm in length, with the preferred size of prey being around 20-30 mm. Larger prey items are beaten against the ground or a preferred stone in order to kill them and remove indigestible body parts such as wings and legs.[6]

  

[edit] Breeding

The Hoopoe is monogamous, although the pair bond apparently only lasts for a single season. They are also territorial, with the male calling frequently to advertise his ownership of the territory. Chases and fights between rival males (and sometimes females) are common and can be brutal.[6] Birds will try to stab rivals with their bills, and individuals are occasionally blinded in fights.[15] The nest is in a hole in a tree or wall, with a narrow entrance;[14] it may be unlined or various scraps may be collected.[11] The female alone is responsible for incubating the eggs. Clutch size varies with location, with northern hemisphere birds laying more eggs than those in the southern hemisphere and birds in higher latitudes having larger clutches than those closer to the equator. In central and northern Europe and Asia the clutch size is around 12, whereas it is between four in the tropics and seven in the subtropics. The eggs are round and milky blue on laying but quickly discolour in the increasingly dirty nest.[6] They weigh 4.5 grams.[13] A replacement clutch is possible.[11]

 

The Hoopes have well developed anti-predators defences in the nest. The uropygial gland of the incubating and brooding female is quickly modified to produce a foul-smelling liquid, and the glands of nestlings do so was well. These secretions are rubbed into the plumage. The secretion, which smells like rotting meat, is thought to help deter predators, as well as deter parasites and possibly act as an antibacterial agent.[16] The secretions stop soon before the young leave the nest.[13] In addition to this secretion nestlings are able to direct streams of faeces at nest intruders from the age of six days, and will also hiss at intruders in a snake like fashion.[6] The young also strike with their bill or with one wing.[13]

 

The incubation period for the species is between 15 and 18 days. During incubation the female is fed by the male. The incubation period begins as soon as the first egg is laid, so the chicks are born asynchronously. The chicks hatch with a covering of downy feathers, by around day days feather quills emerge which become adult feathers. The chicks are brooded by the female for between 9 to 14 days.[6] The female later joins the male in the task of bringing food.[14] The young leave the nest after approximately three and a half weeks; the parent still leads them for a week.[11]

The Peak point of Eravikulam National Park - Kerala, India.

  

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Eravikulam National Park (Malayalam: ഇരവികുളം ദേശീയോദ്യാനം) is a 97 km² national park located along the Western Ghats in the Idukki district of Kerala in India, between 10º05'N - 10º20'N latitude and 77º0'E - 77º10'E longitude.

 

Eravikulam National Park is administered by the Kerala Department of Forests and Wildlife, Munnar Wildlife Division, together with the nearby Mathikettan Shola National Park, Anamudi Shola National Park, Pambadum Shola National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kurinjimala Sanctuary. The Western Ghats, Anamalai Sub-Cluster, including all of Eravikulam National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.

 

The main body of the park consists of a high rolling hill plateau with a base elevation of about 2,000 m. The terrain consists of high altitude grasslands interspersed with sholas. Anamudi (2695 m, the highest peak in India south of the Himalayas is inside this park. Many perennial streams criss-cross the park. They merge to form tributaries of the Periyar river and Chalakudiyar River on the west and the east flowing Cauvery River in Tamil Nadu. Lakkom Water falls is in this region.

 

Twenty six species of mammals have been recorded in the park including the largest surviving population of Nilgiri Tahr, estimated at about 750 in number. The other ungulates are Gaur, Indian Muntjac and Sambar Deer. Golden Jackal, Jungle Cat, Wild dog, Dhole, leopard and tiger are the main predators. Some little known animals such as Nilgiri langur, Stripe-necked Mongoose, Indian Porcupine, Nilgiri Marten, small clawed otter, Ruddy Mongoose, and Dusky palm squirrel are also found. Elephants make seasonal visits.

 

132 species of birds have been recorded which include endemics like Black-and-orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Pipit, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, White Bellied Shortwing, Nilgiri Verditer Flycatcher and Kerala Laughingthrush.

 

Endemic butterflies confined to the shola-grass land ecosystem like the Red Disk Bushbrown and Palni Four wing are among the 101 species in the park.

 

19 species of amphibians have been recorded in the park.

 

A new bright reddish-orange-coloured frog with multiple glands and extremely short limbs has been discovered in the Eravikulam National Park. The newly discovered species is restricted to less than three km2 on the peak of Anamudi and deserves immediate conservation priority, scientists S.D. Biju of Delhi University and Franky Bossuyt of the Free University of Brussels said in Current Science. The frog has been assigned the name Raorchestes resplendens. This frog, as compared to all other members of the genus, has multiple prominent glandular swellings: laterally behind the eyes, on the side of the dorsum, on the anterior side of the vent, on the dorsal side of the forearms and shanks, and on the posterior side of tarsus and metatarsus. Additional distinguishing characteristics include the colour of the iris (which is bright red), and extremely short legs.

 

Three major types of plant communities are found in the Park - grasslands, shrublands and forests. The terrain above 2000m is covered primarily by grasslands. However, there are numerous small patches of forests in hollows and gullies in these areas. The deeper valleys are extensively forested. Shrublands predominate along the bases of the cliffs and interspersed in rocky slab areas. The antibacterial Eupatorium glandulosum is found here.

 

Private vehicles are not allowed within the park. You can park your vehicle in the parking area by paying a nominal fee and enter the buses. Six mini-buses are operated by park staff as part of the visitor-management programme as well as a pollution-control measure.

 

Littering is banned inside the park. A well formed security wing is working to protect the park day and night. The park is accessible from Kochi (Kerala) and Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) airports, which are located at about 148 km and 175 km respectively. Munnar is the nearest town (13 km), well connected by roads from Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The nearest railway station is Aluva in Kerala (120 km from Munnar) and Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu (165 km).

Source :

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eravikulam_National_Park

 

Hibiscus

 

Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is commonly known as China Rose, Rose of China, Chinese Hibiscus, Hawaiian Hibiscus, Rosa Mallow, Jamaica Sorrel, Sudanese Tea, Red Sorrel, Japakusuma, Gumamela.

 

It belongs to a family of about 300 different species all over the world. It originated from Asia and grows abundantly in many tropical and subtropical regions throughout the year. There are species which can grow in slightly colder climates.

 

Hibiscus, a flowering green shrub, blooms in brilliant colors of red, orange, pink, while, yellow, and sometimes peach. It grows from 4 to 15 feet in normal land cultivation in residential places but can rise up to 30 feet in the forests or wild areas. Hibiscus grows well under the sun and is not sensitive to handle because it thrives even along roadsides, in abandoned fields and barren places.

 

During the 18th century, it was introduced to Jamaica and reached Europe in the late 19th century as Sudanese Tea. It is commercially used in other regions as a good supply for fiber, black dye for shoes, hair, mascara, and ingredient for sauces, chutneys, curries, and even teas. In other parts of the world, like Central America and the Caribbean regions, hibiscus has been used as herbal remedy for hair loss. In Asia, hibiscus is said to be used as astringent to stop bleeding. Herb users for years believed that it helps to prevent excessive menstrual bleeding, menstrual cramps and spasms.

 

Nowadays, hibiscus is being used to put color and flavor to herb teas. The flower which contains flavonoids and proanthocyanidins act as antioxidants, or antipyretic to reduce fever, an analgesic as pain reliever, and spasmolytic to limit spasms.

 

Based on recent laboratory tests, hibiscus is found to be useful in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol reduction in the blood. It has shown positive results in reducing bad cholesterol levels (LDL) found in extremely fat diets because, according to scientists, hibiscus may limit the adherence of cholesterol to artery walls. Regular use of hibiscus herbs promotes proper blood circulation and minimizes heart diseases.

 

Moreover, researchers believe that the antibacterial property of hibiscus may be essential in combating various illnesses like fever, cystitis and venereal disease. It is also effective in soothing respiratory tract infections and relieves whooping coughs and other respiratory ailments.

 

Hibiscus tea is pleasantly tasty and is known to be a good relief for stomach pains and improper food digestion. According to herb users, hibiscus tea promotes good appetite and good health.

  

Thank you to Katherine for identifying the flower. Please visit her magical stream.

www.flickr.com/photos/klsanderson/

 

Featured on Explore 10/21/2008

 

Sample area in photo approximately 18 X 18 inches.

 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marmorino

  

Marmorino

 

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

  

Marmorino stucco.

Marmorino Veneziano is a plaster or stucco decoration used on walls. It was used as far back as Roman times, but was made popular once more during the Renaissance 500 years ago in Venice.

 

It is made from crushed marble and lime putty, which can be tinted to give a wide range of colours. This can then be applied to make many textures, from polished marble to natural stone effects. Widely used in Italy, its appeal has spread through North America especially, but now worldwide. Because of the hours of workmanship, the pricing places it in the high-end market. However, many examples can be seen in public buildings, bars, restaurants, etc.

 

Its waterproofing and antibacterial qualities as well as visual effects have also made it very desirable for luxury bathrooms and other wet areas. Not confined to interior use, it can be seen on the exterior of many buildings to great effect.

 

History

 

Marmorino is well known as a classic Venetian plaster; however, its origins are much older, dating to ancient Roman times. We can see evidence of it today in the villas of Pompeii and in various ancient Roman structures. In addition, it was also written about in Vitruvius's De Architectura, a 1st Century B.C. history of Rome. Marmorino was rediscovered centuries later after the discovery of Vitruvio’s ancient treatise in the 15th century. This 'new' plaster conformed well to the aesthetic requirements dictated by the classical ideal that in the 15th century had recently become fashionable in the Venetian lagoon area.

 

The first record of work being done with marmorino is a building contract with the nuns of Santa Chiara of Murano in 1473. In this document, it is written that before the marmorino could be applied, the wall had to be prepared with a mortar made of lime and "coccio pesto" (ground terra cotta). This "coccio pesto" was then excavated from tailings of bricks or recycled from old roof tiles.

 

At this point, to better understand the popularity of marmorino in Venetian life, two facts need to be considered. The first is that in a city that extends over water, the transport of sand for making plaster and the disposal of tailings was, and still is, a huge problem. So the use of marmorino was successful not only because the substrate was prepared using terra cotta scraps, but also the finish, marmorino, was made with leftover stone and marble, which were in great abundance at that time. These ground discards were mixed with lime to create marmorino.

 

Besides, marmorino and substrates made of "coccio pesto" resisted the ambient dampness of the lagoon better than almost any other plaster. The first because it is extremely breathable by virtue of the kind of lime used (only lime which sets on exposure to air after losing excess water) and the second, because it contains terracotta which when added to lime makes the mixture hydraulic, that is, it's effective even in very damp conditions (because it contains silica and aluminium, bases of modern cement and Hydraulic lime preparations). The second consideration is that an aesthetically pleasing result could be achieved in an era dominated by the return of a classical Greco-Roman style allowing less weight to be transmitted to the foundation when compared to the habit of covering facades with slabs of stone.

 

Usually, marmorino was white to imitate Istrian stone, which was most often used in Venetian construction, but was occasionally decorated with frescoes to imitate the marble, which Venetian merchants brought home from their voyages to the Orient. (In this period of the Republic of Venice, merchants felt obliged to return home bearing precious, exotic marble as a tribute to the beauty of their own city.)

 

Marmorino maintained its prestige for centuries until the end of the 1800s when interest in it faded and it was considered only an economical solution to the use of marble. Only at the end of the 1970s, thanks in part to architect Carlo Scarpa's use of marmorino, did this finishing technique return to the interest of the best modern architects.

Good manners and healthy habits.

 

50mm 1.4g

f3.5 1/1600

ISO1000

The “Lysol” anti-bacterial wipes are supplied by work, the 63% alcohol rum I bought during my lunch break. Many shops aren’t stocking rubbing alcohol anymore, so I went to the liquor shop to get whatever has the highest alcohol content available. I only bought one bottle, so I’m not panicking (I think : ) My colleagues are already asking me when the party begins :D

 

For the record, regular soap and water are very effective in killing the coronavirus too. The alcohol is for areas that I don’t necessarily want to use soap, or rinsing is not practical.

 

I will also add this to the things NOT made in China group. The “Lysol” is made in the USA, and the rum is made in Jamaica. Ya maan!!

LA: Carlina acaulis

EN: Silver thistle

DE: Silberdistel

HU: Szártalan bábakalács

 

The plant belongs to the Aster (or Daisy) family [Asteraceae]. Endemic to Central and southern Europe in mountainous or alpine regions.

 

The flowers are relatively big (8-12 cm in diameter) and the flowerheads sit on a very short stem above a rosette of spiky leaves. The ray florets are dry, silvery colored.

 

The flowers open up only when the air is dry. When the humidity increases they close up, thus protecting the inside of the flower form being ruined.

 

The rhizome of the plant contains essential oils and are antibacterial. So it has been used in traditional medicine.

 

The flower heads, can also be eaten when they are young, in a similar way as one does with an artichoke. Therefore it also has the name of "hunter's bread" in English and in German (Jägerbrot) as well.

 

In Germany strongly protected by law.

 

HU: Mo.-on védett. A Bükki Nemzeti Park címernövénye.

bnpi.hu/

Nasturtium - I love it that this common name literally means, "nose-twister" or "nose-tweaker"! I can just imagine getting a nose tweaked in there!!! LOL!!

 

Garden Nasturtiums are grown for their flowers, and also because both their leaves and flowers are edible; they can be used in salads, imparting a delicately peppery taste. The seeds are also edible, and can be used as a caper substitute.

 

Nasturtium has long been used in herbal medicine as a disinfectant and wound-healing herb, and as an expectorant to relieve chest conditions. All parts of the plant appear to be antibiotic and an infusion of the leaves can be used to increase resistance to bacterial infections and to clear nasal and bronchial catarrh. The remedy seems to both reduce catarrh formation and stimulate the clearing and coughing up of phlegm.

 

The leaves are antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, aperient, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, laxative and stimulant. A glycoside found in the plant reacts with water to produce an antibiotic. The plant has antibiotic properties towards aerobic spore forming bacteria. Extracts from the plant have anticancer activity.

 

The plant is taken internally in the treatment of genito-urinary diseases, respiratory infections, scurvy and poor skin and hair conditions.

 

Externally it makes an effective antiseptic wash and is used in the treatment of baldness, minor injuries and skin eruptions. Any part of the plant can be used, it is harvested during the growing season and used fresh.

 

On Explore Apr 24, 2008 #474

Like all lichens, Xanthoria parietina is a symbiosis between an algae and a fungus. The algae provides the chlorophyll necessary for photosynthesis and the fungus provides water and minerals. It can grow on all types of soil and in many different conditions. It looks great when the light hits it just right and resembles small flecks of gold

 

It has ben fund t o have strong antibacterial properties www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4425054/

 

Dansk Hvidløg, Uge 20, Uggelhuse, Randers

 

Allium ursinum grow in leafy forests with nutritious bottom.

The plant blooms in May-June.

Most recently, it has been shown that the plant can also be used as a preservative as it has a very strong antibacterial effect. The researchers at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at Aarhus University's department in Årslev in Funen have shown great inhibitory effect on salmonella and listeria.

.

Abused Abandoned Jungle Dogs.

Photo No# 1 of 2.

 

Back Story .........................................

 

Lots to talk about today so we'll skip right to being here.

Once Mama was cared for, feeding, brushing and applying

antibacterial meds to her fresh dings and divots we took off.

 

Cargo pockets are stuffed full of bags filled with chopped

hot dogs, chicken, kibble an rice. Two bags under my shirt.

 

Crossed the cement walking bridge where we picked up

Rocky while trying not to step on the little puppies that are

zipping around full of excitement.

Took a hard left which takes us straight towards the area

referred to as "The Leroy Crews Turf".

 

Now all the Hooligans that live there are running full blast

towards the boundary line. Barking, yelling and acting like

complete fools !

Mama and Rocky are also running full blast towards all the

Hooligans who had stopped at the boundary line.

 

Now once the hooligans realized Rocky wasn't going to slow

down they did a quick retreat regrouping 20 meters to the

rear. That satisfied Rocky who slowly did a bid U-turn while

Mama stayed glued to my left leg as I continued forward.

 

First big bag is opened and spread out for a bunch of drooling

K9 mouths.

 

Now here's a sad side note:

Mr Tuff Guy is no longer with us ........... R.I.P. Mr Tuff Guy.

 

Mama and I leave The Leroy Crews Turf, picked up Rocky

who is just on the other side of the boundary line.

Today's goal is return to the spirit house for another photo

op with the primates. Waved at the nuns as we passed by.

Noticed the number of monkeys lurking about was not as

many as we saw a couple days ago.Maybe 200 total, + or -.

 

OK, Now we'll discuss this photo.

 

Rocky for some odd reason started barking at the water then

jumping in while taking large bites. At first I figured there might

be a snake or some other type of monster hiding just under the surface. Soon it was obvious he was just having big fun

being silly. He'd spin circles, bark, jump back in, bite, shake

his head then do it all over again. Mama finally bit his butt an

told him to behave. He did it one more time cuz it was just to

much fun .. ;-)~~~

 

If ya draw a line straight off the end of his nose it leads to the

spirit house, so ya know where we're at.

 

From here we do a 180 degree turn, cross the road and head

into the mangrove swamp.

 

This backstory will continue on in photo no# 2 of 2.

Thank you for your comments and donations.

 

Thank You.

Jon&Crew.

 

Please help with your temple dog donations here.

www.gofundme.com/f/help-for-abandoned-thai-temple-dogs

  

Please,

No Political Statements, Awards,

Invites Large Logos or Copy/Pastes.

© All rights reserved.

  

.

 

One of the best first aid remedies for bee and wasp stings. Pick a leaf or two, crush or chew, and rub on the sting site until it stops hurting.

 

Usually the pain wil not return, and you will only notice an itching after a few days as it heals. This also helps relieve the itching of mosquito bites.

 

Ribwort plantain is a safe and effective treatment for bleeding, it quickly staunches blood flow and encourages the repair of damaged tissue.

 

The leaves contain mucilage, tannin and silic acid. An extract of them has antibacterial properties.

This handmade silver bowl was brought back from a trip to SE Asia. I watched the artisan that created it. It's one of my favorite souvenirs. The design reminds me of the beautiful temples I saw all over Northern Thailand and Laos.

 

For those of you who like facts, I found these interesting:

-Silver kills bacteria by chemically affecting the cell membranes, breaking them down. Bacteria do not develop resistance to Silver, as they do to many antibiotics.

-In the United States, gold coins ceased to circulate as money with Roosevelt's 1933 call-in. However, the U.S. Mint continued to turn out silver coins until 1965.

-More than 95% of annual silver consumption is from industrial and decorative uses; photography, jewelry and silverware.

-In the earliest Egyptian records, Silver was considered more precious than Gold.

-Recent research shows that silver also promotes the production of new cells, increasing the rate of healing in wounds and bone. The regeneration of whole areas of lost skin is being accomplished by the use of silver treatment. Curad bandages, is marketing a line of wound-care products using silver as a natural antibacterial: Curad Silver.

-Argentina was named from Argentum, the element of Silver's Latin name.

 

© All rights reserved.

Coprinellus micaceus is a common species of fungus in the family Psathyrellaceae with a cosmopolitan distribution. The fruit bodies of the saprobe typically grow in clusters on or near rotting hardwood tree stumps or underground tree roots. Depending on their stage of development, the tawny-brown mushroom caps may range in shape from oval to bell-shaped to convex, and reach diameters up to 3 cm (1.2 in). The caps, marked with fine radial grooves that extend nearly to the center, rest atop whitish stems up to 10 cm (3.9 in) long. In young specimens, the entire cap surface is coated with a fine layer of reflective mica-like cells that provide the inspiration for both the mushroom's species name and the common names mica cap, shiny cap, and glistening inky cap. Although small and with thin flesh, the mushrooms are usually bountiful, as they typically grow in dense clusters. A few hours after collection, the gills will begin to slowly dissolve into a black, inky, spore-laden liquid—an enzymatic process called autodigestion or deliquescence. The fruit bodies are edible before the gills blacken and dissolve, and cooking will stop the autodigestion process.

 

The microscopic characteristics and cytogenetics of C. micaceus are well known, and it has been used frequently as a model organism to study cell division and meiosis in Basidiomycetes. Chemical analysis of the fruit bodies has revealed the presence of antibacterial and enzyme-inhibiting compounds. Formerly known as Coprinus micaceus, the species was transferred to Coprinellus in 2001 as phylogenetic analyses provided the impetus for a reorganization of the many species formerly grouped together in the genus Coprinus. Based on external appearance, C. micaceus is virtually indistinguishable from C. truncorum, and it has been suggested that many reported collections of the former may be of the latter.

 

Photographed in the woods at Nymans National Trust, Handcross, West Sussex, UK.

#AbFav_GREEN_ 🍀

 

Hops are the flowers (also called seed cones or strobiles) of the hop plant Humulus lupulus.

They are used primarily as a flavouring and stability agent in beer, to which they impart bitter, zesty, or citric flavours; though they are also used for various purposes in other beverages and herbal medicine.

The hop plant is a vigorous, climbing, herbaceous perennial, usually trained to grow up strings.

Many different varieties of hops are grown by farmers around the world, with different types used for particular styles of beer.

 

The first documented use of hops in beer is from the 9th century.

 

Hops are also used in brewing for their antibacterial effect over less desirable microorganisms and for purported benefits including balancing the sweetness of the malt with bitterness and a variety of flavours and aromas.

 

Have a lovely day, M, (*_*)

 

For more: www.indigo2photography.com

IT IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN (BY LAW!!!) TO USE ANY OF MY image or TEXT on websites, blogs or any other media without my explicit permission. © All rights reserved

 

Green, hops, flowers, plants, Humulus-lupulus, beer, wall, growth, creeper, colour, Nikon D200, Magda-Indigo

Everybody knows a clean house is a healthy place to live, but what if you live on the International Space Station? Air and water are constantly recycled and waste can only be removed when a spacecraft departs for Earth every few months. For the six astronauts living in humanity’s habitat in space, keeping the Station clean is an important part of their life to avoid bacteria and fungus. Every Saturday is cleaning day, when the whole crew wipe surfaces, vacuum and collect waste.

 

The Matiss experiment is investigating antibacterial properties of materials in space to see if future spacecraft could be made easier to clean.

 

The experiment consists of four identical plaques that ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet will place in the European Columbus laboratory and leave for at least three months. France’s CNES space agency, in collaboration with the ENS universityof Lyon, research institute CEA-Leti and construction company St Gobain, selected five advanced materials that could stop bacteria from settling and growing on the surface. A sixth element, made of glass, is used as control material.

 

The materials are a diverse mix of advanced technology – from self-assembly monolayers and green polymers to ceramic polymers and water-repellent hybrid silica. The smart materials should stop bacteria from sticking to the surface and growing, effectively making them easier to clean and more hygienic – but which one works best?

 

The units are open on the sides to let air flow naturally through and collect any bacteria floating past. Thomas will put the four units on the European Drawer Rack, on the European Physiology Modules and at air vents.

 

At the end of his mission next year he will tape the sides to block other bacteria from entering and wrap them in plastic. They will be returned for analysis in the Soyuz spacecraft alongside Thomas.

 

Credits: CNES–Emmanuel Grimault, 2016

Tropaeolum majus. On Explore Dec 8, 2007 #474

 

Nasturtium flowers, leaves and immature seed pods have a tangy taste like water cress, and the colorful flowers really brighten up a green salad. Add some nasturtium flowers to an herb vinegar. The immature pods can be pickled. The mature seeds can be roasted for eating out of hand or used like black pepper.

 

Nasturtium has long been used in herbal medicine as a disinfectant and wound-healing herb, and as an expectorant to relieve chest conditions. All parts of the plant appear to be antibiotic and an infusion of the leaves can be used to increase resistance to bacterial infections and to clear nasal and bronchial catarrh. The remedy seems to both reduce catarrh formation and stimulate the clearing and coughing up of phlegm.

 

The leaves are antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, aperient, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, laxative and stimulant. A glycoside found in the plant reacts with water to produce an antibiotic. The plant has antibiotic properties towards aerobic spore forming bacteria. Extracts from the plant have anticancer activity.

 

The plant is taken internally in the treatment of genito-urinary diseases, respiratory infections, scurvy and poor skin and hair conditions.

 

Externally it makes an effective antiseptic wash and is used in the treatment of baldness, minor injuries and skin eruptions. Any part of the plant can be used, it is harvested during the growing season and used fresh.

We all have this horrible Coronavirus concern regardless of where we happen to be and are being told to wash our hands on a regular basis and now "social distancing" is being talked about i.e. work from home and avoid unnecessary travel!

 

My wife has these hand gels in our bathrooms and in our car and she keeps telling me to use them ... helps to protect against whatever this germ is!!

 

Our Daily Challenge ~ Protection ....

 

Thanks to everyone who views this photo, adds a note, leaves a comment and of course BIG thanks to anyone who chooses to favourite my photo .... Thanks to you all!

Silver was one of the seven metals of antiquity that were known to prehistoric humans and whose discovery is thus lost to history. It has many uses beside that of jewellery and currency. How very interesting. This lady however has taken things to extremes and has actually had her hair silver plated. It certainly shines in the sun and it's antibacterial properties mean that she doesn't even have to wash it. I'm not sure if she's really thought it through properly though because winter can get pretty cold and you wouldn't really want your freezing hair sticking to your head now would you?

 

Its A3 in size and made using Acrylic, silver leaf, tipex and pencil. Drop us a line if interested.

 

Cheers

 

id-iom

Allium roseum

Famiglia: Lilliaceae

Distribuzione: Tutta la regione del Mediterraneo , Grecia Turchia e Nord Africa

 

E tempo di cucina, aggiungi al pranzo o alla cena sapori e qualche utile medicamento.

Lo sai che:

Quasi tutto il genere Allium comprende piante delle stesse proprietà antibatteriche, antifungine, antitrombotiche, grazie all’abbondanza dei tiosulfinati che conferiscono alla pianta anche il caratteristico odore?

Perche andare dal fiorista se sotto casa hai il più bel giardino del mondo: Basta guardare con una certa angolatura.

Allium roseum

Family: Lilliaceae

Distribution: The whole region of the Mediterranean, Greece and Turkey North Africa

And cooking time, add to lunch or dinner and taste some useful medicine.

Do you know that:

Almost all kind Allium includes plants of the same antibacterial, antifungal, anti-thrombotic, thanks to the abundance of tiosulfinati that give the plant the characteristic smell?

Why go to the florist downstairs if you have the most beautiful garden in the world: Just look at a certain angle.

Allium roseum

Familia: Lilliaceae

Distribución: Toda la región del Mediterráneo, Grecia y Turquía Norte de África

Y el tiempo de cocción, añadir a almorzar o cenar y degustar algunas medicinas útiles.

Sabes que:

Casi todo tipo Allium incluye plantas de la misma antibacteriano, antimicótico, anti-trombótico, gracias a la abundancia de tiosulfinati que dan a la planta el olor característico?

 

¿Por qué ir a la floristería abajo si usted tiene el jardín más hermoso en el mundo: Basta con mirar a un determinado ángulo.

 

Containing moorland spring water, olive oil, coconut oil, manuka honey, beeswax and French lavender essential oil.

 

The process of making handmade soap is a great distraction from the happenings in the world. It's also very kind and gentle on the skin, and Manuka Honey is said to have very high anti-bacterial properties.

 

I hope that all of my flickr friends remain safe and healthy.

 

Hugs to all.

  

Pirianda red tips on gold..

Picrasma quassioides (Picrasma; Chinese: 苦樹 ku shu, Japanese: ニガキ nigaki "bitterwood"; also India Quassia, Quassia Wood, Shurni, Quassia-wood, or Quassiawood; syn. P. ailanthioides) is a species of Picrasma native to temperate regions of southern Asia, from the northeast of Pakistan east along the Himalaya and through southern, central and eastern China to Taiwan and Japan..

It is a deciduous shrub or small tree growing to 10–15 m (rarely 20 m) tall with a trunk up to 50 cm diameter. The bark is smooth and dark grey-brown. The leaves are 15–40 cm long, pinnate, with 7–15 leaflets 2.5–10 cm long and 1.5–4.5 cm broad, with a coarsely and irregularly toothed margin. The flowers are green to yellow-green with four or five sepals and petals, produced in cymes 8–15 cm long in mid to late spring. The fruit is an ovoid to globose red to black drupe 6–7 mm diameter..

Cultivation and uses:The bark is used in herbal medicine as a bitter flavouring and antibacterial agent. Extracts from the wood are also used as a natural insecticide in organic farming..

It is occasionally grown as an ornamental tree in Europe and North America, valued for its bright orange to red autumn colour..

Extracts from Wikepedia

Rosh HaShanah (ראש השנה) is the Jewish New Year. Over the centuries it has become associated with many food customs, for instance, eating sweet food to symbolize our hopes for a "Sweet New Year."

 

שנה טובה ומתוקה - Have A Sweet And Good Year!

Happy Rosh HaShanah!

 

On Rosh Hashanah we wish each other "L'Shanah Tovah Tikatevu" may you be written (in The Book Of Life) for a good year. But Rosh HaShanah is not the end of the judgment, it is only on Yom Kippur that our judgment is made final - Written And Sealed.

 

Honey (Apples and Honey)

 

Biblical texts often mention "honey" as the sweetener of choice though some historians believe that the honey referenced in the Bible was actually a sort of fruit paste. Real honey was, of course, available but much more difficult to acquire! Honey represented good living and wealth. The Land of Israel is often called the land of "milk and honey" in the Bible.

 

On the first night of Rosh Hashanah, we dip challah into honey and say the blessing over the challah. Then we dip apple slices into honey and say a prayer asking God for a sweet year. Slices of apple dipped in honey are often served to Jewish children – either at home or in religious school - as a special Rosh HaShanah snack.

 

Round Challah

 

After apples and honey, round loaves of challah are the most recognizable food symbol of Rosh HaShanah. Challah is a kind of braided egg bread that is traditionally served by Jews on Shabbat. During Rosh HaShanah, however, the loaves are shaped into spirals or rounds symbolizing the continuity of Creation. Sometimes raisins or honey are added to the recipe in order to make the resulting loaves extra sweet. (Click here to learn more about challah shapes and meanings.)

 

Honey Cake

 

Many Jewish households make honey cakes on Rosh HaShanah as another way to symbolically express their wishes for a Sweet New Year. Often people will use a recipe that has been passed down through the generations. Honey cake can be made with a variety of spices, though autumnal spices (cloves, cinnamon, allspice) are especially popular. Different recipes call for the use of coffee, tea, orange juice or even rum to add an additional dimension of flavor.

 

New Fruit

 

On the second night of Rosh Hashanah, we eat a "new fruit" – meaning, a fruit that has recently come into season but that we have not yet had the opportunity to eat. When we eat this new fruit, we say the shehechiyanu blessing thanking God for keeping us alive and bringing us to this season. This ritual reminds us to appreciate the fruits of the earth and being alive to enjoy them.

 

A pomegranate is often used as this new fruit. In the Bible, the Land of Israel is praised for its pomegranates. It is also said that this fruit contains 613 seeds just as there are 613 mitzvot. Another reason given for blessing and eating pomegranate on Rosh HaShanah is that we wish that our good deeds in the ensuing year will be as plentiful as the seeds of the pomegranate.

 

Fish

 

Rosh HaShanah literally means "head of the year" in Hebrew. For this reason in some Jewish communities it is traditional to eat the head of a fish during the Rosh HaShanah holiday meal. Fish is also eaten because it is an ancient symbol of fertility and abundance.

 

Sources:

 

Faye Levy's International Jewish Cookbook, A Time Warner Company, 1991.

The Spice and Spirit of Kosher-Jewish Cooking, Lubavitch Women’s Organization, 1977.

Alphabet Soup: Jewish Family Cooking from A to Z, Schechter Day Schools, 1990.

A Treasury of Jewish Holiday Baking. Goldman, Marcy. 1996.

 

judaism.about.com/od/holidays/a/Rosh-Hashanah-Food-Custom...

 

I have one Pomegranate tree or bush that I planted, and a number that the birds started... The trees in our gardens do make beautiful and delicious fruit... They are hardy here in Tucson, even though the top branches of the more exposed trees are killed back each year by frost. The flowers are gorgeous!

 

The focus is on the strong branches within... How does the camera do that? It probably detects edges as indicated by sudden light to dark changes over a number of contiguous pixels in a line in any of a number of directions... I suspect the depth of field and the distance from the subject affects that.

I am beginning to experiment to gain some degree of control over that focusing by taking half steps backwards in a series of shots...

  

Here are excerpts from an article by the California Rare Fruit Growers that can help a gardener like me:

www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/pomegranate.html

 

POMEGRANATE

 

Punica granatum L.

 

Punicaceae

 

Common Names: Pomegranate, Granada (Spanish), Grenade (French).

Related Species: Punica proto-punica.

 

Origin: The pomegranate is native from Iran to the Himalayas in northern India and was cultivated and naturalized over the whole Mediterranean region since ancient times. It is widely cultivated throughout India and the drier parts of southeast Asia, Malaya, the East Indies and tropical Africa. The tree was introduced into California by Spanish settlers in 1769. In this country it is grown for its fruits mainly in the drier parts of California and Arizona.

 

Adaptation: Pomegranates prefer a semi-arid mild-temperate to subtropical climate and are naturally adapted to regions with cool winters and hot summers. A humid climate adversely affects the formation of fruit. The tree can be severely injured by temperatures below 12° F. In the U. S. pomegranates can be grown outside as far north as southern Utah and Washington, D.C. but seldom set fruit in these areas. The tree adapts well to container culture and will sometimes fruit in a greenhouse.

 

DESCRIPTION

 

Growth Habits: The pomegranate is a neat, rounded shrub or small tree that can grow to 20 or 30 ft., but more typically to 12 to 16 ft. in height. Dwarf varieties are also known. It is usually deciduous, but in certain areas the leaves will persist on the tree. The trunk is covered by a red-brown bark which later becomes gray. The branches are stiff, angular and often spiny. There is a strong tendency to sucker from the base. Pomegranates are also long-lived. There are specimens in Europe that are known to be over 200 years of age. The vigor of a pomegranate declines after about 15 years, however.

Foliage: The pomegranate has glossy, leathery leaves that are narrow and lance-shaped.

 

Flowers: The attractive scarlet, white or variegated flowers are over an inch across and have 5 to 8 crumpled petals and a red, fleshy, tubular calyx which persists on the fruit. The flowers may be solitary or grouped in twos and threes at the ends of the branches. The pomegranate is self-pollinated as well as cross-pollinated by insects. Cross-pollination increases the fruit set. Wind pollination is insignificant.

 

Fruit: The nearly round, 2-1/2 to 5 in. wide fruit is crowned at the base by the prominent calyx. The tough, leathery skin or rind is typically yellow overlaid with light or deep pink or rich red. The interior is separated by membranous walls and white, spongy, bitter tissue into compartments packed with sacs filled with sweetly acid, juicy, red, pink or whitish pulp or aril. In each sac there is one angular, soft or hard seed. High temperatures are essential during the fruiting period to get the best flavor. The pomegranate may begin to bear in 1 year after planting out, but 2-1/2 to 3 years is more common. Under suitable conditions the fruit should mature some 5 to 7 months after bloom.

 

CULTIVARS

 

Balegal

Originated in San Diego, Calif. Selected by Paul H. Thomson. Large, roundish fruit, 3 inches in diameter. Somewhat larger than Fleshman. Skin pale pink, lighter then Fleshman. Flesh slightly darker than Fleshman, very sweet.

Cloud

From the Univ. of Calif., Davis pomegranate collection. Medium-sized fruit with a green-red color. Juice sweet and white.

Crab

From the Univ. of Calif., Davis pomegranate collection. Large fruit have red juice that is tart but with a rich flavor. A heavy bearing tree.

Early Wonderful

Large, deep-red, thin-skinned, delicious fruit. Ripens about 2 weeks ahead of Wonderful. Medium-sized bush with large, orange-red fertile flowers. Blooms late, very productive.

Fleshman

Originated in Fallbrook, Calif. Selected by Paul H. Thomson. Large, roundish fruit, about 3 inches in diameter, pink outside and in. Very sweet flavor, seeds relatively soft, quality very good.

Francis

Originated in Jamaica via Florida. Large, sweet, split-resistant fruit. Prolific producer.

Granada

Originated in Lindsay, Calif. Introduced in 1966. Bud mutation of Wonderful. Fruit resembles Wonderful, but displays a red crown while in the green state, darker red in color and less tart. Ripens one month earlier than Wonderful. Flowers also deeper red. Tree identical to Wonderful.

Green Globe

Originated in Camarillo, Calif. Selected by John Chater. Large, sweet, aromatic, green-skinned fruit. Excellent quality.

Home

From the Univ. of Calif., Davis pomegranate collection. The fruit is variable yellow-red in color, with light pink juice that is sweet and of rich flavor. Some bitterness.

King

From the Univ. of Calif., Davis pomegranate collection. Medium to large fruit, somewhat smaller than Balegal and Fleshman. Skin darker pink to red. Flavor very sweet. Has a tendency to split. Bush somewhat of a shy bearer.

Phoenicia (Fenecia)

Originated in Camarillo, Calif. Selected by John Chater. Large fruit, 4-5 inches in diameter, mottled red-green skin. Flavor sweet, seeds relatively hard.

Sweet

Fruit is lighter in color than Wonderful, remains slightly greenish with a red blush when ripe. Pink juice, flavor much sweeter than other cultivars. Excellent in fruit punch. Trees highly ornamental, bears at an early age, productive.

Utah Sweet

Very sweet, good quality fruit. Pink skin and pulp. Seeds notably softer than those of Wonderful and other standard cultivars. Attractive pinkish-orange flowers.

Wonderful

Originated in Florida. First propagated in California in 1896. Large, deep purple-red fruit. Rind medium thick, tough. Flesh deep crimson in color, juicy and of a delicious vinous flavor. Seeds not very hard. Better for juicing than for eating out of hand. Plant is vigorous and productive. Leading commercial variety in California.

 

CULTURE

 

Location: Pomegranates should be placed in the sunniest, warmest part of the yard or orchard for the best fruit, although they will grow and flower in part shade. The attractive foliage, flowers and fruits of the pomegranate, as well as its smallish size make it a excellent landscaping plant.

Soil: The pomegranate does best in well-drained ordinary soil, but also thrives on calcareous or acidic loam as well as rock strewn gravel.

 

Irrigation: Once established, pomegranates can take considerable drought, but for good fruit production they must be irrigated. To establish new plants they should be watered every 2 to 4 weeks during the dry season. The plants are tolerant of moderately saline water and soil conditions.

 

Fertilizing: In the West, the trees are given 2 to 4-ounce applications of ammonium sulfate or other nitrogen fertilizer the first two springs. After that very little fertilizer is needed, although the plants respond to an annual mulch of rotted manure or other compost.

 

Pruning: Plants should be cut back when they are about 2 ft. high. From this point allow 4 or 5 shoots to develop, which should be evenly distributed around the stem to keep the plant well balanced. These should start about 1 ft. from the ground, giving a short but well-defined trunk. Any shoots which appear above or below should be removed as should any suckers. Since the fruits are borne only at the tips of new growth, it is recommended that for the first 3 years the branches be judiciously shortened annually to encourage the maximum number of new shoots on all sides, prevent straggly development and achieve a strong well framed plant. After the 3rd year, only suckers and dead branches are removed.

 

Propagation: The pomegranate can be raised from seed but may not come true. Cuttings root easily and plants from them bear fruit after about 3 years. Twelve to 20 inches long cuttings should be taken in winter from mature, one-year old wood. The leaves should be removed and the cuttings treated with rooting hormone and inserted about two-thirds their length into the soil or into some other warm rooting medium. Plants can also be air-layered but grafting is seldom successful.

 

Pests and Diseases: Pomegranates are relatively free of most pests and diseases. Minor problems are leaf and fruit spot and foliar damage by white flies, thrips, mealybugs and scale insects. The roots are seldom bothered by gophers but deer will browse on the foliage.

 

Harvest: The fruits are ripe when they have developed a distinctive color and make a metallic sound when tapped. The fruits must be picked before over maturity when they tend to crack open, particularly when rained on. The pomegranate is equal to the apple in having a long storage life. It is best maintained at a temperature of 32° to 41° F. and can be kept for a period of 7 months within this temperature range and at 80 to 85% relative humidity without shrinking or spoiling. The fruits improve in storage, becoming juicier and more flavorful.

 

The fruit can be eaten out of hand by deeply scoring several times vertically and then breaking it apart. The clusters of juice sacs are then lifted out and eaten. The sacs also make an attractive garnish when sprinkled on various dishes. Pomegranate fruits are most often consumed as juice and can be juiced is several ways. The sacs can be removed and put through a basket press or the juice can be extracted by reaming the halved fruits on an ordinary orange juice squeezer. Another approach starts with warming the fruit slightly and rolling it between the hands to soften the interior. A hole is then cut in the stem end which is placed on a glass to let the juice run out, squeezing the fruit from time to time to get all the juice. The juice can be used in a variety of of ways: as a fresh juice, to make jellies, sorbets or cold or hot sauces as well as to flavor cakes, baked apples, etc. Pomegranate syrup is sold commercially as grenadine. The juice can also be made into a wine.

 

Commercial Potential: The primary commercial growing regions of the world are the Near East, India and surrounding countries and southern Europe. In California commercial cultivation is centered in the southern San Joaquin Valley. Consumer demand in this country is not great. More pomegranate fruits probably wind up as decorations in fruit bowls than are consumed.

  

_____________________________________________

Also see the more general Wikipedia article. It has a section on use in cooking by regions of the world:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomegranate

 

Here are a few highlights that struck my fancy:

 

A pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub or small tree growing to between five and eight meters tall. Native to the drier regions of the Mediterranean Basin, pomegranate is widely cultivated throughout India and parts of southeast Asia, Malaya, the East Indies and tropical Africa.[1] Introduced into Latin America and California by Spanish settlers in 1769, pomegranate is now cultivated in parts of California and Arizona for juice production. [2]

 

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Subclass: Rosidae

Order: Myrtales

Family: Lythraceae

Genus: Punica

Species: P. granatum

Binomial Name

Punica granatum - Linnaeus (Carl von Linné)

Synonyms

Punica malus - Linnaeus, 1758

 

Cultivars

More than 500 cultivars of pomegranate have been named, but such fruits evidently have considerable synonymy in which the same genotype is named differently across regions of the world.[4] Iran hosts a great genetic diversity of pomegranate and more than 760 Iranian genotypes are collected at Iranian national pomegranate collection in Yazd, Iran.

Several characteristics between pomegranate genotypes vary for identification, consumer preference, preferred use, and marketing, the most important of which are fruit size, exocarp color (ranging from yellow to purple, with pink and red most common), aril color (ranging from white to red), hardness of seed, maturity, juice content and its acidity, sweetness, and astringency.[4]

 

Etymology

The name "pomegranate" derives from Latin pomum ("apple") and granatus ("seeded"). This has influenced the common name for pomegranate in many languages (e.g., German Granatapfel, "Granat" meaning "garnet" and "Apfel" meaning "apple", thus "garnet apple"). Perhaps stemming from the French word for the fruit, "pomme-grenade", the pomegranate was known in early English as "apple of Grenada" -- a term which today survives only in heraldic blazons. This was probably a folk etymology, confusing Latin granatus with the Spanish city of Granada. The genus name Punica is named for the Phoenicians, who were active in broadening its cultivation, partly for religious reasons. In classical Latin, where "malum" was broadly applied to many apple-like fruits, the pomegranate's name was malum punicum or malum granatum, the latter giving rise to the Italian name melograno, or less commonly melagrana.

 

Potential health benefits

In preliminary laboratory research and human pilot studies, juice of the pomegranate was effective in reducing heart disease risk factors, including LDL oxidation, macrophage oxidative status, and foam cell formation,[35][36][37] all of which are steps in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

 

In a limited study of hypertensive patients, consumption of pomegranate juice for two weeks was shown to reduce systolic blood pressure by inhibiting serum angiotensin-converting enzyme.[38] Juice consumption may also inhibit viral infections[39] while pomegranate extracts have antibacterial effects against dental plaque.[40][41]

 

Culinary use

After opening the pomegranate by scoring it with a knife and breaking it open, the arils (seed casings) are separated from the peel and internal white pulp membranes. Separating the red arils is easier in a bowl of water, because the arils sink and the inedible pulp floats. Freezing the entire fruit also makes it easier to separate. Another very effective way of quickly harvesting the arils is to cut the pomegranate in half, score each half of the exterior rind four to six times, hold the pomegranate half over a bowl and smack the rind with a large spoon. The arils should eject from the pomegranate directly into the bowl, leaving only a dozen or more deeply embedded arils to remove.

 

The entire seed is consumed raw, though the watery, tasty aril is the desired part. The taste differs depending on the subspecies of pomegranate and its ripeness. The pomegranate juice can be very sweet or sour, but most fruits are moderate in taste, with sour notes from the acidic tannins contained in the aril juice.

 

Pomegranate juice has long been a popular drink in Persian and Indian cuisine, and began to be widely distributed in the United States and Canada in 2002.[12]

Grenadine syrup is thickened and sweetened pomegranate juice used in cocktail mixing. Before tomatoes (a new-world fruit) arrived in the Middle East, grenadine was widely used in many Iranian foods, and is still found in traditional recipes such as fesenjan, a thick sauce made from pomegranate juice and ground walnuts, usually spooned over duck or other poultry and rice, and in ash-e anar (pomegranate soup).[13]

 

Wild pomegranate seeds are used as a spice known as anardana (from Persian: anar+dana, pomegranate+seed), most notably in Indian and Pakistani cuisine, but also as a substitute for pomegranate syrup in Persian cuisine. Dried whole arils can often be obtained in ethnic Indian subcontinent markets. These seeds are separated from the flesh, dried for 10–15 days and used as an acidic agent for chutney and curry preparation. Ground anardana is also used, which results in a deeper flavoring in dishes and prevents the seeds from getting stuck in teeth. Seeds of the wild pomegranate variety known as daru from the Himalayas are regarded as quality sources for this spice.

 

Dried pomegranate arils, found in some natural specialty food markets, still contain the seed and residual aril water, maintaining a natural sweet and tart flavor. Dried arils can be used in several culinary applications, such as trail mix, granola bars, or as a topping for salad, yogurt, or ice cream. Chocolate covered arils, also available in gourmet food stores, may be added to desserts and baked items.

 

In the Caucasus, pomegranate is used mainly as juice.[14] In Azerbaijan a sauce from pomegranate juice (narsharab) is usually served with fish[15] or tika kabab. In Turkey, pomegranate sauce, (Turkish: nar ekşisi) is used as a salad dressing, to marinate meat, or simply to drink straight. Pomegranate seeds are also used in salads and sometimes as garnish for desserts such as güllaç.[16] Pomegranate syrup or molasses is used in muhammara, a roasted red pepper, walnut, and garlic spread popular in Syria and Turkey.[17]

 

In Greece, pomegranate (Greek: ρόδι, rodi) is used in many recipes, including kollivozoumi, a creamy broth made from boiled wheat, pomegranates and raisins, legume salad with wheat and pomegranate, traditional Middle Eastern lamb kebabs with pomegranate glaze, pomegranate eggplant relish, and avocado-pomegranate dip. Pomegranate is also made into a liqueur and popular fruit confectionery used as ice cream topping or mixed with yogurt or spread as jam on toast. In Cyprus as well as in Greece and among the Greek Orthodox Diaspora , ρόδι is used to make kolliva, a mixture of wheat, pomegranate seeds, sugar, almonds and other seeds served at memorial services.

 

In present-day cuisine, pomegranate can be used to add a creative touch to green salads or potato or chickpea-based salads.[18]

 

IMG_4305_2

Arctium lappa

Greater Burdock, are robust, tap-rooted biennials with large downy leaves and solitary or clustered thistle-like flower-heads turning into burr-like fruiting heads.

 

Burdock is an erect, branching plant to 2m, with purplish flowerheads in clusters on the leafy main branches, and dull green leaves. It has brown sticky seed heads, commonly called beggars buttons or sticky burrs.

 

Researchers aren't sure which active ingredients in the root are responsible for its healing properties, but this plant may have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. It is also notable as being the inspiration for the invention of velcro due to the hooks on its seed heads which stick to animal fur to aid dispersal.

I had one Pomegranate tree or bush that I planted, and a number that the birds started... This delicious pomegranate is produced on a bird-started tree by the pool. The trees in my gardens do make beautiful and delicious fruit... They are hardy here in Tucson, even though the top branches of the more exposed trees are killed back each year by frost. The flowers are gorgeous!

 

Recently, I planted three heirloom varieties of pomegranate from old Tucson gardens. They are descendants of the original trees planted in Tucson by Father Kino. However that is another story, unrelated to the fruit on this bush.

 

Here are excerpts from an article by the California Rare Fruit Growers that can help a gardener like me:

www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/pomegranate.html

 

POMEGRANATE

 

Punica granatum L.

 

Punicaceae

 

Common Names: Pomegranate, Granada (Spanish), Grenade (French).

Related Species: Punica proto-punica.

 

Origin: The pomegranate is native from Iran to the Himalayas in northern India and was cultivated and naturalized over the whole Mediterranean region since ancient times. It is widely cultivated throughout India and the drier parts of southeast Asia, Malaya, the East Indies and tropical Africa. The tree was introduced into California by Spanish settlers in 1769. In this country it is grown for its fruits mainly in the drier parts of California and Arizona.

 

Adaptation: Pomegranates prefer a semi-arid mild-temperate to subtropical climate and are naturally adapted to regions with cool winters and hot summers. A humid climate adversely affects the formation of fruit. The tree can be severely injured by temperatures below 12° F. In the U. S. pomegranates can be grown outside as far north as southern Utah and Washington, D.C. but seldom set fruit in these areas. The tree adapts well to container culture and will sometimes fruit in a greenhouse.

 

DESCRIPTION

 

Growth Habits: The pomegranate is a neat, rounded shrub or small tree that can grow to 20 or 30 ft., but more typically to 12 to 16 ft. in height. Dwarf varieties are also known. It is usually deciduous, but in certain areas the leaves will persist on the tree. The trunk is covered by a red-brown bark which later becomes gray. The branches are stiff, angular and often spiny. There is a strong tendency to sucker from the base. Pomegranates are also long-lived. There are specimens in Europe that are known to be over 200 years of age. The vigor of a pomegranate declines after about 15 years, however.

Foliage: The pomegranate has glossy, leathery leaves that are narrow and lance-shaped.

 

Flowers: The attractive scarlet, white or variegated flowers are over an inch across and have 5 to 8 crumpled petals and a red, fleshy, tubular calyx which persists on the fruit. The flowers may be solitary or grouped in twos and threes at the ends of the branches. The pomegranate is self-pollinated as well as cross-pollinated by insects. Cross-pollination increases the fruit set. Wind pollination is insignificant.

 

Fruit: The nearly round, 2-1/2 to 5 in. wide fruit is crowned at the base by the prominent calyx. The tough, leathery skin or rind is typically yellow overlaid with light or deep pink or rich red. The interior is separated by membranous walls and white, spongy, bitter tissue into compartments packed with sacs filled with sweetly acid, juicy, red, pink or whitish pulp or aril. In each sac there is one angular, soft or hard seed. High temperatures are essential during the fruiting period to get the best flavor. The pomegranate may begin to bear in 1 year after planting out, but 2-1/2 to 3 years is more common. Under suitable conditions the fruit should mature some 5 to 7 months after bloom.

 

CULTIVARS

 

Balegal

Originated in San Diego, Calif. Selected by Paul H. Thomson. Large, roundish fruit, 3 inches in diameter. Somewhat larger than Fleshman. Skin pale pink, lighter then Fleshman. Flesh slightly darker than Fleshman, very sweet.

Cloud

From the Univ. of Calif., Davis pomegranate collection. Medium-sized fruit with a green-red color. Juice sweet and white.

Crab

From the Univ. of Calif., Davis pomegranate collection. Large fruit have red juice that is tart but with a rich flavor. A heavy bearing tree.

Early Wonderful

Large, deep-red, thin-skinned, delicious fruit. Ripens about 2 weeks ahead of Wonderful. Medium-sized bush with large, orange-red fertile flowers. Blooms late, very productive.

Fleshman

Originated in Fallbrook, Calif. Selected by Paul H. Thomson. Large, roundish fruit, about 3 inches in diameter, pink outside and in. Very sweet flavor, seeds relatively soft, quality very good.

Francis

Originated in Jamaica via Florida. Large, sweet, split-resistant fruit. Prolific producer.

Granada

Originated in Lindsay, Calif. Introduced in 1966. Bud mutation of Wonderful. Fruit resembles Wonderful, but displays a red crown while in the green state, darker red in color and less tart. Ripens one month earlier than Wonderful. Flowers also deeper red. Tree identical to Wonderful.

Green Globe

Originated in Camarillo, Calif. Selected by John Chater. Large, sweet, aromatic, green-skinned fruit. Excellent quality.

Home

From the Univ. of Calif., Davis pomegranate collection. The fruit is variable yellow-red in color, with light pink juice that is sweet and of rich flavor. Some bitterness.

King

From the Univ. of Calif., Davis pomegranate collection. Medium to large fruit, somewhat smaller than Balegal and Fleshman. Skin darker pink to red. Flavor very sweet. Has a tendency to split. Bush somewhat of a shy bearer.

Phoenicia (Fenecia)

Originated in Camarillo, Calif. Selected by John Chater. Large fruit, 4-5 inches in diameter, mottled red-green skin. Flavor sweet, seeds relatively hard.

Sweet

Fruit is lighter in color than Wonderful, remains slightly greenish with a red blush when ripe. Pink juice, flavor much sweeter than other cultivars. Excellent in fruit punch. Trees highly ornamental, bears at an early age, productive.

Utah Sweet

Very sweet, good quality fruit. Pink skin and pulp. Seeds notably softer than those of Wonderful and other standard cultivars. Attractive pinkish-orange flowers.

Wonderful

Originated in Florida. First propagated in California in 1896. Large, deep purple-red fruit. Rind medium thick, tough. Flesh deep crimson in color, juicy and of a delicious vinous flavor. Seeds not very hard. Better for juicing than for eating out of hand. Plant is vigorous and productive. Leading commercial variety in California.

 

CULTURE

 

Location: Pomegranates should be placed in the sunniest, warmest part of the yard or orchard for the best fruit, although they will grow and flower in part shade. The attractive foliage, flowers and fruits of the pomegranate, as well as its smallish size make it a excellent landscaping plant.

Soil: The pomegranate does best in well-drained ordinary soil, but also thrives on calcareous or acidic loam as well as rock strewn gravel.

 

Irrigation: Once established, pomegranates can take considerable drought, but for good fruit production they must be irrigated. To establish new plants they should be watered every 2 to 4 weeks during the dry season. The plants are tolerant of moderately saline water and soil conditions.

 

Fertilizing: In the West, the trees are given 2 to 4-ounce applications of ammonium sulfate or other nitrogen fertilizer the first two springs. After that very little fertilizer is needed, although the plants respond to an annual mulch of rotted manure or other compost.

 

Pruning: Plants should be cut back when they are about 2 ft. high. From this point allow 4 or 5 shoots to develop, which should be evenly distributed around the stem to keep the plant well balanced. These should start about 1 ft. from the ground, giving a short but well-defined trunk. Any shoots which appear above or below should be removed as should any suckers. Since the fruits are borne only at the tips of new growth, it is recommended that for the first 3 years the branches be judiciously shortened annually to encourage the maximum number of new shoots on all sides, prevent straggly development and achieve a strong well framed plant. After the 3rd year, only suckers and dead branches are removed.

 

Propagation: The pomegranate can be raised from seed but may not come true. Cuttings root easily and plants from them bear fruit after about 3 years. Twelve to 20 inches long cuttings should be taken in winter from mature, one-year old wood. The leaves should be removed and the cuttings treated with rooting hormone and inserted about two-thirds their length into the soil or into some other warm rooting medium. Plants can also be air-layered but grafting is seldom successful.

 

Pests and Diseases: Pomegranates are relatively free of most pests and diseases. Minor problems are leaf and fruit spot and foliar damage by white flies, thrips, mealybugs and scale insects. The roots are seldom bothered by gophers but deer will browse on the foliage.

 

Harvest: The fruits are ripe when they have developed a distinctive color and make a metallic sound when tapped. The fruits must be picked before over maturity when they tend to crack open, particularly when rained on. The pomegranate is equal to the apple in having a long storage life. It is best maintained at a temperature of 32° to 41° F. and can be kept for a period of 7 months within this temperature range and at 80 to 85% relative humidity without shrinking or spoiling. The fruits improve in storage, becoming juicier and more flavorful.

 

The fruit can be eaten out of hand by deeply scoring several times vertically and then breaking it apart. The clusters of juice sacs are then lifted out and eaten. The sacs also make an attractive garnish when sprinkled on various dishes. Pomegranate fruits are most often consumed as juice and can be juiced is several ways. The sacs can be removed and put through a basket press or the juice can be extracted by reaming the halved fruits on an ordinary orange juice squeezer. Another approach starts with warming the fruit slightly and rolling it between the hands to soften the interior. A hole is then cut in the stem end which is placed on a glass to let the juice run out, squeezing the fruit from time to time to get all the juice. The juice can be used in a variety of of ways: as a fresh juice, to make jellies, sorbets or cold or hot sauces as well as to flavor cakes, baked apples, etc. Pomegranate syrup is sold commercially as grenadine. The juice can also be made into a wine.

 

Commercial Potential: The primary commercial growing regions of the world are the Near East, India and surrounding countries and southern Europe. In California commercial cultivation is centered in the southern San Joaquin Valley. Consumer demand in this country is not great. More pomegranate fruits probably wind up as decorations in fruit bowls than are consumed.

  

_____________________________________________

Also see the more general Wikipedia article. It has a section on use in cooking by regions of the world:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomegranate

 

Here are a few highlights that struck my fancy:

 

A pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub or small tree growing to between five and eight meters tall. Native to the drier regions of the Mediterranean Basin, pomegranate is widely cultivated throughout India and parts of southeast Asia, Malaya, the East Indies and tropical Africa.[1] Introduced into Latin America and California by Spanish settlers in 1769, pomegranate is now cultivated in parts of California and Arizona for juice production. [2]

 

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Subclass: Rosidae

Order: Myrtales

Family: Lythraceae

Genus: Punica

Species: P. granatum

Binomial Name

Punica granatum - Linnaeus (Carl von Linné)

Synonyms

Punica malus - Linnaeus, 1758

 

Cultivars

More than 500 cultivars of pomegranate have been named, but such fruits evidently have considerable synonymy in which the same genotype is named differently across regions of the world.[4] Iran hosts a great genetic diversity of pomegranate and more than 760 Iranian genotypes are collected at Iranian national pomegranate collection in Yazd, Iran.

Several characteristics between pomegranate genotypes vary for identification, consumer preference, preferred use, and marketing, the most important of which are fruit size, exocarp color (ranging from yellow to purple, with pink and red most common), aril color (ranging from white to red), hardness of seed, maturity, juice content and its acidity, sweetness, and astringency.[4]

 

Etymology

The name "pomegranate" derives from Latin pomum ("apple") and granatus ("seeded"). This has influenced the common name for pomegranate in many languages (e.g., German Granatapfel, "Granat" meaning "garnet" and "Apfel" meaning "apple", thus "garnet apple"). Perhaps stemming from the French word for the fruit, "pomme-grenade", the pomegranate was known in early English as "apple of Grenada" -- a term which today survives only in heraldic blazons. This was probably a folk etymology, confusing Latin granatus with the Spanish city of Granada. The genus name Punica is named for the Phoenicians, who were active in broadening its cultivation, partly for religious reasons. In classical Latin, where "malum" was broadly applied to many apple-like fruits, the pomegranate's name was malum punicum or malum granatum, the latter giving rise to the Italian name melograno, or less commonly melagrana.

 

Potential health benefits

In preliminary laboratory research and human pilot studies, juice of the pomegranate was effective in reducing heart disease risk factors, including LDL oxidation, macrophage oxidative status, and foam cell formation,[35][36][37] all of which are steps in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

 

In a limited study of hypertensive patients, consumption of pomegranate juice for two weeks was shown to reduce systolic blood pressure by inhibiting serum angiotensin-converting enzyme.[38] Juice consumption may also inhibit viral infections[39] while pomegranate extracts have antibacterial effects against dental plaque.[40][41]

 

Culinary use

After opening the pomegranate by scoring it with a knife and breaking it open, the arils (seed casings) are separated from the peel and internal white pulp membranes. Separating the red arils is easier in a bowl of water, because the arils sink and the inedible pulp floats. Freezing the entire fruit also makes it easier to separate. Another very effective way of quickly harvesting the arils is to cut the pomegranate in half, score each half of the exterior rind four to six times, hold the pomegranate half over a bowl and smack the rind with a large spoon. The arils should eject from the pomegranate directly into the bowl, leaving only a dozen or more deeply embedded arils to remove.

 

The entire seed is consumed raw, though the watery, tasty aril is the desired part. The taste differs depending on the subspecies of pomegranate and its ripeness. The pomegranate juice can be very sweet or sour, but most fruits are moderate in taste, with sour notes from the acidic tannins contained in the aril juice.

 

Pomegranate juice has long been a popular drink in Persian and Indian cuisine, and began to be widely distributed in the United States and Canada in 2002.[12]

Grenadine syrup is thickened and sweetened pomegranate juice used in cocktail mixing. Before tomatoes (a new-world fruit) arrived in the Middle East, grenadine was widely used in many Iranian foods, and is still found in traditional recipes such as fesenjan, a thick sauce made from pomegranate juice and ground walnuts, usually spooned over duck or other poultry and rice, and in ash-e anar (pomegranate soup).[13]

 

Wild pomegranate seeds are used as a spice known as anardana (from Persian: anar+dana, pomegranate+seed), most notably in Indian and Pakistani cuisine, but also as a substitute for pomegranate syrup in Persian cuisine. Dried whole arils can often be obtained in ethnic Indian subcontinent markets. These seeds are separated from the flesh, dried for 10–15 days and used as an acidic agent for chutney and curry preparation. Ground anardana is also used, which results in a deeper flavoring in dishes and prevents the seeds from getting stuck in teeth. Seeds of the wild pomegranate variety known as daru from the Himalayas are regarded as quality sources for this spice.

 

Dried pomegranate arils, found in some natural specialty food markets, still contain the seed and residual aril water, maintaining a natural sweet and tart flavor. Dried arils can be used in several culinary applications, such as trail mix, granola bars, or as a topping for salad, yogurt, or ice cream. Chocolate covered arils, also available in gourmet food stores, may be added to desserts and baked items.

 

In the Caucasus, pomegranate is used mainly as juice.[14] In Azerbaijan a sauce from pomegranate juice (narsharab) is usually served with fish[15] or tika kabab. In Turkey, pomegranate sauce, (Turkish: nar ekşisi) is used as a salad dressing, to marinate meat, or simply to drink straight. Pomegranate seeds are also used in salads and sometimes as garnish for desserts such as güllaç.[16] Pomegranate syrup or molasses is used in muhammara, a roasted red pepper, walnut, and garlic spread popular in Syria and Turkey.[17]

 

In Greece, pomegranate (Greek: ρόδι, rodi) is used in many recipes, including kollivozoumi, a creamy broth made from boiled wheat, pomegranates and raisins, legume salad with wheat and pomegranate, traditional Middle Eastern lamb kebabs with pomegranate glaze, pomegranate eggplant relish, and avocado-pomegranate dip. Pomegranate is also made into a liqueur and popular fruit confectionery used as ice cream topping or mixed with yogurt or spread as jam on toast. In Cyprus as well as in Greece and among the Greek Orthodox Diaspora , ρόδι is used to make kolliva, a mixture of wheat, pomegranate seeds, sugar, almonds and other seeds served at memorial services.

 

In present-day cuisine, pomegranate can be used to add a creative touch to green salads or potato or chickpea-based salads.[18]

  

<> IMG_5228 - Version 2

please view original size

 

see following image

 

Width of strands seems related to amount of sun vs. fog as well as genetic differences among populations in different areas.

 

photobionts mostly Trebouxia decolorans (ca. 6% T. jamesii)

 

apothecia rare, soredia and isidia lacking, so mostly dispersed by fragmentation

 

in 2010 lichenologists rated R. menziesii their 6th favorite lichen overall, and 1st for North America, in "100 favorite lichen species, a project by the lichenological community, organized and edited by Robert Lücking & Thorsten Lumbsch, The Field Museum, Chicago (doesn't seem to bi online)

 

Official State Lichen of California

 

Excerpt from Assembly Bill No. 1528

CHAPTER 113

[ Approved by Governor July 15, 2015 ]

Bill Text

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

(a) Lichens are unique organisms that consist of a fungus and an alga living together in a symbiotic relationship.

(b) Lichens are important for both wildlife and people. They are used as a food source by a variety of animals. Many lichens have antibacterial properties and have been used medicinally for thousands of years.

(c) Lichens are known for their sensitivity to environmental stressors and are used as biological indicators of air quality and climate change around the world, including in California, which is home to more than 1,900 species of lichens.

(d) Ramalina menziesii, commonly known as lace lichen, is a common lichen found throughout much of California from the northern to the southern border of the state, and as far as 130 miles inland from the coast. Naming Ramalina menziesii as the official state lichen of California will help promote appreciation, education, and study of lichens in this state.

SEC. 2. Section 424.6 is added to the Government Code, to read:

424.6. Lace lichen (Ramalina menziesii) is the official state lichen.

 

my lichen photos by genus - www.flickr.com/photos/29750062@N06/collections/7215762439...

 

my photos arranged by subject, e.g. mountains - www.flickr.com/photos/29750062@N06/collections

Interesting to see the bullet is in two pieces. Copper jacketed hollowpoint.

A missing filter... Picture or maybe in the air of the time that brews a little anguish, it grinds ideas by dint of filtering the words... the cunning life with a twist. Angel or mill?

  

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in conspiracy theories and misinformation about the scale of the pandemic and the origin, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease.[1][2][3] False information, including intentional disinformation, has been spread through social media,[2][4] text messages,[5] and mass media,[6] including the tabloid media,[7] conservative media,[8][9] state media of countries such as China,[10][11] Russia,[12][13] Iran,[14] and Turkmenistan.[2][15] It has also been spread by state-backed covert operations to generate panic and sow distrust in other countries.[16][17]

 

Misinformation has been propagated by celebrities, politicians[18][19] (including heads of state in countries such as the United States,[20][21] Iran,[22] and Brazil[23]), and other prominent public figures.[24] Commercial scams have claimed to offer at-home tests, supposed preventives, and "miracle" cures.[25][26] Politicians and leaders of some countries have promoted purported cures, while some religious groups said that the faith of their followers and God will protect them from the virus.[27][28][29] Others have claimed the virus is a lab-developed bio-weapon that was accidentally leaked,[30][31] or deliberately designed to target a country,[32] or one with a patented vaccine, a population control scheme, the result of a spy operation,[3][4] or linked to 5G networks.[33]

 

The World Health Organization has declared an "infodemic" of incorrect information about the virus, which poses risks to global health.[2]

 

Types and origin and effect

On January 30, the BBC reported about the increasing spread of conspiracy theories and false health advice in relation to COVID-19. Notable examples at the time included false health advice shared on social media and private chats, as well as conspiracy theories such as the origin in bat soup and the outbreak being planned with the participation of the Pirbright Institute.[1][34] On January 31, The Guardian listed seven instances of misinformation, adding the conspiracy theories about bioweapons and the link to 5G technology, and including varied false health advice.[35]

 

In an attempt to speed up research sharing, many researches have turned to preprint servers such as arXiv, bioRxiv, medRxiv or SSRN. Papers can be uploaded to these servers without peer review or any other editorial process that ensures research quality. Some of these papers have contributed to the spread of conspiracy theories. The most notable case was a preprint paper uploaded to bioRxiv which claimed that the virus contained HIV "insertions". Following the controversy, the paper was withdrawn.[36][37][38]

 

According to a study published by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, most misinformation related to COVID-19 involves "various forms of reconfiguration, where existing and often true information is spun, twisted, recontextualised, or reworked". While less misinformation "was completely fabricated". The study found no deep fakes in the studied sample. The study also found that "top-down misinformation from politicians, celebrities, and other prominent public figures", while accounting for a minority of the samples, captured a majority of the social media engagement. According to their classification, the largest category of misinformation (39%) includes "misleading or false claims about the actions or policies of public authorities, including government and international bodies like the WHO or the UN".[39]

 

A natural experiment correlated coronavirus misinformation with increased infection and death; of two similar television news shows on the same network, one took coronavirus seriously about a month earlier than the other. People and groups exposed to the slow-response news show had higher infection and death rates.[40]

 

The misinformations have been used by politicians, interest groups, and state actors in many countries to scapegoat other countries for the mishandling of the domestic responses, as well as furthering political, financial agenda.[41][42][43]

 

Combative efforts

Further information: Impact of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic on journalism

File:ITU - AI for Good Webinar Series - COVID-19 Misinformation and Disinformation during COVID-19.webm

International Telecommunication Union

On February 2, the World Health Organization (WHO) described a "massive infodemic", citing an over-abundance of reported information, accurate and false, about the virus that "makes it hard for people to find trustworthy sources and reliable guidance when they need it". The WHO stated that the high demand for timely and trustworthy information has incentivised the creation of a direct WHO 24/7 myth-busting hotline where its communication and social media teams have been monitoring and responding to misinformation through its website and social media pages.[44][45][46] The WHO specifically debunked several claims as false, including the claim that a person can tell if they have the virus or not simply by holding their breath; the claim that drinking large amounts of water will protect against the virus; and the claim that gargling salt water prevents infection.[47]

 

In early February, Facebook, Twitter and Google said they were working with WHO to address "misinformation".[48] In a blogpost, Facebook stated they would remove content flagged by global health organizations and local authorities that violate its content policy on misinformation leading to "physical harm".[49] Facebook is also giving free advertising to WHO.[50] Nonetheless, a week after Trump's speculation that sunlight could kill the virus, the New York Times found "780 Facebook groups, 290 Facebook pages, nine Instagram accounts and thousands of tweets pushing UV light therapies," content which those companies declined to remove from their platforms.[51]

 

At the end of February, Amazon removed more than a million products claimed to cure or protect against coronavirus, and removed tens of thousands of listings for health products whose prices were "significantly higher than recent prices offered on or off Amazon", although numerous items were "still being sold at unusually high prices" as of February 28.[52]

 

Millions of instances of COVID-19 misinformation have occurred across a number of online platforms.[53] Other fake news researchers noted certain rumors started in China; many of them later spread to Korea and the United States, prompting several universities in Korea to start the multilingual Facts Before Rumors campaign to separate common claims seen online.[54][55][56][57]

 

The media has praised Wikipedia's coverage of COVID-19 and its combating the inclusion of misinformation through efforts led by the Wiki Project Med Foundation and the English-language Wikipedia's WikiProject Medicine, among other groups.[58][59][60]

 

Many local newspapers have been severely affected by losses in advertising revenues from coronavirus; journalists have been laid off, and some have closed altogether.[61]

 

Many newspapers with paywalls lowered them for some or all their coronavirus coverage.[62][63] Many scientific publishers made scientific papers related to the outbreak open access.[64]

 

The Turkish Interior Ministry has been arresting social media users whose posts were "targeting officials and spreading panic and fear by suggesting the virus had spread widely in Turkey and that officials had taken insufficient measures".[65] Iran's military said 3600 people have been arrested for "spreading rumors" about coronavirus in the country.[66] In Cambodia, some individuals who expressed concerns about the spread of COVID-19 have been arrested on fake news charges.[67][68] Algerian lawmakers passed a law criminalising "fake news" deemed harmful to "public order and state security".[69] In the Philippines,[70] China,[71] India,[72][73] Egypt,[74] Bangladesh,[75] Morocco,[76] Pakistan,[77] Saudi Arabia,[78] Oman,[79] Iran,[80] Vietnam, Laos,[81] Indonesia,[73] Mongolia,[73] Sri Lanka,[73] Kenya, South Africa,[82] Somalia,[83] Thailand,[84] Kazakhstan,[85] Azerbaijan,[86] Malaysia[87] and Hong Kong, people have been arrested for allegedly spreading false information about the coronavirus pandemic.[88][73] The United Arab Emirates have introduced criminal penalties for the spread of misinformation and rumours related to the outbreak.[89]

 

Conspiracy theories

Conspiracy theories have appeared both in social media and in mainstream news outlets, and are heavily influenced by geopolitics.[90]

 

Accidental leakage

 

Virologist and immunologist Vincent R. Racaniello said that "accident theories – and the lab-made theories before them – reflect a lack of understanding of the genetic make-up of Sars-CoV-2."[91]

A number of allegations have emerged supposing a link between the virus and Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV); among these is that the virus was an accidental leakage from WIV.[92] In 2017, U.S. molecular biologist Richard H. Ebright expressed caution when the WIV was expanded to become mainland China's first biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) laboratory, noting previous escapes of the SARS virus at other Chinese laboratories.[93] While Ebright refuted several conspiracy theories regarding the WIV (e.g., bioweapons research, or that the virus was engineered), he told BBC China this did not represent the possibility that the virus can be "completely ruled out" from entering the population due to a laboratory accident.[92] Various researchers contacted by NPR concluded there was "virtually no chance" (in NPR's words) that the pandemic virus had accidentally escaped from a laboratory.[94] Disinformation researcher Nina Jankowicz from Wilson Center indicates the lab leakage claim entered mainstream media in United States during April, propagated by pro-Trump news outlet.[43]

 

On February 14, 2020, Chinese scientists explored the possibility of accidental leakage and published speculations on scientific social networking website ResearchGate. The paper was neither peer-reviewed nor presented any evidence for its claims.[95] On March 5, the author of paper told Wall Street Journal in an interview why he decided to withdrew the paper by the end of February, stating: "the speculation about the possible origins in the post was based on published papers and media, and was not supported by direct proofs."[96][97] Several newspapers have referenced the paper.[95] Scientific American reported that Shi Zhengli, the lead researcher at WIV, started investigation on mishandling of experimental materials in the lab records, especially during disposal. She also tried to cross-check the novel coronavirus genome with the genetic information of other bat coronaviruses her team had collected. The result showed none of the sequences matched those of the viruses her team had sampled from bat caves.[98]

 

In February, it was alleged that the first person infected may have been a researcher at the institute named Huang Yanling.[99] Rumours circulated on Chinese social media that the researcher had become infected and died, prompting a denial from WIV, saying she was a graduate student enrolled in the Institute until 2015 and is not the patient zero.[100][99] In April, the conspiracy theory started to circulate around on Youtube and got picked up by conservative media, National Review.[101][6]

 

The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that one of the WIV's lead researchers, Shi Zhengli, was the particular focus of personal attacks in Chinese social media alleging that her work on bat-based viruses was the source of the virus; this led Shi to post: "I swear with my life, [the virus] has nothing to do with the lab". When asked by the SCMP to comment on the attacks, Shi responded: "My time must be spent on more important matters".[102] Caixin reported Shi made further public statements against "perceived tinfoil-hat theories about the new virus's source", quoting her as saying: "The novel 2019 coronavirus is nature punishing the human race for keeping uncivilized living habits. I, Shi Zhengli, swear on my life that it has nothing to do with our laboratory".[103] Immunologist Vincent Racaniello stated that virus leaking theory "reflect a lack of understanding of the genetic make-up of Sars-CoV-2 and its relationship to the bat virus". He says the bat virus researched in the institution "would not have been able to infect humans—the human Sars-CoV-2 has additional changes that allows it to infect humans."[91]

 

On April 14, the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, in response to questions about the virus being manufactured in a lab, said "... it's inconclusive, although the weight of evidence seems to indicate natural. But we don't know for certain."[104] On that same day, Washington Post columnist Josh Rogin detailed a leaked cable of a 2018 trip made to the WIV by scientists from the U.S. Embassy. The article was referenced and cited by conservative media to push the lab leakage theory.[43] Rogin's article went on to say that "What the U.S. officials learned during their visits concerned them so much that they dispatched two diplomatic cables categorized as Sensitive But Unclassified back to Washington. The cables warned about safety and management weaknesses at the WIV lab and proposed more attention and help. The first cable, which I obtained, also warns that the lab's work on bat coronaviruses and their potential human transmission represented a risk of a new SARS-like pandemic."[105] Rogin's article pointed out there was no evidence that the coronavirus was engineered, "But that is not the same as saying it didn't come from the lab, which spent years testing bat coronaviruses in animals."[105] The article went on to quote Xiao Qiang, a research scientist at the School of Information at the University of California, Berkeley, "I don't think it's a conspiracy theory. I think it's a legitimate question that needs to be investigated and answered. To understand exactly how this originated is critical knowledge for preventing this from happening in the future."[105] Washington Post's article and subsequent broadcasts drew criticism from virologist Angela Rasmussen of Columbia University, which she states "It's irresponsible for political reporters like Rogin [to] uncritically regurgitate a secret 'cable' without asking a single virologist or ecologist or making any attempt to understand the scientific context."[43] Rasmussen later compared biosafety procedure concerns to "having the health inspector come to your restaurant. It could just be, ‘Oh, you need to keep your chemical showers better stocked.’ It doesn’t suggest, however, that there are tremendous problems.”[106]

 

Days later, multiple media outlets confirmed that U.S. intelligence officials were investigating the possibility that the virus started in the WIV.[107][108][109][110] On April 23, Vox presented disputed arguments on lab leakage claims from several scientists.[111] Scientists suggested that virus samples cultured in the lab have significant amount of difference compare to SARS-CoV-2. The virus institution sampled RaTG13 in Yunnan, the closest known relative of the novel coronavirus with 96% shared genome. Edward Holmes, SARS-CoV-2 researcher at the University of Sydney, explained 4% of difference "is equivalent to an average of 50 years (and at least 20 years) of evolutionary change."[111][112] Virologist Peter Daszak, president of the EcoHealth Alliance, which studies emerging infectious diseases, noted the estimation that 1–7 million people in Southeast Asia who live or work in proximity to bats are infected each year with bat coronaviruses. In the interview with Vox, he comments, "There are probably half a dozen people that do work in those labs. So let's compare 1 million to 7 million people a year to half a dozen people; it's just not logical."[94][111]

 

On April 30, The New York Times reported the Trump administration demanded intelligence agencies to find evidence linking WIV with the origin of SARS-Cov-2. Secretary of State and former Central Intelligence Agency (C.I.A) director Mike Pompeo was reportedly leading the push on finding information regarding the virus origin. Analysts were concerned that pressure from senior officials could distort assessments from the intelligence community. Anthony Ruggiero, the head of the National Security Council which responsible for tracking weapons of mass destruction, expressed frustration during a video conference that C.I.A. was unable to form conclusive answer on the origin of the virus. According to current and former government officials, as of April 30, C.I.A has yet to gather any information beyond circumstantial evidence to bolster the lab theory.[113][114] US intelligence officers suggested that Chinese officials tried to conceal the severity of the outbreak in early days, but no evidence had shown China attempted to cover up a lab accident.[115] One day later, Trump claimed he has evidence of the lab theory, but offers no further details on it.[116][117] Jamie Metzl, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, claimed the SARS-CoV-2 virus "likely" came from a Wuhan virology testing laboratory, based on "circumstantial evidence". He was quoted as saying, "I have no definitive way of proving this thesis."[118]

 

On April 30, 2020, the U.S. intelligence and scientific communities issued a public statement dismissing the idea that the virus was not natural, while the investigation of the lab accident theory was ongoing.[119][120] The White House suggested an alternative explanation, along with a seemingly contradictory message, that the virus was man-made. In an interview with ABC News, Secretary of State Pompeo said he has no reason to disbelieve the intelligence community that the virus was natural. However, this contradicted the comment he made earlier in the same interview, in which he said "the best experts so far seem to think it was man-made. I have no reason to disbelieve that at this point."[121][122][123] On May 4, Australian tabloid The Daily Telegraph claimed a reportedly leaked dossier from Five Eyes, which alleged the probable outbreak was from the Wuhan lab.[124] Fox News and national security commentators in the US quickly followed up The Telegraph story,[125][126] rising the tension within international intelligence community.[127] Australian government, which is part of the Five Eyes nations, determined the leaked dossier was not a Five Eyes document, but a compilation of open-source materials that contained no information generated by intelligence gathering.[128] German intelligence community denied the claim of the leaked dossier, instead supported the probability of a natural cause.[129][130] Australian government sees the promotion of the lab theory from the United States counterproductive to Australia’s push for a more broad international-supported independent inquiry into the virus origins.[127] Senior officials in Australian government speculated the dossier was leaked by US embassy in Canberra to promote a narrative in Australia media that diverged from the mainstream belief of Australia.[127][128][125]

 

Beijing rejected the White House's claim, calling the claim "part of an election year strategy by President Donald Trump’s Republican Party".[131] Hua Chunying, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, urged Mike Pompeo to present evidence for his claim. "Mr. Pompeo cannot present any evidence because he does not have any," Hua told a journalist during a regular briefing, "This matter should be handled by scientists and professionals instead of politicians out of their domestic political needs."[131][132] The Chinese ambassador, in an opinion published in the Washington Post, called on the White House to end the "blame game" over the coronavirus.[133][134] As of May 5, assessments and internal sources from the Five Eyes nations indicated that the coronavirus outbreak was the result of a laboratory accident was "highly unlikely", since the human infection was "highly likely" a result of natural human and animal interaction. However, to reach such a conclusion with total certainty would still require greater cooperation and transparency from the Chinese side.[135]

 

Anti-Israeli and antisemitic

Further information: Antisemitic canard

Iran's Press TV asserted that "Zionist elements developed a deadlier strain of coronavirus against Iran".[14] Similarly, various Arab media outlets accused Israel and the United States of creating and spreading COVID-19, avian flu, and SARS.[136] Users on social media offered a variety of theories, including the supposition that Jews had manufactured COVID-19 to precipitate a global stock market collapse and thereby profit via insider trading,[137] while a guest on Turkish television posited a more ambitious scenario in which Jews and Zionists had created COVID-19, avian flu, and Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever to "design the world, seize countries, [and] neuter the world's population".[138]

 

Israeli attempts to develop a COVID-19 vaccine prompted mixed reactions. Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi denied initial reports that he had ruled that a Zionist-made vaccine would be halal,[139] and one Press TV journalist tweeted that "I'd rather take my chances with the virus than consume an Israeli vaccine".[140] A columnist for the Turkish Yeni Akit asserted that such a vaccine could be a ruse to carry out mass sterilization.[141]

 

An alert by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding the possible threat of far-right extremists intentionally spreading the coronavirus mentioned blame being assigned to Jews and Jewish leaders for causing the pandemic and several statewide shutdowns.[142]

 

Anti-Muslim

Further information: 2020 Tablighi Jamaat coronavirus hotspot in Delhi

In India, Muslims have been blamed for spreading infection following the emergence of cases linked to a Tablighi Jamaat religious gathering.[143] There are reports of vilification of Muslims on social media and attacks on individuals in India.[144] Claims have been made Muslims are selling food contaminated with coronavirus and that a mosque in Patna was sheltering people from Italy and Iran.[145] These claims were shown to be false.[146] In the UK, there are reports of far-right groups blaming Muslims for the coronavirus outbreak and falsely claiming that mosques remained open after the national ban on large gatherings.[147]

 

Bioengineered virus

It has been repeatedly claimed that the virus was deliberately created by humans.

 

Nature Medicine published an article arguing against the conspiracy theory that the virus was created artificially. The high-affinity binding of its peplomers to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) was shown to be "most likely the result of natural selection on a human or human-like ACE2 that permits another optimal binding solution to arise".[148] In case of genetic manipulation, one of the several reverse-genetic systems for betacoronaviruses would probably have been used, while the genetic data irrefutably showed that the virus is not derived from a previously used virus template.[148] The overall molecular structure of the virus was found to be distinct from the known coronaviruses and most closely resembles that of viruses of bats and pangolins that were little studied and never known to harm humans.[149]

 

In February 2020, the Financial Times quoted virus expert and global co-lead coronavirus investigator Trevor Bedford: "There is no evidence whatsoever of genetic engineering that we can find", and "The evidence we have is that the mutations [in the virus] are completely consistent with natural evolution".[150] Bedford further explained, "The most likely scenario, based on genetic analysis, was that the virus was transmitted by a bat to another mammal between 20–70 years ago. This intermediary animal—not yet identified—passed it on to its first human host in the city of Wuhan in late November or early December 2019".[150]

 

On February 19, 2020, The Lancet published a letter of a group of scientists condemning "conspiracy theories suggesting that COVID-19 does not have a natural origin".[151]

 

Chinese biological weapon

India

Amidst a rise in Sinophobia, there have been conspiracy theories reported on India's social networks that the virus is "a bioweapon that went rogue" and also fake videos alleging that Chinese authorities are killing citizens to prevent its spread.[152]

 

Ukraine

According to the Kyiv Post, two common conspiracy theories online in Ukraine are that American author Dean Koontz predicted the pandemic in his 1981 novel The Eyes of Darkness, and that the coronavirus is a bioweapon leaked from a secret lab in Wuhan.[153]

 

United Kingdom

 

Tobias Ellwood said, "It would be irresponsible to suggest the source of this outbreak was an error in a Chinese military biological weapons programme ... But without greater Chinese transparency we cannot entirely completely sure."[154]

In February, Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, chair of the Defence Select Committee of the UK House of Commons, publicly questioned the role of the Chinese Army's Wuhan Institute for Biological Products and called for the "greater transparency over the origins of the coronavirus".[154][non-primary source needed] The Daily Mail reported in early April 2020 that a member of COBRA (an ad-hoc government committee tasked with advising on crises[citation needed]) has stated while government intelligence does not dispute that the virus has a zoonotic origin, it also does not discount the idea of a leak from a Wuhan laboratory, saying "Perhaps it is no coincidence that there is that laboratory in Wuhan"; the Asia Times reported the story as if it were factual,[155] perhaps unaware of the reputation of the Daily Mail.

 

United States

Further information: Cyberwarfare in the United States and Propaganda in the United States

In January 2020, BBC News published an article about coronavirus misinformation, citing two January 24 articles from The Washington Times that said the virus was part of a Chinese biological weapons program, based at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV).[1] The Washington Post later published an article debunking the conspiracy theory, citing U.S. experts who explained why the WIV was unsuitable for bioweapon research, that most countries had abandoned bioweapons as fruitless, and that there was no evidence the virus was genetically engineered.[156]

 

On January 29, financial news website and blog ZeroHedge suggested without evidence that a scientist at the WIV created the COVID-19 strain responsible for the coronavirus outbreak. Zerohedge listed the full contact details of the scientist supposedly responsible, a practice known as doxing, by including the scientist's name, photo, and phone number, suggesting to readers that they "pay [the Chinese scientist] a visit" if they wanted to know "what really caused the coronavirus pandemic".[157] Twitter later permanently suspended the blog's account for violating its platform-manipulation policy.[158]

  

Logo of the fictional Umbrella Corporation, which some internet rumours linked to the pandemic. The corporation was invented for the Resident Evil game series.

In January 2020, Buzzfeed News reported on an internet meme of a link between the logo of the WIV and "Umbrella Corporation", the agency that created the virus responsible for a zombie apocalypse in the Resident Evil franchise. Posts online noted that "Racoon [sic]" (the main city in Resident Evil) was an anagram of "Corona".[159] Snopes noted that the logo was not from the WIV, but a company named Shanghai Ruilan Bao Hu San Biotech Ltd (located some 500 miles (800 km) away in Shanghai), and that the correct name of the city in Resident Evil was "Raccoon City".[159]

 

In February 2020, U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) suggested the virus may have originated in a Chinese bioweapon laboratory.[160] Francis Boyle, a law professor, also expressed support for the bioweapon theory suggesting it was the result of unintended leaks.[161] Cotton elaborated on Twitter that his opinion was only one of "at least four hypotheses". Multiple medical experts have indicated there is no evidence for these claims.[162] Conservative political commentator Rush Limbaugh said on The Rush Limbaugh Show—the most popular radio show in the U.S.—that the virus was probably "a ChiCom laboratory experiment" and the Chinese government was using the virus and the media hysteria surrounding it to bring down Donald Trump.[163][164]

 

On February 6, the White House asked scientists and medical researchers to rapidly investigate the origins of the virus both to address the current spread and "to inform future outbreak preparation and better understand animal/human and environmental transmission aspects of coronaviruses".[165] American magazine Foreign Policy said Xi Jinping's "political agenda may turn out to be a root cause of the epidemic" and that his Belt and Road Initiative has "made it possible for a local disease to become a global menace".[90]

 

The Inverse reported that "Christopher Bouzy, the founder of Bot Sentinel, conducted a Twitter analysis for Inverse and found [online] bots and trollbots are making an array of false claims. These bots are claiming China intentionally created the virus, that it's a biological weapon, that Democrats are overstating the threat to hurt Donald Trump and more. While we can't confirm the origin of these bots, they are decidedly pro-Trump."[166]

 

Conservative commentator Josh Bernstein claimed that the Democratic Party and the "medical deep state" were collaborating with the Chinese government to create and release the coronavirus to bring down Donald Trump. Bernstein went on to suggest those responsible should be locked in a room with infected coronavirus patients as punishment.[167][168]

 

Jerry Falwell Jr., the president of Liberty University, promoted a conspiracy theory on Fox News that North Korea and China conspired together to create the coronavirus.[169] He also said people were overreacting to the coronavirus outbreak and that Democrats were trying to use the situation to harm President Trump.[170]

 

Hospital ship attack

The hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH-19) deployed to the Port of Los Angeles to provide backup medical services for the region. On March 31, 2020, a Pacific Harbor Line freight train was deliberately derailed by its onboard engineer in an attempt to crash into the ship, but the attack was unsuccessful and no one was injured.[171][172] According to U.S. federal prosecutors, the train's engineer "[...] was suspicious of the Mercy, believing it had an alternate purpose related to COVID-19 or a government takeover".[173]

 

Population control scheme

See also: List of conspiracy theories § RFID chips

According to the BBC, Jordan Sather, a conspiracy theory YouTuber supporting the far-right QAnon conspiracy theory and the anti-vax movement, has falsely claimed the outbreak was a population control scheme created by Pirbright Institute in England and by former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates. This belief is held mostly by right-wing libertarians, NWO conspiracy theorists, and Christian Fundamentalists.[1][174]

 

Spy operation

Some people have alleged that the coronavirus was stolen from a Canadian virus research lab by Chinese scientists. Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada said that conspiracy theory had "no factual basis".[175] The stories seem to have been derived[176] from a July 2019 news article[177] stating that some Chinese researchers had their security access to a Canadian Level 4 virology facility revoked in a federal police investigation; Canadian officials described this as an administrative matter and "there is absolutely no risk to the Canadian public."[177]

 

This article was published by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC);[176] responding to the conspiracy theories, the CBC later stated that "CBC reporting never claimed the two scientists were spies, or that they brought any version of the coronavirus to the lab in Wuhan". While pathogen samples were transferred from the lab in Winnipeg, Canada to Beijing, China, on March 31, 2019, neither of the samples was a coronavirus, the Public Health Agency of Canada says the shipment conformed to all federal policies, and there has not been any statement that the researchers under investigation were responsible for sending the shipment. The current location of the researchers under investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is not being released.[175][178][179]

 

In the midst of the coronavirus epidemic, a senior research associate and expert in biological warfare with the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, referring to a NATO press conference, identified suspicions of espionage as the reason behind the expulsions from the lab, but made no suggestion that coronavirus was taken from the Canadian lab or that it is the result of bioweapons defense research in China.[180]

 

U.S. biological weapon

Arab world

According to Washington DC-based nonprofit Middle East Media Research Institute, numerous writers in the Arabic press have promoted the conspiracy theory that COVID-19, as well as SARS and the swine flu virus, were deliberately created and spread to sell vaccines against these diseases, and it is "part of an economic and psychological war waged by the U.S. against China with the aim of weakening it and presenting it as a backward country and a source of diseases".[181] Iraqi political analyst Sabah Al-Akili on Al-Etejah TV, Saudi daily Al-Watan writer Sa'ud Al-Shehry, Syrian daily Al-Thawra columnist Hussein Saqer, and Egyptian journalist Ahmad Rif'at on Egyptian news website Vetogate, were some examples given by MEMRI as propagators of the U.S. biowarfare conspiracy theory in the Arabic world.[181]

 

China

Further information: Cyberwarfare by China, Propaganda in China, and Chinese information operations and information warfare

 

The Xinhua News Agency is among the news outlets that have published false information about COVID-19's origins.

According to London-based The Economist, plenty of conspiracy theories exist on China's internet about COVID-19 being the CIA's creation to keep China down.[182] NBC News however has noted that there have also been debunking efforts of U.S.-related conspiracy theories posted online, with a WeChat search of "Coronavirus is from the U.S." reported to mostly yield articles explaining why such claims are unreasonable.[183] According to an investigation by ProPublica, such conspiracy theories and disinformation have been propagated under the direction of China News Service, the country's second largest government-owned media outlet controlled by the United Front Work Department.[184] Global Times and Xinhua News Agency have similarly been implicated in propagating disinformation related to COVID-19's origins.[185][186]

 

Multiple conspiracy articles in Chinese from the SARS era resurfaced during the outbreak with altered details, claiming SARS is biological warfare. Some said BGI Group from China sold genetic information of the Chinese people to the U.S., which then specifically targeted the genome of Chinese individuals.[187]

 

On January 26, Chinese military enthusiast website Xilu published an article, claimed how the U.S. artificially combined the virus to "precisely target Chinese people".[188][189] The article was removed in early February. The article was further distorted on social media in Taiwan, which claimed "Top Chinese military website admitted novel coronavirus was Chinese-made bio-weapons".[190] Taiwan Fact-check center debunked the original article and its divergence, suggesting the original Xilu article distorted the conclusion from a legitimate research on Chinese scientific magazine Science China Life Sciences, which never mentioned the virus was engineered.[190] The fact-check center explained Xilu is a military enthusiastic tabloid established by a private company, thus it doesn't represent the voice of Chinese military.[190]

 

Some articles on popular sites in China have also cast suspicion on U.S. military athletes participating in the Wuhan 2019 Military World Games, which lasted until the end of October 2019, and have suggested they deployed the virus. They claim the inattentive attitude and disproportionately below-average results of American athletes in the games indicate they might have been there for other purposes and they might actually be bio-warfare operatives. Such posts stated that their place of residence during their stay in Wuhan was also close to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, where the first known cluster of cases occurred.[191]

 

In March 2020, this conspiracy theory was endorsed by Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.[192][193][194][195] On March 13, the U.S. government summoned Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai to Washington over the coronavirus conspiracy theory.[196] Over the next month, conspiracy theorists narrowed their focus to one U.S. Army Reservist, a woman who participated in the games in Wuhan as a cyclist, claiming she is "patient zero". According to a CNN report, these theories have been spread by George Webb, who has nearly 100,000 followers on YouTube, and have been amplified by a report by CPC-owned newspaper Global Times.[197][198]

 

Iran

Further information: Propaganda in Iran

 

Reza Malekzadeh, deputy health minister, rejected bioterrorism theories.

According to Radio Farda, Iranian cleric Seyyed Mohammad Saeedi accused U.S. President Donald Trump of targeting Qom with coronavirus "to damage its culture and honor". Saeedi claimed that Trump is fulfilling his promise to hit Iranian cultural sites, if Iranians took revenge for the airstrike that killed of Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani.[199]

 

Iranian TV personality Ali Akbar Raefipour claimed the coronavirus was part of a "hybrid warfare" programme waged by the United States on Iran and China.[200] Brigadier General Gholam Reza Jalali, head of Iranian Civil Defense Organization, claimed the coronavirus is likely a biological attack on China and Iran with economic goals.[201][202]

 

Hossein Salami, the head of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), claimed the coronavirus outbreak in Iran may be due to a U.S. "biological attack".[203] Several Iranian politicians, including Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Rasoul Falahati, Alireza Panahian, Abolfazl Hasanbeigi and Gholamali Jafarzadeh Imanabadi, also made similar remarks.[204] Iranian Supreme Leader, the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made similar suggestions.[205]

 

Former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sent a letter to the United Nations on March 9, claiming that "it is clear to the world that the mutated coronavirus was produced in lab" and that COVID-19 is "a new weapon for establishing and/or maintaining political and economic upper hand in the global arena".[206]

 

The late[207] Ayatollah Hashem Bathaie Golpayegani claimed that "America is the source of coronavirus, because America went head to head with China and realised it cannot keep up with it economically or militarily."[208]

 

Reza Malekzadeh, Iran's deputy health minister and former Minister of Health, rejected claims that the virus was a biological weapon, pointing out that the U.S. would be suffering heavily from it. He said Iran was hard-hit because its close ties to China and reluctance to cut air ties introduced the virus, and because early cases had been mistaken for influenza.[205]

 

Philippines

 

In the Philippine Senate, Tito Sotto has promoted his belief that COVID-19 is a bioweapon.

A Filipino Senator, Tito Sotto, played a bioweapon conspiracy video in a February 2020 Senate hearing, suggesting the coronavirus is biowarfare waged against China.[209][210]

 

Russia

Further information: Cyberwarfare by Russia and Propaganda in the Russian Federation

On February 22, U.S. officials alleged that Russia is behind an ongoing disinformation campaign, using thousands of social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to deliberately promote unfounded conspiracy theories, claiming the virus is a biological weapon manufactured by the CIA and the U.S. is waging economic war on China using the virus.[211][12][212] The acting assistant secretary of state for Europe and Eurasia, Philip Reeker, said "Russia's intent is to sow discord and undermine U.S. institutions and alliances from within" and "by spreading disinformation about coronavirus, Russian malign actors are once again choosing to threaten public safety by distracting from the global health response."[211] Russia denies the allegation, saying "this is a deliberately false story".[213]

 

According to U.S.-based The National Interest magazine, although official Russian channels had been muted on pushing the U.S. biowarfare conspiracy theory, other Russian media elements do not share the Kremlin's restraint.[214] Zvezda, a news outlet funded by the Russian Defense Ministry, published an article titled "Coronavirus: American biological warfare against Russia and China", claiming that the virus is intended to damage the Chinese economy, weakening its hand in the next round of trade negotiations.[214] Ultra-nationalist politician and leader of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, claimed on a Moscow radio station that the virus was an experiment by the Pentagon and pharmaceutical companies. Politician Igor Nikulin made rounds on Russian television and news media, arguing that Wuhan was chosen for the attack because the presence of a BSL-4 virus lab provided a cover story for the Pentagon and CIA about a Chinese bio-experiment leak.[214] An EU-document claims 80 attempts by Russian media to spread disinformation related to the epidemic.[215]

 

According to the East StratCom Task Force, the Sputnik news agency was active publishing stories speculating that the virus could've been invented in Latvia, that it was used by Communist Party of China to curb protests in Hong Kong, that it was introduced intentionally to reduce the number of elder people in Italy, that it was targeted against the Yellow Vests movement, and making many other speculations. Sputnik branches in countries including Armenia, Belarus, Spain, and in the Middle East came up with versions of these stories.[216]

 

Venezuela

Constituent Assembly member Elvis Méndez declared that the coronavirus was a "bacteriological sickness created in '89, in '90 and historically" and that it was a sickness "inoculated by the gringos". Méndez theorized that the virus was a weapon against Latin America and China and that its purpose was "to demoralize the person, to weaken to install their system".[217]

 

COVID-19 recovery

It has been wrongly claimed that anyone infected with COVID-19 will have the virus in their bodies for life. While there is no curative treatment, infected individuals can recover from the disease, eliminating the virus from their bodies; getting supportive medical care early can help.[279]

 

COVID-19 xenophobic blaming by ethnicity and religion

Main article: List of incidents of xenophobia and racism related to the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic

File:IOM - Fighting Stigma and Discrimination against Migrants during COVID-19.webm

UN video warns that misinformation against groups may lower testing rates and increase transmission.

COVID-19-related xenophobic attacks have been made against people the attacker blamed for COVID-19 on the basis of their ethnicity. People who are considered to look Chinese have been subjected to COVID-19-related verbal and physical attacks in many other countries, often by people accusing them of transmitting the virus.[281][282][283] Within China, there has been discrimination (such as evictions and non-service in shops) against people from anywhere closer to Wuhan (where the pandemic started) and against anyone perceived as being non-Chinese (especially those considered African), as the Chinese government has blamed continuing cases on re-introductions of the virus from abroad (90% of reintroduced cases were by Chinese passport-holders). Neighbouring countries have also discriminated against people seen as Westerners.[284][285][286] People have also simply blamed other local groups along the lines of pre-existing social tensions and divisions, sometimes citing reporting of COVID-19 cases within that group. For instance, Muslims have been widely blamed, shunned, and discriminated against in India (including some violent attacks), amid unfounded claims that Muslims are deliberately spreading COVID-19, and a Muslim event at which the disease did spread has received far more public attention than many similar events run by other groups and the government.[287] White supremacist groups have blamed COVID-19 on non-whites and advocated deliberately infecting minorities they dislike, such as Jews.[288]

 

False causes

5G

 

5G towers have been burned by people wrongly blaming them for COVID-19.

 

Openreach engineers appealed on anti-5G Facebook groups, saying they aren't involved in mobile networks, and workplace abuse is making it difficult for them to maintain phonelines and broadband.

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In February 2020 BBC News reported that conspiracy theorists on social media groups alleged a link between coronavirus and 5G mobile networks, claiming that Wuhan and Diamond Princess outbreaks were directly caused by electromagnetic fields and by the introduction of 5G and wireless technologies. Some conspiracy theorists also alleged that the coronavirus outbreak was a cover-up for a 5G-related illness.[33] In March 2020, Thomas Cowan, a holistic medical practitioner who trained as a physician and operates on probation with Medical Board of California, alleged that coronavirus is caused by 5G, based on the claims that African countries were not affected significantly by the pandemic and Africa was not a 5G region.[289][290] Cowan also falsely alleged that the viruses were wastes from cells that are poisoned by electromagnetic fields and historical viral pandemics coincided with the major developments in radio technology.[290] The video of his claims went viral and was recirculated by celebrities including Woody Harrelson, John Cusack, and singer Keri Hilson.[291] The claims may also have been recirculated by an alleged "coordinated disinformation campaign", similar to campaigns used by the Internet Research Agency in Saint Petersburg, Russia.[292] The claims were criticized on social media and debunked by Reuters,[293] USA Today,[294] Full Fact[295] and American Public Health Association executive director Georges C. Benjamin.[289][296]

 

Professor Steve Powis, national medical director of NHS England, described theories linking 5G mobile phone networks to COVID-19 as the "worst kind of fake news".[297] Viruses cannot be transmitted by radio waves. COVID-19 has spread and continues to spread in many countries that do not have 5G networks.[279]

 

After telecommunications masts in several parts of the United Kingdom were the subject of arson attacks, British Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said the theory that COVID-19 virus may be spread by 5G wireless communication is "just nonsense, dangerous nonsense as well".[298] Vodafone announced that two Vodafone masts and two it shares with O2 had been targeted.[299][300]

 

By Monday April 6, 2020 at least 20 mobile phone masts in the UK had been vandalised since the previous Thursday.[301] Because of slow rollout of 5G in the UK, many of the damaged masts had only 3G and 4G equipment.[301] Mobile phone and home broadband operators estimated there were at least 30 incidents of confronting engineers maintaining equipment in the week up to April 6.[301] There have been eleven incidents of attempted arson at mobile phone masts in the Netherlands, including one case where "Fuck 5G" was written, as well as in Ireland and Cyprus.[302][303] Facebook has deleted multiple messages encouraging attacks on 5G equipment.[301]

 

Engineers working for Openreach posted pleas on anti-5G Facebook groups asking to be spared abuse as they are not involved with maintaining mobile networks.[304] Mobile UK said the incidents were affecting attempts to maintain networks that support home working and provide critical connections to vulnerable customers, emergency services and hospitals.[304] A widely circulated video shows people working for broadband company Community Fibre being abused by a woman who accuses them of installing 5G as part of a plan to kill the population.[304]

 

YouTube announced that it would reduce the amount of content claiming links between 5G and coronavirus.[299] Videos that are conspiratorial about 5G that do not mention coronavirus would not be removed, though they might be considered "borderline content", removed from search recommendations and losing advertising revenue.[299] The discredited claims had been circulated by British conspiracy theorist David Icke in videos (subsequently removed) on YouTube and Vimeo, and an interview by London Live TV network, prompting calls for action by Ofcom.[305][306]

 

On April 13, 2020, Gardaí were investigating fires at 5G masts in County Donegal, Ireland.[307] Gardaí and fire services had attended the fires the previous night in an attempt to put them out.[307] Although Gardaí were awaiting results of tests they were treating the fires as deliberate.[307]

 

There were 20 suspected arson attacks on phone masts in the UK over the Easter 2020 weekend.[297] These included an incident in Dagenham where three men were arrested on suspicion of arson, a fire in Huddersfield that affected a mast used by emergency services and a fire in a mast that provides mobile connectivity to the NHS Nightingale Hospital Birmingham.[297]

 

Ofcom issued guidance to ITV following comments by Eamonn Holmes after comments made by Holmes about 5G and coronavirus on This Morning.[308] Ofcom said the comments were "ambiguous" and "ill-judged" and they "risked undermining viewers' trust in advice from public authorities and scientific evidence".[308] Ofcom also local channel London Live in breach of standards for an interview it had with David Icke who it said had " expressed views which had the potential to cause significant harm to viewers in London during the pandemic".[308]

 

Some telecoms engineers have reported threats of violence, including threats to stab and murder them, by individuals who believe them to be working on 5G networks.[309] West Midlands Police said the crimes in question are being taken very seriously.[309]

 

On April 24, 2020 The Guardian revealed that an evangelical pastor from Luton had provided the male voice on a recording blaming 5G for deaths caused by coronavirus.[310] Jonathon James claimed to have formerly headed the largest business-unit at Vodafone, but insiders at the company said that he was hired for a sales position in 2014 when 5G was not a priority for the company and that 5G would not have been part of his job.[310] He left the company after less than a year.[310]

 

Mosquitoes

It has been claimed that mosquitoes transmit coronavirus. There is no evidence that this is true; coronavirus spreads through small droplets of saliva and mucus.[279]

 

Petrol pumps

A warning claiming to be from the Australia Department of Health said coronavirus spreads through petrol pumps and that everyone should wear gloves when filling up petrol in their cars.[311]

 

Shoe-wearing

There were claims that wearing shoes at one's home was the reason behind the spread of the coronavirus in Italy.[312]

 

Resistance/susceptibility based on ethnicity

There have been claims that specific ethnicities are more or less vulnerable to COVID-19. COVID-19 is a new zoonotic disease, so no population has yet had the time to develop population immunity.[medical citation needed]

 

Beginning on February 11, reports, quickly spread via Facebook, implied that a Cameroonian student in China had been completely cured of the virus due to his African genetics. While a student was successfully treated, other media sources have noted that no evidence implies Africans are more resistant to the virus and labeled such claims as false information.[313] Kenyan Secretary of Health Mutahi Kagwe explicitly refuted rumors that "those with black skin cannot get coronavirus", while announcing Kenya's first case on March 13.[314] This myth was cited as a contributing factor in the disproportionately high rates of infection and death observed among African Americans.[315][316]

 

There have been claims of "Indian immunity": that the people of India have more immunity to the COVID-19 virus due to living conditions in India. This idea was deemed "absolute drivel" by Anand Krishnan, professor at the Centre for Community Medicine of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). He said there was no population immunity to the COVID-19 virus yet, as it is new, and it is not even clear whether people who have recovered from COVID-19 will have lasting immunity, as this happens with some viruses but not with others.[317]

 

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei claimed the virus was genetically targeted at Iranians by the U.S., and this is why it is seriously affecting Iran. He did not offer any evidence.[318][22]

 

Religious protection

A number of religious groups have claimed protection due to their faith, some refusing to stop large religious gatherings. In Israel, some Ultra-Orthodox Jews initially refused to close synagogues and religious seminaries and disregarded government restrictions because "The Torah protects and saves",[319] which resulted in an 8 times faster rate of infection among some groups.[320] The Tablighi Jamaat movement organised mass gatherings in Malaysia, India, and Pakistan whose participants believed that God will protect them resulted the biggest rise in COVID-19 cases in a number of countries.[321][29][322] In Iran, the head of Fatima Masumeh Shrine encouraged pilgrims to visit the shrine despite calls to close the shrine, saying that they "consider this holy shrine to be a place of healing."[323] In South Korea the River of Grace Community Church in Gyeonggi Province spread the virus after spraying salt water into their members' mouths in the belief that it would kill the virus,[324] while the Shincheonji Church of Jesus in Daegu where a church leader claimed that no Shincheonji worshipers had caught the virus in February while hundreds died in Wuhan later caused in the biggest spread of the virus in the country.[325][326]

 

In Somalia, myths have spread claiming Muslims are immune to the virus.[327]

 

Unproven protective and aggravating factors

Vegetarian immunity

[icon]

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (April 2020)

Claims that vegetarians are immune to coronavirus spread online in India, causing "#NoMeat_NoCoronaVirus" to trend on Twitter.[328][better source needed] Eating meat does not have an effect on COVID-19 spread, except for people near where animals are slaughtered, said Anand Krishnan.[329] Fisheries, Dairying and Animal Husbandry Minister Giriraj Singh said the rumour had significantly affected industry, with the price of a chicken falling to a third of pre-pandemic levels. He also described efforts to improve the hygiene of the meat supply chain.[330]

 

Efficacy of hand sanitiser, "antibacterial" soaps

 

Washing in soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the best way to clean hands. Second-best is a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.[331]

Claims that hand sanitiser is merely "antibacterial not antiviral", and therefore ineffective against COVID-19, have spread widely on Twitter and other social networks. While the effectiveness of sanitiser depends on the specific ingredients, most hand sanitiser sold commercially inactivates SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.[332][333] Hand sanitizer is recommended against COVID-19,[279] though unlike soap, it is not effective against all types of germs.[334] Washing in soap and water for at least 20 seconds is recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as the best way to clean hands in most situations. However, if soap and water are not available, a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol can be used instead, unless hands are visibly dirty or greasy.[331][335] The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration both recommend plain soap; there is no evidence that "antibacterial soaps" are any better, and limited evidence that they might be worse long-term.[336][337]

 

Alcohol (ethanol and poisonous methanol)

Contrary to some reports, drinking alcohol does not protect against COVID-19, and can increase health risks[279] (short term and long term). Drinking alcohol is ethanol; other alcohols, such as methanol, which causes methanol poisoning, are acutely poisonous, and may be present in badly-prepared alcoholic beverages.[338]

 

Iran has reported incidents of methanol poisoning, caused by the false belief that drinking alcohol would cure or protect against coronavirus;[339] alcohol is banned in Iran, and bootleg alcohol may contain methanol.[340] According to Iranian media in March 2020, nearly 300 people have died and more than a thousand have become ill due to methanol poisoning, while Associated Press gave figures of around 480 deaths with 2,850 others affected.[341] The number of deaths due to methanol poisoning in Iran reached over 700 by April.[342] Iranian social media had circulated a story from British tabloids that a British man and others had been cured of coronavirus with whiskey and honey,[339][343] which combined with the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers as disinfectants, led to the false belief that drinking high-proof alcohol can kill the virus.[339][340][341]

 

Similar incidents have occurred in Turkey, with 30 Turkmenistan citizens dying from methanol poisoning related to coronavirus cure claims.[344][345]

 

In Kenya, the Governor of Nairobi Mike Sonko has come under scrutiny for including small bottles of the cognac Hennessy in care packages, falsely claiming that alcohol serves as "throat sanitizer" and that, from research, it is believed that "alcohol plays a major role in killing the coronavirus."[346][347]

 

Cocaine

Cocaine does not protect against COVID-19. Several viral tweets purporting that snorting cocaine would sterilize one's nostrils of the coronavirus spread around Europe and Africa. In response, the French Ministry of Health released a public service announcement debunking this claim, saying "No, cocaine does NOT protect against COVID-19. It is an addictive drug that causes serious side effects and is harmful to people's health." The World Health Organisation also debunked the claim.[348]

 

Ibuprofen

A tweet from French health minister Olivier Véran, a bulletin from the French health ministry, and a small speculative study in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine raised concerns about ibuprofen worsening COVID-19, which spread extensively on social media. The European Medicines Agency[349] and the World Health Organization recommended COVID-19 patients keep taking ibuprofen as directed, citing lack of convincing evidence of any danger.[350]

 

Helicopter spraying

In some Asian countries, it has been claimed that one should stay at home on particular days when helicopters spray disinfectant over homes for killing off COVID-19; no such spraying is taking place.[351][352]

 

Cruise ships safety from infection

Main article: COVID-19 pandemic on cruise ships

 

Claims by cruise-ship operators notwithstanding, there are many cases of coronaviruses in hot climates; some countries in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and the Persian Gulf are severely affected.

In March 2020, the Miami New Times reported that managers at Norwegian Cruise Line had prepared a set of responses intended to convince wary customers to book cruises, including "blatantly false" claims that the coronavirus "can only survive in cold temperatures, so the Caribbean is a fantastic choice for your next cruise", that "[s]cientists and medical professionals have confirmed that the warm weather of the spring will be the end of the [c]oronavirus", and that the virus "cannot live in the amazingly warm and tropical temperatures that your cruise will be sailing to".[353]

 

Flu is seasonal (becoming less frequent in the summer) in some countries, but not in others. While it is possible that the COVID-19 coronavirus will also show some seasonality, it is not yet known.[354][355][356][medical citation needed] The COVID-19 coronavirus spread along international air travel routes, including to tropical locations.[357] Outbreaks on cruise ships, where an older population lives in close quarters, frequently touching surfaces which others have touched, were common.[358][359]

 

It seems that COVID-19 can be transmitted in all climates.[279] It has seriously affected many warm-climate countries. For instance, Dubai, with an year-round average daily high of 28.0 Celsius (82.3°F) and the airport said to have the world's most international traffic, has had thousands of cases.

 

Vaccine pre-existence

It was reported that multiple social media posts have promoted a conspiracy theory claiming the virus was known and that a vaccine was already available. PolitiFact and FactCheck.org noted that no vaccine currently exists for COVID-19. The patents cited by various social media posts reference existing patents for genetic sequences and vaccines for other strains of coronavirus such as the SARS coronavirus.[360][4] The WHO reported as of February 5, 2020, that amid news reports of "breakthrough" drugs being discovered to treat people infected with the virus, there were no known effective treatments;[361] this included antibiotics and herbal remedies not being useful.[362] Scientists are working to develop a vaccine, but as of March 18, 2020, no vaccine candidates have completed Phase II clinical trials.[citation needed]

 

Miscellaneous

Name of the disease

Social media posts and internet memes claimed that COVID-19 means "Chinese Originated Viral Infectious Disease 19", or similar, as supposedly the "19th virus to come out of China".[477] In fact, the WHO named the disease as follows: CO stands for corona, VI for virus, D for disease and 19 for when the outbreak was first identified (31 December 2019).[478]

 

Bat soup

Some media outlets, including Daily Mail and RT, as well as individuals, disseminated a video showing a Chinese woman eating a bat, falsely suggesting it was filmed in Wuhan and connecting it to the outbreak.[479][480] However, the widely circulated video contains unrelated footage of a Chinese travel vlogger, Wang Mengyun, eating bat soup in the island country of Palau in 2016.[479][480][481][482] Wang posted an apology on Weibo,[481][482] in which she said she had been abused and threatened,[481] and that she had only wanted to showcase Palauan cuisine.[481][482] The spread of misinformation about bat consumption has been characterized by xenophobic and racist sentiment toward Asians.[90][483][484] In contrast, scientists suggest the virus originated in bats and migrated into an intermediary host animal before infecting people.[90][485]

 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misinformation_related_to_the_COVID...

A hippopotamus yawns characteristically during an early morning wallow. The hippo is the third largest land mammal after the elephant and rhinoceros. Despite their stature and short legs they can easily outrun an human. They have a very aggressive disposition, making them one of the most dangerous animals in the world. Their skin is thick (over 6 inches) but despite their appearance their subcutaneous fat layer is thin. They secrete a substance that is a natural antibacterial and a sunscreen. Hippos spend most of their time wallowing in rivers, lakes and swamps. They emerge to graze on grassed in the evening and early morning hours. Even their natural sunscreen can't protect them if they stay out of water for prolonged periods. Though it may seem counterintuitive, their closest living relatives today are whales and porpoises, having had a common ancestor some 65 million years ago.