JUVENILE ROBIN one of our cottage residents, just taken a bath, to cool off and was also seen prostrate on the ground with wings fully open, trying to cool off in the 35c temperatures. Hope everyone will leave plenty of water out for the birds.

======================

THANK YOU for your visit friendship and comments, stay safe in these record-breaking high temperatures, God bless.

....................................Tomx

Banksia Flower taken at Melbourne Botanical Gardens.

Banksia is a genus of around 170 species in the plant family Proteaceae. These Australian wildflowers and popular garden plants are easily recognised by their characteristic flower spikes and fruiting "cones" and heads. Banksias range in size from prostrate woody shrubs to trees up to 30 metres tall.

Wikipedia

Many thanks for your visit, comments, invites and faves...it is always appreciated.

HMBT

Cibotium Schiedei is a tropical species reaching a height of 3–5 metres (9.8–16.4 ft). It is a very slow growing tree fern, usually with a prostrate trunk covered with hairs. The light green fronds have quite elongated pinnae.

This species can be found growing in damp cloud and montane forests of southeastern Mexico, at an elevation of 1,000–2,000 metres (3,300–6,600 ft) above sea level.

@Hershey Gardens

Thank you very much for your kind comments and visit, much appreciated!

I know it's early but I am bored ..:)

Monday I had to go to the hospital so markers could be installed on my Prostrate for the radiation treatments. Luckily, they put me under. However, it still hurts today and I wasn't expecting that. I thought it was just a simple thing. Guess not. Anyway, in a couple of weeks I'll start the radiation treatment to kill the Prostrate cancer. And, that should fix the last of my medical issues.

I'm freaking out over here. My prostrate score jumped from 5.6 to 14.5 in just the last 2 weeks. I was hopping I could be like most people and just die with prostrate cancer. With this new score I'm sure I'll be going under the knife. I waited most of the afternoon to hear from my doctor and finally the receptionist told he wasn't in today.

youtu.be/BIHrkqBFUL4

♫ Policy Of Truth ♫ - Depeche Mode

˜”*°•.˜”*°• Narcissus

by A.B. Yousuf

it's just you and the darkness. •°*”˜.•°*”˜

Ranunculus alpestris (Ranunculaceae) 157 23

Ranunculus alpestris (Alpine buttercup) is a plant belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, which lives in the high Alpine valleys.

It can be found between 2,100 and,2,800 meters (rarely at lower altitudes) in grasslands and water-rich detrital snow valleys.

It is a perennial herbaceous plant, a maximum of 12 cm high, with a prostrate habit and ascending glabrous stems.

Crassula capitella (crassula campfire) is an evergreen plant originally found in South Africa and commonly known as crassula campfire.

This is very colorful and eye-catching branched succulent with densely compact propeller-shaped leaves.

The foliage of this plant grows in prostrate with lime green colour at the bottom and turns red at the tips.

It grows very fast with a little bit of care and produces vibrant and bright colour

It grows about 6 inches (15cm) in height and 3 feet wide (90cm) wide with the cluster of white flowers rest on the leaves in the summers.

This campfire succulent particularly attracts the bees and butterfly If you are a real lover of butterfly this is the best option for you.

Many succulent lovers choose this succulent to enhance the beauty of their gardens because of its colour.

Its foliage has a very unique and exclusive feature when you give a little bit of stress to this plant it will achieve a vibrant and bright red colour mainly in winter.

Grevillea is a diverse genus of about 360 species of evergreen flowering plants in the family Proteaceae, native to rainforest and more open habitats in Australia, New Guinea, New Caledonia, Sulawesi and other Indonesian islands. The species range from prostrate shrubs less than 50 cm tall to trees 35 m tall. Common names include grevillea, spider flower, silky oak and toothbrush plant. The brightly coloured, petal-less flowers consist of a calyx tube that splits into 4 lobes with long styles. They are good bird-attracting plants, honeyeaters in particular are common visitors. Grevillea flowers were a traditional favourite among Aborigines for their sweet nectar. This could be shaken onto the hand to enjoy, or into a coolamon with a little water to make a sweet drink. They might be referred to as the original 'bush lollies'. 10099

Fulton, Texas

I don't think I would want to sit on that bench. The smells coming out of that porta potty might not be that good..;)

So, I'm losing the battle over keeping my Prostrate. I wanted to just die with Prostrate cancer but it looks like I might die from it. The clinic want to use radiation. The name of the radiation clinic is called Cyber Knife ..The name doesn't give me warm and fuzzy feeling ..:)

Hope everyone has a great new week

Grevillea is a diverse genus of about 360 species of evergreen flowering plants in the family Proteaceae, native to rainforest and more open habitats in Australia, New Guinea, New Caledonia, Sulawesi and other Indonesian islands. The species range from prostrate shrubs less than 50 cm tall to trees 35 m tall. Common names include grevillea, spider flower, silky oak and toothbrush plant. The brightly coloured, petal-less flowers consist of a calyx tube that splits into 4 lobes with long styles. They are good bird-attracting plants, honeyeaters in particular are common visitors. Grevillea flowers were a traditional favourite among Aborigines for their sweet nectar. This could be shaken onto the hand to enjoy, or into a coolamon with a little water to make a sweet drink. They might be referred to as the original bush lollies. 11516

I have mentioned those initials Ray planted in the lawn. The yellow crocuses opened first and are still blooming. All the purple ones are already lying prostrate on the grass.

Today's theme is the Banksia, an Australian wildflower. Banksia is a genus of 173 species in the plant family Proteaceae. These Australian wildflowers and popular garden plants are easily recognised by their characteristic flower spikes, and fruiting "cones" and heads. Banksias range in size from prostrate woody shrubs to trees up to 30 metres (100 ft) tall. They are found in a wide variety of landscapes: sclerophyll forest, occasionally in rainforest, shrubland, and some more arid landscapes, though not in Australia's deserts.

Heavy producers of nectar, banksias are a vital part of the food chain in the Australian bush. They are an important food source for nectarivorous animals, including birds, bats, rats, possums, stingless bees and a host of invertebrates. Further, they are of economic importance to Australia's nursery and cut flower industries.

El Flamboyán se postra ante la ardiente Oyá (Diosa Yoruba) dueña de vientos y tifones. Tus ramas fluyen retorcidas por el soplo de la deidad…Pero ya no oigo crujir tu tronco en la noche.!!!...Se eclipsó el elixir sensual de tu flor…Solo guardo tu recuerdo en mi foto…F.O.G.

Danza de OYÁ : www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbdkrZ6H0no

English :

The Flamboyán prostrates before the ardent Oyá (Goddess Yoruba) mistress of winds and typhoons. Your branches flow twisted by the murmur of the deity ... But I no longer hear your trunk crack in the night. ... It eclipsed the sensual elixir of your flower ... I only keep your memory in my photo ... F.O.G.

Dance of OYÁ : www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbdkrZ6H0no

Grevillea is a diverse genus of about 360 species of evergreen flowering plants in the family Proteaceae, native to rainforest and more open habitats in Australia, New Guinea, New Caledonia, Sulawesi and other Indonesian islands. The species range from prostrate shrubs less than 50 cm tall to trees 35 m tall. Common names include grevillea, spider flower, silky oak and toothbrush plant. The brightly coloured, petal-less flowers consist of a calyx tube that splits into 4 lobes with long styles. They are good bird-attracting plants, honeyeaters in particular are common visitors. Grevillea flowers were a traditional favourite among Aborigines for their sweet nectar. This could be shaken onto the hand to enjoy, or into a coolamon with a little water to make a sweet drink. They might be referred to as the original 'bush lollies'. 51679

A cluster of Sturt's Desert Pea flowers taken at the Arid Garden, Melbourne Botanical Gardens. ( Does not grow naturally in our state of Victoria)

Genus – after Isaac Swainson (1746–1812), London physician who developed a private botanic garden at Twickenham, England.

species – (Latin) formosus – beautiful, well-shaped; referring to the flower.

Description

This quintessentially Australian native is a prostrate, creeping annual or perennial plant with silky grey-green, pinnate leaves and spectacular large (typically about 90 mm long), scarlet flowers. These flowers appear from June to October in their natural habitat and are typically borne in groups of five or six held up on thick stalks. The centre of these flowers is typically black forming a striking contrast to the petals. There are natural colour variations within this species including pinks, yellows and even an albino form.

Sturt’s Desert Pea occurs naturally in inland areas of all of mainland Australia, except for Victoria. It extends to the coast in Western Australia, north of Shark Bay (where the desert meets the sea).

Swainsona formosa was adopted as the floral emblem of South Australia in 1961 when it was known as Clianthus formosus.

Hope you enjoy Chris De Burgh singing " Lady In Red "

www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9Jcs45GhxU

Many thanks for your visit, comments, invites and faves...it is always appreciated...

Happy Friday

Rosa Arvensis (Rosaceae) 150 23

Rosa arvensis (field rose and white-flowered trailing rose) is a species in the genus Rosa and belongs to the family of the Rosaceae (Rose Family).

It is found extensively across many countries in Europe. It can be seen principally in hedges and thickets.

Rosa canina is a prostrate shrub. The plant can grow to be between 3 and 3.7 meters.

This rose blooms from May to July with white flowers, 4 to 5 centimeters across, which are followed by red hips.

This spring ephemeral is a small groundcover that emerges quite early after the cold winter, often pushing through snow cover to reveal its dainty flower... hence the name.

These flowers can cover wide swaths of hills and forest floors, producing a breathtaking display of early color and beauty.

About 4 inches high and one inch across, this plant was captured by my macro lens as I laid prostrate on my belly for the shot :)

A great train enthusiast for the railway , sine childhood , we went train spotting everywhere. but we had special views from our outside toilet roof in Nicander Road where we lived , it ran alongside the main Liverpool London line and still does of course ..

Sadly two years ago Richy was diagnosed with prostrate and bone cancer . he sadly lost his battle on Tuesday 9th August 22.. His funeral is this coming Tuesday 23rd in Corsham Wiltshire

I have so many wonderful memories and I will continue to get as many trains /locomotives as I can when I fully recover from my own cancer treatments ..

I am getting stronger and hopefully will return to fine form and start posting regularly again ..

RIP Richard 26/3/1954 - 9/8/2022 xxx

photo taken in Chester 15/7/21

Rosa arvensis (Rosaceae) 149 21

Rosa arvensis (field rose and white-flowered trailing rose) is a species in the genus Rosa and belongs to the family of the Rosaceae (Rose Family).

It is found extensively across many countries in Europe. It can be seen principally in hedges and thickets.

Rosa canina is a prostrate shrub. The plant can grow to be between 3 and 3.7 meters.

This rose blooms from May to July with white flowers, 4 to 5 centimeters across, which are followed by red hips.

Grevillea is a diverse genus of about 360 species of evergreen flowering plants in the family Proteaceae, native to rainforest and more open habitats in Australia, New Guinea, New Caledonia, Sulawesi and other Indonesian islands. The species range from prostrate shrubs less than 50 cm tall to trees 35 m tall. Common names include grevillea, spider flower, silky oak and toothbrush plant. The brightly coloured, petal-less flowers consist of a calyx tube that splits into 4 lobes with long styles. They are good bird-attracting plants, honeyeaters in particular are common visitors. Grevillea flowers were a traditional favourite among Aborigines for their sweet nectar. This could be shaken onto the hand to enjoy, or into a coolamon with a little water to make a sweet drink. They might be referred to as the original 'bush lollies'. 34862

This little girl was about to land on the Grevillia flower.

It was named in honour of Charles Francis Greville. The species range from prostrate shrubs less than 50 cm (20 in) tall to trees 35 m (115 ft) tall.

Banksia is a genus of around 170 species in the plant family Proteaceae. These Australian wildflowers and popular garden plants are easily recognised by their characteristic flower spikes and fruiting cones and heads. Banksias range in size from prostrate woody shrubs to trees up to 30 metres tall. They are found in a wide variety of landscapes; sclerophyll forest, (occasionally) rainforest, shrubland, and some more arid landscapes, though not in Australia's deserts. Heavy producers of nectar, banksias are a vital part of the food chain in the Australian bush. They are an important food source for all sorts of nectarivorous animals, including birds, bats, rats, possums, stingless bees and a host of invertebrates. Furthermore, they are of economic importance to Australia's nursery and cut flower industries. However these plants are threatened by a number of processes including land clearing, frequent burning and disease, and a number of species are rare and endangered. 54174

Banksia is a genus of around 170 species in the plant family Proteaceae. These Australian wildflowers and popular garden plants are easily recognised by their characteristic flower spikes and fruiting cones and heads. Banksias range in size from prostrate woody shrubs to trees up to 30 metres tall. They are found in a wide variety of landscapes; sclerophyll forest, (occasionally) rainforest, shrubland, and some more arid landscapes, though not in Australia's deserts. Heavy producers of nectar, banksias are a vital part of the food chain in the Australian bush. They are an important food source for all sorts of nectarivorous animals, including birds, bats, rats, possums, stingless bees and a host of invertebrates. Furthermore, they are of economic importance to Australia's nursery and cut flower industries. However these plants are threatened by a number of processes including land clearing, frequent burning and disease, and a number of species are rare and endangered. 8381

Pinguicula alpina (Lentibulariaceae) 147 22

Pinguicula alpina (alpine butterwort) is a species of carnivorous plant native to high latitudes and altitudes throughout Eurasia. It is one of the most widespread Pinguicula species found in mountainous regions from Iceland to the Himalayas. Native to cold climates, it is a temperate species, forming prostrate rosettes of green to red leaves and white flowers in the summer and a tight hibernaculum during winter dormancy. Like all members of the genus, Pinguicula alpina uses mucilaginous glands covering the surface of its summer leaves to attract, trap, and digest arthropod prey.

This species grows from sea level in northwest Siberia to altitudes of up to 4,100 m in open, sunny locations. The plant prefers wet soils such as seeps. It is typically found in subalpine seeps or bogs or alpine rock meadows.

Pinguicula alpina is a small perennial herb, reaching a height of 5–15 cm when in flower. Pinguicula alpina only begins flowering after several years of growth. Six to eight (occasionally up to 13). Its flowers are borne singly on unbranched inflorescences.

Source: Wikipedia.

Grevillea is a diverse genus of about 360 species of evergreen flowering plants in the family Proteaceae, native to rainforest and more open habitats in Australia, New Guinea, New Caledonia, Sulawesi and other Indonesian islands. The species range from prostrate shrubs less than 50 cm tall to trees 35 m tall. Common names include grevillea, spider flower, silky oak and toothbrush plant. The brightly coloured, petal-less flowers consist of a calyx tube that splits into 4 lobes with long styles. They are good bird-attracting plants, honeyeaters in particular are common visitors. Grevillea flowers were a traditional favourite among Aborigines for their sweet nectar. This could be shaken onto the hand to enjoy, or into a coolamon with a little water to make a sweet drink. They might be referred to as the original 'bush lollies'. 34907

Saponaria ocymoides (Caryophyllaceae) 092 23

Saponaria ocymoides (rock saponaria) is a species of semi-evergreen perennial flowering plant belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family.

The distribution of this species ranges from the mountains of Spain to Corsica, Sardinia and Slovenia, from the Apennines to the Alps. It grows in rocky and stony places, dry slopes and forests (especially pine forests). It prefers calcareous (alkaline) soils, at an altitude of up to 1,500 metres, rarely up to 2,400 metres.

It reaches a height of 10-40 centimetres, the stem is prostrate or ascending, woody, reddish, rather hairy and very branched. The five-petalled flowers are arranged in clusters at the ends of the branches. They have red or pink (rarely white) petals and blue anthers. The flowering period is from April to August in the northern hemisphere.

Hibbertia stellaris.

Erect or prostrate, slender or bushy shrub, 0.15-1.5 m high. Fl. orange/orange-yellow/yellow, Aug to Dec.

Have a good one.

Grevillea is a diverse genus of about 360 species of evergreen flowering plants in the family Proteaceae, native to rainforest and more open habitats in Australia, New Guinea, New Caledonia, Sulawesi and other Indonesian islands. The species range from prostrate shrubs less than 50 cm tall to trees 35 m tall. Common names include grevillea, spider flower, silky oak and toothbrush plant. The brightly coloured, petal-less flowers consist of a calyx tube that splits into 4 lobes with long styles. They are good bird-attracting plants, honeyeaters in particular are common visitors. Grevillea flowers were a traditional favourite among Aborigines for their sweet nectar. This could be shaken onto the hand to enjoy, or into a coolamon with a little water to make a sweet drink. They might be referred to as the original 'bush lollies'. 47080

Detail from a Grevillea flower

54. Magical

121 in 2021

Grevilleas are plants with woody stems and range from prostrate shrubs to small trees. Their leaves are alternately arranged on the branch and may be paler on the underside. Many individual flowers make up the flower-head (conflorescence). The flowers are stalked and often are grouped in pairs. Each flower has neither petals nor sepals, but has 4 perianth segments called tepals. Four anthers are attached to the tepals and the style emerges through the side of the perianth tube then elongates at maturity to first present pollen and afterwards to receive it. The tepals roll back as the flower opens. The flowers are arranged in racemes which may be short and umbel-like (spiders), elongated and secund (toothbrushes) or cylindrical in shape.

See diagram in comments

Birds are the main pollinators. The fruit is a thin-walled follicle with a persistent style. At maturity it splits into 2 halves and releases 2 seeds with little or no wing.

Australia has 357 of the world’s 362 grevilleas species, and they occur in all states.

Source: Australian Native Plant Society anpsa.org.au/grev1a.html

In late September I went to photograph a Hoopoe in the village of Collingham in West Yorkshire. But on the day of my visit the weather was dull, and it was inhabiting the hard standing on people's driveways. But the bird subsequently decamped to a nearby cricket club and nearly two weeks later it is still there. So this morning I decided to revisit for an opportunity to photograph it on grass, in sunshine, and to try for a wing stretch and a better shot of it tossing a grub in the air. As luck would have it I achieved all of these things, including this stunning image with wings and tail spread, plus an erect crest. It was worth the extra trip for this image alone, though I must admit I didn't enjoy being part of a hundred-strong audience. The Hoopoe didn't seem bothered though as at times it would wander within a metre of people of its own volition. The only time it looked perturbed was when four Red Kites circled low overhead, which were probably wondering if any of the prostrate photographers were dead.

9 After their audience with [King Herod the magi] set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 They were overjoyed at seeing the star, 11 and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Matthew 2 (NABRE)

A gorgeous adult male Western Beaked Gecko (Rhynchoedura ornata) that was spotted prostrate to the bitumen on the Barkly Highway in the central east of the Northern Territory recently. The location was not far out from the Barkly Homestead. It was a mild evening given the season and the immediate habitat was a compacting sandplain with an open layer of hummock grass (Triodia sp.), and an overstory of Acacia shrubland.

Saponaria ocymoides 092 21

Saponaria ocymoides is a species of semi-evergreen perennial flowering plant belonging to the family Caryophyllaceae, native to southwestern and southern central Europe. This species ranges from the mountains of Spain to Corsica, Sardinia and Slovenia, from the Apennines to the Alps. It grows in rocky and stony places, dry slopes and forests (especially pine forests). It prefers calcareous soils, at an altitude of up to 1,500 meters, rarely up to 2,400 meters.

Reaching a height of 10–40 centimeters, the stem is prostrate to ascending, woody, reddish, quite hairy and very branched. The leaves are ovate to lanceolate, sessile and hairy, 1–3 cm long. The five-petalled flowers are arranged in groups at the ends of branches. They have red or pink (rarely white) petals and blue anthers (from Wikipedia).

Tiny flowers, seen in the forest :)

Spotted dead-nettle or purple dragon (Lamium maculatum) is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae, native throughout Europe and temperate Asia. It's a prostrate, spreading herbaceous perennial plant. The flowering period extends from April through November. It grows in a variety of habitats from open grassland to woodland, generally on moist, fertile soils.

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Małe kwiatuszki pstryknięte w lesie :)

Jasnota plamista (Lamium maculatum) – gatunek rośliny wieloletniej należący do rodziny jasnotowatych. Występuje na większości obszaru Europy i w Azji. W Polsce jest dość pospolity na całym terenie, zarówno na niżu, jak i w niższych partiach gór. Kwitnie od kwietnia do października i jest rośliną miododajną. Rośnie na przydrożach, rumowiskach, w zaroślach, w rowach, na pastwiskach.

Rosa arvensis (Rosaceae) 143 22

Rosa arvensis (field rose and white-flowered trailing rose) is a species in the genus Rosa and belongs to the family of the Rosaceae (Rose Family).

It is found extensively across many countries in Europe. It can be seen principally in hedges and thickets.

Rosa canina is a prostrate shrub. The plant can grow to be between 3 and 3.7 meters.

This rose blooms from May to July with white flowers, 4 to 5 centimeters across, which are followed by red hips.

In 1990, Archaeological Survey of India discovered a sunken apsidal stepped well along with few sculptures inside it. This stepped well is located immediately to the north of the Shore Temple, its south edge abutting the northern wall of the Shore Temple. On the extreme south of this newly discovered shrine is placed a monolith statue of Varaha (Boar)in its zoomorphic form. This image is carved in round from a single boulder. The statue was found severely damaged, however, with efforts from ASI restorers, we now see this image in its near original glory. The other element of this stepped well is a slender cylindrical shrine constructed partly in rock and partly in stone. Beyond this cylindrical shrine, further northward, is a circular cistern or mini-well. This is cut downwards with a circular rim-like stone placed at the ground level.

ASI report mentions that this well provides potable water though situated near the ocean. Though Rabe accepts these sockets for the capstones of a well, however, he suggests that these might be constructed to hold the ‘pillar of victory’ taken by Narasimhavarman I from Vatapi (Badami) which probably was installed here.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Rabe2 tries to explain political reason behind the systematic destruction of this Varaha image. Rabe suggests that this Varaha monolith was severely and systematically butchered when the Chalukya king Vikramaditya I invaded the Pallava kingdom. The rationale behind this destruction was the submissive and prostrated attitude of the Varaha (Boar) Varaha was the dynastic crest of the Chalukyas. This specific posture of Varaha might be taken as a reference to the subjugation of the Chalukyas by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I. And to take revenge, the Chalukyan army destroyed this Varaha image while marching forward into the Pallava kingdom.

Inscriptions On the Varaha (boar) monolith –

The Varaha sculpture is carved out of the mother rock like the three other animal sculptures in the Five Rathas nearby. It has four birudas (titles) of Rajasimha Pallava, some of his favorites, inscribed upon the base, in Sanskrit in the Pallava Grantha script. The birudas on the side are “Sri RajasimhaH” “Sri RanajayaH” and “Sri BharaH”. The biruda on the rear, under the varaha’s tail, is “Sri Citra KaarmukaH”. Between the legs of the boar on both the and under its tail, leaves of acquatic plants are sculpted. These are similar to those at the base of the Varaha and Gajalakshmi panels in the Varaha Mandapam. These indicate that the boar which represents Vishnu, is diving under water, not merely digging.

However, how to explain the engraved titles of Rajasimha, as the Chalukyan attacked the Pallava kingdom before the reign of Rajasimha. To explain it, Rabe tells that it was most possible that like other monoliths, this Varaha was also executed during the period of Narasimhavarman I(630–668 AD). Therefore, when the Chalukyas attacked the Pallavas, during the reign of Narasimhavarman I and Parameshvaravarman I, this monolith was present in the temple complex. As the Varaha was destroyed before the reign of Rajasimha (695 to 722 AD), it was Rajasimha who restored it and that’s how we find his titles engraved on it. (Above description source Internet). Location - Mada Koil St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104, India

Daphne cneorum (Thymelaceae) 124 23

Daphne cneorum (the garland flower or rose daphne) is a species of flowering plant in the family Thymelaeaceae, native to the mountains of central and southern Europe.

It is a prostrate spreading evergreen shrub to 20 cm , grown for its dense clusters of highly fragrant pink flowers in spring.

All parts of the plant are poisonous to humans.

The Latin specific epithet cneorum comes from the Greek and means “like a small olive bush”

Ranunculus alpestris (ranunculaceae) 159 21

Ranunculus alpestris (Alpine buttercup) is a plant belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, which lives in the high Alpine valleys.

It can be found between 2,100 and,2,800 meters (rarely at lower altitudes) in grasslands and water-rich detrital snow valleys.

It is a perennial herbaceous plant, maximum 12 cm high, with prostrate habit and ascending glabrous stems.

A rare attempt to get in close. Got some odd looks from passers by as a I lay prostrate on the ground!

Statue of St. John of Nepomuk (Jan Nepomucký) at the side of St. Vitus cathedral in the Prague Castle. The saint, martyred in Prague in the XIV c., is highly revered and there are several statues of his, along with a Baroque tomb inside the cathedral. Here, the prostrate saint is attended by an angel with spread wings, it is all very inspiring. And then there is this little guy. I don't know what to think. I am unaware of the significance of this shoe.

A few weeks ago I took a solo road trip to find some birds and get out of Ottawa. I wrote a bit about the experience when I posted an image of a fog-bound Red-breasted Merganser.

In the description of that image, I mentioned that lying down on the shoreline was an all-in experience: one was investing, as it were, in ducks, and there would be no ‘hey, look at the neat Warbler’ moments, almost in the water and mucky and prostrate. Add my age and general aches and pains and I was staying down for a while, concentrating on opportunities to photograph the ducks.

Well, that was not entirely true. A pair of Beavers was moving back and forth, finding food and returning to a lodge, perhaps to young. I had never really tried a ‘Beaver swimming’ image before, as it seemed destined to fail. But these creatures were much closer, and I was already eye to eye - and I am really happy with this one. The fog was intense, but the Beaver was close enough for nice details.

I did mention in the earlier post that shifting position led me to enter the water inadvertently and in a somewhat significant way. The Beaver decision was the cause of the position shift and immersion experience. I was in new territory and inexpertly exaggerated the security of the terrain. Camera unaffected, so all was good.

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Ranunculus alpestris (Ranunculaceae) 152 22

Ranunculus alpestris (Alpine buttercup) is a plant belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, which lives in the high Alpine valleys.

It can be found between 2,100 and,2,800 meters (rarely at lower altitudes) in grasslands and water-rich detrital snow valleys.

It is a perennial herbaceous plant, a maximum of 12 cm high, with a prostrate habit and ascending glabrous stems.

Grevillea is a diverse genus of about 360 species of evergreen flowering plants in the family Proteaceae, native to rainforest and more open habitats in Australia, New Guinea, New Caledonia, Sulawesi and other Indonesian islands. The species range from prostrate shrubs less than 50 cm tall to trees 35 m tall. Common names include grevillea, spider flower, silky oak and toothbrush plant. The brightly coloured, petal-less flowers consist of a calyx tube that splits into 4 lobes with long styles. They are good bird-attracting plants, honeyeaters in particular are common visitors. Grevillea flowers were a traditional favourite among Aborigines for their sweet nectar. This could be shaken onto the hand to enjoy, or into a coolamon with a little water to make a sweet drink. They might be referred to as the original 'bush lollies'. 39481

The common mallow is part of the large family of Malvaceae plants that include cotton, okra and hibiscus. It is an edible plant that has been used for medicinal care as well as food. The fruits are round and have cheese-like wedges which give the common mallow its nickname, cheese plant. Mallow stems are flexible and come from a central point, often lounging on the ground. This wild edible is used as herbal medicine in a variety of ways. It is an anti-inflammatory, diuretic, demulcent, emollient, laxative and an expectorant.

Distinguishing Features

Common mallow is a winter or summer annual or biennial, freely branching at the base, with a prostrate growth habit. It is a low growing weed, with a deep fleshy tap root. The seeds germinate through the summer and broken stems can also root. This plant has stems that originate from a deep tap root and are low spreading with branches that reach from a few centimetres to almost 60 centimetres long.

Common Mallow

Flowers

The flowers are borne either singly or in clusters in the leaf axils blooming from June to late autumn. They have 5 petals and are white, pinkish or lilac flowers that measure on average, 1 to 1.5 cm across.

Leaves

Common mallow leaves are alternate, on long petioles, circular to kidney-shaped, toothed and shallowly 5-9 lobed, 2-6 cm wide. Short hairs present on upper and lower leaf surfaces, margins and petioles.

Height

This plant can grow anywhere from 10 to 60 cm in length.

Habitat

The common mallow likes to grow in lawns, gardens, roadsides, waste areas and cropland. It originated in Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa and is also in the Americas and Australia.

Edible Parts

All parts of this plant are edible. The leaves can be added to a salad, the fruit can be a substitute for capers and the flowers can be tossed into a salad. When cooked, the leaves create a mucus very similar to okra and can be used as a thickener to soups and stews. The flavour of the leaves is mild. Dried leaves can be used for tea. Mallow roots release a thick mucus when boiled in water. The thick liquid that is created can be beaten to make a meringue-like substitute for egg whites. Common mallow leaves are rich in vitamins A and C as well as calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and selenium.

www.ediblewildfood.com/mallow.aspx

FLOR: 25 mm de diàmetre

CATALÀ

Viola riviniana és una espècie de flor del gènere Viola i la família de les violàcies. És natural de tot Europa i de la regió del mediterrani (Algèria, el Marroc, Tunis i Líban).

ENGLISH

Viola riviniana, the common dog-violet, is a species of flowering plant in the family Violaceae, native to Eurasia and Africa. It is also called wood violet and dog violet. It inhabits woodland edges, grassland and shady hedge banks. It is found in all soils except those which are acid or very wet.

Growing to 10 cm (3.9 in) tall and 50 cm (20 in) broad, this prostrate perennial has dark green, heart-shaped leaves and produces multiple violet coloured flowers in May and June.

Viola riviniana was voted the county flower of Lincolnshire in 2002, following a poll by the wild plant conservation charity Plantlife.

Saponaria ocymoides (Caryophyllaceae) 101 20

Saponaria ocymoides (rock soapwort or tumbling Ted) is a species of semi-evergreen perennial flowering plants belonging to the family Caryophyllaceae, native to southwestern and southern central Europe.

This species ranges from the mountains of Spain to Corsica, Sardinia and Slovenia, from the Apennines to the Alps. It grows in rocky and stony places, dry slopes and forests (especially pine forests). It prefers calcareous (alkaline) soils, at an altitude of up to 1,500 meters, rarely up to 2,400 meters.

Reaching a height of 10–40 centimeters, the stem is prostrate to ascending, woody, reddish, quite hairy and very branched. The leaves are ovate to lanceolate, sessile and hair. The five-petalled flowers are arranged in groups at the ends of branches. They have red or pink (rarely white) petals and blue anthers. The flowering period extends from May to August in the Northern Hemisphere. The fruit is an ovoid capsule.

From Wikipedia.