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A Sundew in flower. This is a carnivorous plant that supplements poor soil nutrition by digesting insects. The insects are attracted to the plant by the sticky drops which cover the leaves which prevents their escape. The plant secretes enzymes which dissolve the insect and the nutrients are then absorbed through the leaf surfaces to the rest of the plant. The flower of the sundew is held high above the plant. This isolation of the flower is believed to prevent the trapping of potential pollinators.
The largest snail found in BC and such fascinating creatures - unless you are a clam 😉
They can get up to 13cm (5in) in diameter and have been known to live 15 years. You don’t often see them as they live most of their lives buried in the sand. With their mantle extruded entirely over their shell providing a smooth slithery surface, they cruise through the sand on the hunt for clams. Butter clams are their favourite meal which they can smell as they prowl. It uses its large foot to grasp the clam and then it bores into it with its radula, a long ribbon like tongue which contains thousands of teeth. The moon snail is equipped with enzyme secretions which have a softening effect on the shell and aids the snail in drilling through the shell, this can take several days. When you find clamshells with a perfect hole in their shell, you can bet they were lunch for the moon snail.
A female moon snail will lay thousands of eggs which are encased in a structure called a sand collar. She will use mucus to cement the grains of sand together to form a layer of flexible material which now surrounds her body. She then produce thousands of eggs and distributes them evenly between her flesh and the sand layer. A second layer of sand and mucus is then produced in the same manner as the first and placed over the eggs to form the sand collar.
When finished, the snail leaves the sand collar by digging into the sand and moving away from underneath it. (Many people think that these are trash on the beach and want to take them away, please leave them be)
Although Halloween is over, the pumpkins that served as Jack-O-Lanterns are still very much alive. They have become a cauldron filled with gooey, oozing, fuzzy, stringy, tangled web of enzymes, spores, and mold. All of which are breaking down and consuming the "delectable" flesh of the pumpkin.....every last drop.
Threads to Condemn
Description: The Drosera filiformis is a perennial (insectivore) carnivore plant belonging in the class Magnoliopsida, order Caryophyllales, suborder Polygonineae and family Droseraceae.
Once the seeds germinate, tiny threads of curved leaves begin to form. The curves are in spiral and proceeds to slowly uncurl as the plant grows. Many leaves are born and they grow tall compared to other Drosera species. Once the leaves are fully grown, they take an erect or semi-erect appearance. Their natural distribution areas extend from the East coast of North America from the Southwest of New Scotland, to the North, through New England to Florida and Louisiana, to the South. They grow in marshy places with poorly-mineralized soil where umidity is constant and sunlight abundant. There are many variations and hybrids, and all were introduced in other places. All of them should be cultivated equally; abundant watering with chlorine-free water and abundant sunlight with a substract consisting of poor-quality soil that can retain water, preferrably Sphagnum sp. moss, live or dehydrated. Rich or semi-rich soil burns the roots, and so does water with chlorine.
They do require winter protection if grown in cold weathers as the plant is sensitive to frost, but the seeds need colder temperatures to germinate. To germinate the seeds, they should be scattered onto damp and cold stratification. Sphagnum sp. moss is exceptional at this. The seeds should never be buried as they need the direct contact with sunlight to germinate; this means you should spray water instead of dropping a heavy amount of water onto the substract, as the heavy impact may bury the seeds.
The plant can catch prey on its own, with no need of human interference and they can survive with water alone.
Drosera filiformis needs a dormancy period. When this dormancy happens, the leaves of the plant will completely wither and die and a hibernacula (a small, brown, dormant bud just at or below the soil level) is produced. Resistance to cold is drastically increased during this stage, which remains for several months. When the temperature grows the plant will re-emerge from the hibernacula and proceed to grow.
The leaves are covered with tiny structures that ooze a droplet of mucilage. This mucilage is extremely sticky attractive to insects, which get digested by the plant when stuck through the production of digestive enzymes. The flowers are of a pinkish coloring.
The propagation is done through seeds or through leaves in a process known as "leaf-cutting".
Sources:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drosera_filiformis
www.carnivoras.com.br/drosera-filiformis-t3422.html
www.carnivorousplants.org/grow/guides/Dfiliformis
www.predatoryplants.com/Drosera-filiformis-p/dro-fil.htm
PROJECT NOAH (Português): www.projectnoah.org/spottings/1274571445
The Moderna mRNA vaccine contains an ingredient known as “SM-102,” which is well documented to be toxic to humans and animals. SM-102 is an ionizable amino lipid that has been used in combination with other lipids in the formation of lipid nanoparticles. Administration of luciferase mRNA in SM-102-containing lipid nanoparticles induces hepatic luciferase expression in mice. Formulations containing SM-102 have been used in the development of lipid nanoparticles for delivery of mRNA-based vaccines.
Check it out for yourself. Go to: www.modernatx.com/patents
Then click on: US 10,703,789
Scroll down the PDF to page 46, Table 4.
Read the list of ingredients in the list, and you will see Luciferase listed three times.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luciferase
Luciferase is a generic term for the class of oxidative enzymes that produce bioluminescence, and is usually distinguished from a photoprotein. The name was first used by Raphaël Dubois who invented the words luciferin and luciferase, for the substrate and enzyme, respectively. Both words are derived from the Latin word lucifer, meaning “lightbearer”, which in turn is derived from the Latin words for “light” (lux) and “to bring or carry” (ferre).
This reminds me of Microsoft patent: WO/2020/060606: patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2020060606
patents.google.com/patent/WO2020060606A1/en
Human body activity associated with a task provided to a user may be used in a mining process of a cryptocurrency system. A server may provide a task to a device of a user which is communicatively coupled to the server. A sensor communicatively coupled to or comprised in the device of the user may sense body activity of the user. Body activity data may be generated based on the sensed body activity of the user. The cryptocurrency system communicatively coupled to the device of the user may verify if the body activity data satisfies one or more conditions set by the cryptocurrency system, and award cryptocurrency to the user whose body activity data is verified.
Then there is little Elon Musk and his brain computer start-up, which raised $205 million from Google Ventures and others. Neuralink is trying to develop high-bandwidth brain implants that can communicate with phones and computers. And Elon Musk is not the only one developing this antichrist junk. Can you guys and gals see the bigger picture here? Things are setting up to fulfill End Time Bible Prophecy!
www.cnbc.com/2021/07/30/elon-musks-neuralink-backed-by-go...
What happened before the flood? Fallen angelic beings mated with humans, and so mankind had changed from how God had originally created them. This was very wicked in God’s eyes. The fruit of all this was utter wickedness, so God flooded the earth. Now, in our day, they want to merge man and AI. But most people are asleep and clueless. Once people are changed from how God created them, God will once again pour out His wrath upon the earth. This time it will not be a judgment of water—but of fire.
Predatory Reduviidae uses the long rostrum to inject lethal saliva that liquefies the insides of the prey, which are then sucked out. The saliva contains enzymes that digest the tissues they swallow. This process is generally referred to as extraoral digestion. The saliva is commonly effective at killing prey substantially larger than the bug itself.
Large specimens should be handled with caution, if at all, because they sometimes defend themselves with a very painful stab from the proboscis.
Source: Wikipedia
Ultra close-up of the stalked tentacles on the Cape Sundew, Drosera capensis, with sweet sticky mucilage to lure and trap insects. The drops also contain enzymes which enable the plant to digest the prey.
Laowa 100mm macro lens with extension tubes, 2 images combined.
WIKIPEDIA SAYS:
Raspberry) is a species of raspberry (Rubus subgenus Idaeobatus) native to northern China, Japan, and Korea.[1]
The species is a perennial plant which bears biennial stems ("canes") from the perennial root system. In its first year, a new stem grows vigorously to its full height of 1-3 m, unbranched, and bearing large pinnate leaves with three or five leaflets; normally it does not produce any flowers. In its second year, the stem does not grow taller, but produces several side shoots, which bear smaller leaves always with three leaflets; the leaves are white underneath.
The flowers are produced in late spring on short, very bristly racemes on the tips of these side shoots, each flower 6–10 mm diameter with five purplish red to pink petals and a bristly calyx. The fruit is orange or red, about 1 cm diameter, edible, produced in summer or early autumn; in botanical terminology, it is not a berry at all, but an aggregate fruit of numerous drupelets around a central core. Ripening occurs from early summer. The canes have fine, red thorns, which appear much like red hair.[1][2]
In addition to seed propagation, new plants are formed from the tips of existing canes touching the ground. They enjoy moist soil and grow near and within wooded areas.
As a fruit develops, it is surrounded by a protective calyx covered in hairs that exude tiny drops of sticky fluid. A 2009 study by Sina Pohl at the University of Vienna showed that plants do not get nutrients from insects caught in the sap: the sticky mucilage contains no digestive enzymes; surrounding tissues cannot absorb nutrients; and there are no protein-storage tissues. Also, unlike carnivorous plants, wineberry grows in nutrient-rich soil, so it has no need for insect nutrients.[3]
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubus_phoenicolasius
I HAVE ALWAYS WONDERED WHAT THAT FLESHY CORE WAS CALLED SO I GOOGLED THE TAXONOMY OF BRAMBLES....HERE IT IS!
The distinction between blackberries and raspberries revolves around fruit characteristics. All bramble fruits are aggregate fruits, which means they are formed by the aggregation of several smaller fruits, called drupelets. The drupelets are all attached to a structure called the receptacle, which is the fibrous central core of the fruit. In raspberries, the receptacle remains with the plant when fruit are picked, creating the hollow appearance of the harvested fruit. In blackberry, the drupelets remain attached to the receptacle, which comes off with the fruit when picked. A second distinction - raspberry drupelets are hairy and adhere to one-another, whereas blackberry drupelets are hairless and smooth.
SN/NC: Carica Papaya, Caricaceae Family
The papaya, a gift from the Caricaceae family, is a large, oval berry with a soft, buttery flesh. Its skin ripens from green to a vibrant sunset hue of orange and yellow. Inside, a central cavity is filled with glossy, black, peppery seeds. The taste is a sweet, musky tropical delight, often described as a milder cantaloupe. This fruit is not only delicious but is a rich source of the digestive enzyme papain.
A papaia, um fruto da família Caricaceae, é uma baga grande e oval de polpa macia e amanteigada. Sua casca amadurece do verde para tons vibrantes de laranja e amarelo. Internamente, uma cavidade central é preenchida com sementes negras e brilhantes. Seu sabor é uma doce e muskosa delícia tropical, frequentemente comparada a um melão mais suave. Além de deliciosa, é uma fonte rica da enzima digestiva papaína.
La papaya, un fruto de la familia Caricaceae, es una baya grande y ovalada con una pulpa suave y mantecosa. Su piel madura del verde a un vibrante tono naranja y amarillo. En su interior, una cavidad central está llena de semillas negras y brillantes. Su sabor es una dulce y muskosa delicia tropical, a menudo comparada con un melón más suave. Esta fruta no solo es deliciosa, sino también una rica fuente de la enzima digestiva papaína. Carica papaya, es una especie de planta arbustiva del género Carica en la familia Caricaceae. Su fruto se conoce comúnmente como papaya o papayón,olocoton, papayo en Canarias, lechosa en República Dominicana, melón papaya, melón de árbol .
La papaia, un frutto della famiglia Caricaceae, è una grande bacca ovale con una polpa morbida e burrosa. La sua buccia matura dal verde a una vivace tonalità di arancione e giallo. All'interno, una cavità centrale è piena di semi neri e lucidi. Il suo sapore è un dolce e muschiato piacere tropicale, spesso paragonato a un melone più delicato. Oltre che deliziosa, è una ricca fonte dell'enzima digestivo papaina.
La papaye, un fruit de la famille des Caricaceae, est une grande baie ovale à la chair tendre et beurrée. Sa peau passe du vert à une teinte orange et jaune vibrante. À l'intérieur, une cavité centrale est remplie de graines noires et brillantes. Sa saveur est une douce et musquée délice tropicale, souvent comparée à un melon plus doux. Ce fruit n'est pas seulement délicieux, il est aussi une riche source de l'enzyme digestive papaïne.
De papaja, een vrucht uit de Caricaceae-familie, is een grote, ovale bes met een zachte, boterachtige pulp. De schil rijpt van groen naar een levendige oranjegele kleur. Van binnen is een centrale holte gevuld met glanzende, zwarte zaadjes. De smaak is een zoete, muskusachtige tropische lekkernij, vaak omschreven als een mildere meloen. Deze vrucht is niet alleen heerlijk, maar ook een rijke bron van het spijsverteringsenzym papaïne.
Die Papaya, eine Frucht aus der Familie der Caricaceae, ist eine große, ovale Beere mit weichem, buttrigem Fruchtfleisch. Ihre Schale reift von Grün zu einem lebhaften Orange- und Gelbton. Im Inneren befindet sich eine zentrale Höhle, gefüllt mit glänzenden, schwarzen Samen. Ihr Geschmack ist eine süße, moschusartige tropische Köstlichkeit, oft als mildere Melone beschrieben. Diese Frucht ist nicht nur lecker, sondern auch eine reiche Quelle des Verdauungsenzyms Papain.
木瓜，属于番木瓜科的果实，是一种大型椭圆形浆果，果肉柔软似黄油。其外皮从绿色成熟为充满活力的橙黄色。果实内部的中空腔室充满了亮黑色的种子。它的味道是一种甜美、带有麝香气的热带美味，常被形容为更温和的甜瓜。这种水果不仅美味，还是消化酶木瓜蛋白酶的重要来源。
パパイアはパパイア科の果実で、大きく楕円形のベリーであり、柔らかくバターのような果肉を持ちます。皮は緑色から鮮やかなオレンジや黄色に熟します。内部の中央の空洞には、輝く黒い種が詰まっています。その味は甘く、ムスク香るトロピカルな美味しさで、よりマイルドなメロンとよく例えられます。この果実は美味しいだけでなく、消化酵素パパインの豊富な源です。
البابايا، إحدى ثمار فصيلة البابايا، هي توتة كبيرة بيضاوية ذات لب طري يشبه الزبدة. ينضج قشرها من اللون الأخضر إلى درجات نابضة بالحياة من البرتقالي والأصفر. بداخلها، تحتوي تجويفًا مركزيًا مليئًا ببذور سوداء لامعة. طعمها حلو ولذيذ ذو نكهة مسكية استوائية، غالبًا ما يشبه بطيخًا أخف. هذه الفاكهة ليست فقط لذيذة، ولكنها أيضًا مصدر غوي للإنزيم الهاضم الباباين.
The herring in a German herring salad is not raw in the sense of being completely unprepared. It is cured or pickled.
The most common type of herring used for German herring salad is "Matjes" or "Bismarck herring."
Matjes are young, mild herring that have been lightly salted and cured, often with enzymes remaining in the fish to help with the ripening process. They are not cooked with heat.
Bismarck herring are sexually mature herring fillets that are pickled in a sour marinade, typically containing vinegar, spices, and sometimes sugar. Again, they are not cooked with heat.
While not "cooked" in the traditional sense, the curing and pickling processes transform the fish, making it safe and delicious to eat.
It's a bit of a birders' bird and it looks rather uninteresting in thumbnail, so I'm not expecting much attention. But while out for a walk in a wood on the edge of the Peak District yesterday afternoon I found this Nightjar resting in a tree. It was such an unusual find of this nocturnal bird in broad daylight that I had to post it. They sit motionless during the day, near-impossible to find but after sunset they become active, making some wonderful calls and bouncing around the sky with great acrobatic agility. They eat insects which they catch on the wing by flying round with their enormous mouths open, like a Swift (Apus apus). They return from Africa in mid May and disappear in September after one or two broods of chicks. They are also scarce and extremely patchily distributed in Britain, but with their greatest populations on the dry heathlands of southern England. This is a male as you can see white patches on his tail below the branch. If you look carefully you can see the rictal bristles around the bill gape which increase the catching area for insects. I found him in a wood on the edge of the Peak District.
The scientific name Caprimulgus translates as goat-milker from the ancient belief (dating back before Aristotle) that Nightjars fed from goat udders, which caused them to stop producing milk, and eventually to go blind. This seems to be based on the simple observation that they have large mouths that might be capable of clamping on a goat's udder, but the large mouth is really to catch insects with. Because milk is a mammalian product, birds have never evolved the enzyme lactase that enables them to digest milk. It was fat that the Blue Tits used to steal off the top of the milk, and they stopped feeding from milk bottles once our tastes changed to low-fat semi-skimmed milk.
Anagallis arvensis
Anagallis arvensis (syn. Lysimachia arvensis), commonly known as the scarlet pimpernel, red pimpernel, red chickweed, poor man's barometer, poor man's weather-glass,[1] shepherd's weather glass or shepherd's clock, is a species of low-growing annual plant with brightly coloured flowers, most often scarlet but also bright blue and sometimes pink. The native range of the species is Europe and Western Asia and North Africa.[2] The species has been distributed widely by humans, either deliberately as an ornamental flower or accidentally.[3] A. arvensis is now naturalised almost worldwide, with a range that encompasses the Americas, Central and East Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, Malesia, the Pacific Islands, Australasia and Southern Africa.[4][5][6]
Traditionally included in the primrose family Primulaceae, the genus Anagallis was placed in the family Myrsinaceae[7] until that family in turn was included in Primulaceae in the APG III system. The genus Anagallis is included in Lysimachia by some authors.[8]
This common European plant is generally considered a weed and is an indicator of light soils, though it grows opportunistically in clay soils as well. The origin of the name pimpernel comes from late Middle English pympernele [1400–50], derived from Middle French pimprenelle, from Old French piprenelle, and ultimately from Vulgar Latin *piperinella (piper 'pepper' + -in- '-ine' + -ella diminutive suffix).
The flower serves as the emblem of the fictional hero the Scarlet Pimpernel.
Description
When found as a summer annual, the scarlet pimpernel has a low-growing creeping habit, but as a winter annual, it forms a half-rosette with an upright stem. It has weak sprawling stems with square cross-section growing to about 5–30 centimetres (2–12 in) long. They bear bright green, soft, ovate sessile leaves in opposite pairs. The orange, red or blue, radially symmetric flowers, about 10–15 millimetres (0.4–0.6 in) in diameter, are produced singly in the leaf axils from spring to autumn. The petal margins are somewhat crenate and have small glandular hairs. The stamens have lollipop hairs and therefore attract a variety of pollinators, especially flies, but the flowers are also capable of autopollination. The dehiscent capsule fruits ripen from August to October in the northern hemisphere. The weight of the fruiting body bends the stem, and the seeds are transported by the wind or rain. Blue-flowered plants (A. arvensis Forma azurea) are common in some areas, such as the Mediterranean region, and should not be confused with the related blue pimpernel, Anagallis foemina, sometimes Anagallis arvensis ssp. foemina. In 2007, a molecular phylogenetic study showed that Anagallis foemina is more closely related to Anagallis monelli than to Anagallis arvensis, and should be treated as a separate species.[9] The taxonomy has however not yet been resolved and various authorities propose either the subspecies Anagallis arvensis subsp. foemina (Mill.) Schinz & Thell, or the species Anagallis foemina Mill.[10] The plant has a diploid chromosome count of 2n=40.[11]
Scarlet pimpernel flowers open only when the sun shines, and even close in overcast conditions.[1] This habit leads to names such as "shepherd's weather glass". It has been observed along the verges of salted roads, creating a broad red band along the roadside.[12]
Scarlet pimpernel has a wide variety of flower colours. The petals of the type arvensis are bright red to minium-coloured; carnea is deep peach, lilacina is lilac; pallida is white; and azurea is blue. The blue form can be difficult to distinguish from A. foemina, but the petal margins are diagnostic: whereas foemina has clearly irregular petal margins with only 5 to 15 glandular hairs, A. arvensis f. azurea has 50 to 70 hairs on only slightly irregular margins.
Medical and agricultural significance
Anagallis arvensis is generally unwelcome as a cosmopolitan invasive species; it is harmfully toxic in several respects and accordingly undesirable in pastures. The plant is acrid and bitter, and grazing livestock generally avoid eating it except in conditions of overgrazing or grazing of unsatisfying stubble. Experimental feeding of the plant material to various animals, such as horses and dogs, caused gastroenteritis.[13] Sufficiently high doses proved fatal.[14] Less specifically the herb has been reported as being toxic to poultry and rabbits, and the seed to birds.[13]
Anagallis arvensis is less often used in folk medicine worldwide than where it has long been familiar in its countries of origin. In various countries however, the plant material has been applied externally to slow-healing ulcers and wounds. It also has been applied as an expectorant and as a remedy for pruritus, rheumatism, haemorrhoids, rabies, leprosy, and snake-bite. Anagallis has been used in treatment of non-specified types of phthisis, and of kidney-related conditions such as dropsy and chronic nephritis. It was used as an antidepressant in ancient Greece, and to treat various mental disorders in European folk medicine, leading to the German name Gauchheil (Gauch meaning 'fool, cuckoo' and heil meaning 'heal'). Generally however, documented evidence for clinical efficacy is lacking. Anagallis arvensis is traditionally known by pharmacists as Arvensis Herba[15]
Anagallis arvensis is insecticidal, or at least is repellent to some insects, possibly by virtue of its pungent essential oil which has a characteristic smell. Taken by mouth, experimental doses of the liquid in humans caused twenty-four hours of intense nausea, headache and bodily pain. Some people also experience dermatitis from contact with the leaf. Reports from Australia state that when grain crops have been infested by the weed, chaff that contains much of the material becomes unpalatable to stock as fodder. When grazing in pasture, livestock usually leave the plant alone, but when they do nonetheless eat significant quantities, they suffer diuretic and narcotic effects sufficiently intense to justify regarding the plant as poisonous.[14] Reportedly an Indian practice of expelling leeches from dog nostrils can lead to fatal results if the animal swallows the fluid.[13]
The herb and its seed contain saponins, which could explain why fresh material is strongly haemolytic.[16] Among other possible glycosides,[14] the root yields the triterpenoid glycoside cyclamin[13] which is highly toxic and occurs in Cyclamen species,[17] also a member of the subfamily Myrsinoideae, and arguably also in the Primulaceae.[18]
The plant contains tanning agents, bitters, and the proteolytic enzyme primverase.
Antibacterial tests of the green parts failed to show any encouraging positive effect.[13]
Bananas are the staple starch of many tropical populations. Depending upon cultivar and ripeness, the flesh can vary in taste from starchy to sweet, and texture from firm to mushy. Both skin and inner part can be eaten raw or cooked. Bananas' flavor is due, amongst other chemicals, to isoamyl acetate which is one of the main constituents of banana oil.
During the ripening process, bananas produce a plant hormone called ethylene, which indirectly affects the flavor. Among other things, ethylene stimulates the formation of amylase, an enzyme that breaks down starch into sugar, influencing the taste of bananas. The greener, less ripe bananas contain higher levels of starch and, consequently, have a "starchier" taste. On the other hand, yellow bananas taste sweeter due to higher sugar concentrations. Furthermore, ethylene signals the production of pectinase, an enzyme which breaks down the pectin between the cells of the banana, causing the banana to soften as it ripens.
Bananas are eaten deep fried, baked in their skin in a split bamboo, or steamed in glutinous rice wrapped in a banana leaf. Bananas can be made into jam. Banana pancakes are popular amongst backpackers and other travelers in South Asia and Southeast Asia. This has elicited the expression Banana Pancake Trail for those places in Asia that cater to this group of travelers. Banana chips are a snack produced from sliced dehydrated or fried banana or plantain, which have a dark brown color and an intense banana taste. Dried bananas are also ground to make banana flour. Extracting juice is difficult, because when a banana is compressed, it simply turns to pulp. Bananas fried with batter is a popular dessert in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. A similar dish is known in the United States as banana fritters. Plantains are used in various stews and curries or cooked, baked or mashed in much the same way as potatoes.
www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=xZGXs3P...
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami FL
Well things are not going to well with our son. His enzyme count on his liver has doubled. Tonight he said he was so tired, just climbing the stairs wore him out. The medication doesn’t seem to be working. They will do another test on the 31st. Please keep him in your prayers. I can accept what ever the Lord has in store for him, but we always want it to be our way. God gave him to us and we will have to give him back when the time comes. You all have been so beautiful and supportive of our needs. Thanks and May God Bless us all, and when depressing thoughts seem to get you down; “Put a smile on your face and thank God you're alive and still around.”
Photographed in Tanzania, Africa
=> Please click on the image to see the largest size. <=
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From Wikipedia: Flamingos or flamingoes are a type of wading bird in the family Phoenicopteridae, which is the only extant family in the order Phoenicopteriformes. There are four flamingo species distributed throughout the Americas (including the Caribbean), and two species native to Afro-Eurasia.
A group of flamingoes is called a "flamboyance".
Description:
Flamingos usually stand on one leg with the other tucked beneath the body. The reason for this behaviour is not fully understood. One theory is that standing on one leg allows the birds to conserve more body heat, given that they spend a significant amount of time wading in cold water. However, the behaviour also takes place in warm water and is also observed in birds that do not typically stand in water. An alternative theory is that standing on one leg reduces the energy expenditure for producing muscular effort to stand and balance on one leg. A study on cadavers showed that the one-legged pose could be held without any muscle activity, while living flamingos demonstrate substantially less body sway in a one-legged posture. As well as standing in the water, flamingos may stamp their webbed feet in the mud to stir up food from the bottom.
Flamingos are capable flyers, and flamingos in captivity often require wing clipping to prevent escape. A pair of African flamingos which had not yet had their wings clipped escaped from the Wichita, Kansas zoo in 2005. One was spotted in Texas 14 years later. It had been seen previously by birders in Texas, Wisconsin and Louisiana.
Young flamingos hatch with grayish-red plumage, but adults range from light pink to bright red due to aqueous bacteria and beta-carotene obtained from their food supply. A well-fed, healthy flamingo is more vibrantly colored, thus a more desirable mate; a white or pale flamingo, however, is usually unhealthy or malnourished. Captive flamingos are a notable exception; they may turn a pale pink if they are not fed carotene at levels comparable to the wild.
The greater flamingo is the tallest of the six different species of flamingos, standing at 3.9 to 4.7 feet (1.2 to 1.4 m) with a weight up to 7.7 pounds (3.5 kg), and the shortest flamingo species (the lesser) has a height of 2.6 feet (0.8 m) and weighs 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg). Flamingos can have a wingspan as small as 37 inches (94 cm) to as big as 59 inches (150 cm).
Flamingos can open their bills by raising the upper jaw as well as by dropping the lower.
Feeding:
Flamingos filter-feed on brine shrimp and blue-green algae as well as insect larvae, small insects, mollusks and crustaceans making them omnivores. Their bills are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they eat, and are uniquely used upside-down. The filtering of food items is assisted by hairy structures called lamellae, which line the mandibles, and the large, rough-surfaced tongue. The pink or reddish color of flamingos comes from carotenoids in their diet of animal and plant plankton. American flamingos are a brighter red color because of the beta carotene availability in their food while the lesser flamingos are a paler pink due to ingesting a smaller amount of this pigment. These carotenoids are broken down into pigments by liver enzymes. The source of this varies by species, and affects the color saturation. Flamingos whose sole diet is blue-green algae are darker than those that get it second-hand by eating animals that have digested blue-green algae).
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The bananas in my Banana Jungle aren't like the ones in the grocery store. They're stocky and sturdy and hearty and thoroughly delicious. They're called Sweet Fig Bananas.
Today this whole bunch is ripe and ready and it's time for me to peel back the skins, slice and bag all the ones we can't eat. They are fantastic frozen... 40 pounds is more than enough for now and for later. You have to taste them to appreciate the difference Living in a Jungle makes... even if you're a banana!
Bananas are the staple starch of many tropical populations. Depending upon cultivar and ripeness, the flesh can vary in taste from starchy to sweet, and texture from firm to mushy. Both skin and inner part can be eaten raw or cooked. Bananas' flavor is due, amongst other chemicals, to isoamyl acetate which is one of the main constituents of banana oil.
During the ripening process, bananas produce a plant hormone called ethylene, which indirectly affects the flavor. Among other things, ethylene stimulates the formation of amylase, an enzyme that breaks down starch into sugar, influencing the taste of bananas. The greener, less ripe bananas contain higher levels of starch and, consequently, have a "starchier" taste. On the other hand, yellow bananas taste sweeter due to higher sugar concentrations. Furthermore, ethylene signals the production of pectinase, an enzyme which breaks down the pectin between the cells of the banana, causing the banana to soften as it ripens.
Bananas are eaten deep fried, baked in their skin in a split bamboo, or steamed in glutinous rice wrapped in a banana leaf. Bananas can be made into jam. Banana pancakes are popular amongst backpackers and other travelers in South Asia and Southeast Asia. This has elicited the expression Banana Pancake Trail for those places in Asia that cater to this group of travelers. Banana chips are a snack produced from sliced dehydrated or fried banana or plantain, which have a dark brown color and an intense banana taste. Dried bananas are also ground to make banana flour. Extracting juice is difficult, because when a banana is compressed, it simply turns to pulp. Bananas fried with batter is a popular dessert in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. A similar dish is known in the United States as banana fritters. Plantains are used in various stews and curries or cooked, baked or mashed in much the same way as potatoes.
www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=xZGXs3P...
Biscayne Park, FL
This was taken way back in May during a visit to the Royal Horticultural Society’s main garden at Wisley, in their tropical house. I was using a vintage lens, the Flektogon 2.4/35.
I have no idea what it is but if I were a fly I would be very suspicious. To my mind (and multifaceted eyes) these look like lips on their side… er… seen from the inside, as it were. (Come on, use your imagination and go with the story…). And the plant, hanging from its host looks distinctly carnivorous. One contact you’re stuck and doomed to descend slowly into the pit of enzymes below.
Originally I thought of submitting this tomorrow for the Smile on Saturday’s theme of a flower in a portrait orientation image, as it was one of the very few portrait images I have of flora. But smiling on Saturday seems inconsistent with this title and the forced contemplation of the gruesome end that awaits you here.
So I’ll just post it for Friday Flora today, to cheer you up. I just hope you make it through to tomorrow now...
Thank you for taking the time to look. I hope (kind of) that you enjoy the image and that it doesn’t enjoy you. Happy Freitagsblümchen :)
Nothing says Florida more than the Flamingo, and there's nothing prettier than seeing one contrasting against a pretty blue-sky water reflection, on a lovely Florida Spring day. They are fun to observe.
American Flamingo ~ West Palm Beach, Florida U.S.A.
A South Florida beauty, there are two parts to the chemistry that makes a flamingo pink/red/coral; the carotenoids in the food that provide the pigments, and there are the specific enzymes produced by the species which utilize those pigments, providing its brilliant color
(click more comments to see 6-shot series)
This adorable little guy is displaying its orange colored osmeterium to ward off predators by mimicking a snake's tongue while also emitting a foul odor produced by its enzymes!
Shot in my back garden. This spider had two wasps neatly wound in silk and he is seen here with one fang at least pumping enzymes into the wasp to break down the tissue to a soup like consistency which it then sucks back into its own stomach.
Passiflora caerulea is edible, it is rather insipid when eaten raw. A tea can be made of the flower or leaves; however, tetraphyllin B and epi-tetraphyllin B, cyanogenic glycosides which liberate hydrogen cyanide when activated by enzymes, have been found in the leaves. It is possible to boil away most of the cyanide.
Woolhope Herefordshire.
Reduviidae, Assassin bug
I was focusing on a spider devouring its prey when this little assassin landing on my hair and then fly again to the nearby grass. Hey! nobody step on my head and get away that easy.... I have been looking for this species for a while, so the spider can get back in the queue. This is Assassin bug .... they most commonly have an elongated head with a distinct narrowed neck, long legs, and a prominent rostrum for feeding. If harassed, they can use their rostrum to deliver a painful bite, which in some species can be medically significant. Predatory Reduviidae use the long rostrum to inject lethal saliva that liquefies the insides of the prey, which are then sucked out. The saliva contains enzymes that predigest the tissues they swallow. This method is commonly effective at killing prey substantially larger than the bug itself. Some species tend to feed on pests such as cockroaches or bedbugs and are accordingly popular in regions where people regard their hunting as beneficial. Some people even breed them as pets and for pest control.
Giant Water Bugs are large insects, that can fly from pond to pond. They are ambush hunters waiting for prey to come between the strong forelegs then it is grasped with the hooks on the end of the legs and pierced with the rostrum and toxic enzymes kill the prey and start digesting, the digested food is then drawn back through the rostrum.
This nymph is about 12mm long, the adults can be 40 to 62mm long.
A robber fly with prey - froghopper/leafhopper. You can see bubbles in the head of the prey. From wikipedia: The short, strong proboscis is used to stab and inject victims with saliva containing neurotoxic and proteolytic enzymes which paralyze and digest the insides; the fly then sucks the liquefied meal through the proboscis
More robber flies here: orionmystery.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-robber-flies-collect...
Bananas are the staple starch of many tropical populations. Depending upon cultivar and ripeness, the flesh can vary in taste from starchy to sweet, and texture from firm to mushy. Both skin and inner part can be eaten raw or cooked. Bananas' flavor is due, amongst other chemicals, to isoamyl acetate which is one of the main constituents of banana oil.
During the ripening process, bananas produce a plant hormone called ethylene, which indirectly affects the flavor. Among other things, ethylene stimulates the formation of amylase, an enzyme that breaks down starch into sugar, influencing the taste of bananas. The greener, less ripe bananas contain higher levels of starch and, consequently, have a "starchier" taste. On the other hand, yellow bananas taste sweeter due to higher sugar concentrations. Furthermore, ethylene signals the production of pectinase, an enzyme which breaks down the pectin between the cells of the banana, causing the banana to soften as it ripens.
Bananas are eaten deep fried, baked in their skin in a split bamboo, or steamed in glutinous rice wrapped in a banana leaf. Bananas can be made into jam. Banana pancakes are popular amongst backpackers and other travelers in South Asia and Southeast Asia. This has elicited the expression Banana Pancake Trail for those places in Asia that cater to this group of travelers. Banana chips are a snack produced from sliced dehydrated or fried banana or plantain, which have a dark brown color and an intense banana taste. Dried bananas are also ground to make banana flour. Extracting juice is difficult, because when a banana is compressed, it simply turns to pulp. Bananas fried with batter is a popular dessert in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. A similar dish is known in the United States as banana fritters.
Plantains are used in various stews and curries or cooked, baked or mashed in much the same way as potatoes.
Seeded bananas (Musa balbisiana), the forerunner of the common domesticated banana, are sold in markets in Indonesia.
Banana hearts are used as a vegetable in South Asian and Southeast Asian cuisine, either raw or steamed with dips or cooked in soups and curries. The flavor resembles that of artichoke. As with artichokes, both the fleshy part of the bracts and the heart are edible. The tender core of the banana plant's trunk is also used in South Asian and Southeast Asian cuisine, and notably in the Burmese dish mohinga.
Banana leaves are large, flexible, and waterproof. They are often used as ecologically friendly disposable food containers or as "plates" in South Asia and several Southeast Asian countries. Especially in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu in every occasion the food must be served in a banana leaf and as a part of the food a banana is served. Steamed with dishes they impart a subtle sweet flavor. They often serve as a wrapping for grilling food. The leaves contain the juices, protects food from burning and adds a subtle flavor.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami, FL
horseshoe crabs are laying and the bird await their departure to dig out the eggs.
From Wiki: A low horseshoe crab population in the Delaware Bay is hypothesized to endanger the future of the red knot. Red knots, long-distance migratory shorebirds, feed on the protein-rich eggs during their stopovers on the beaches of New Jersey and Delaware. An effort is ongoing to develop adaptive-management plans to regulate horseshoe crab harvests in the bay in a way that protects migrating shorebirds. Helping the effort is a moratorium on fishing with the horseshoe crabs, and a decline in harvesting of horseshoe crab blood in the pharmaceutical industry (blood is used to detect bacterial LPS or endotoxin). In 1986, Kyushu University researchers discovered that the same test could be achieved by using isolated Limulus clotting factor C (rFC), an enzyme found in LAL, as by using LAL itself. Jeak Ling Ding, a National University of Singapore researcher, patented a process for manufacturing rFC; on 8 May 2003, synthetic isolated rFC made via her patented process was put for sale for the first time. Industry at first took little interest in the new product, however, as it was patent-encumbered, not yet approved by regulators, and sold by a single manufacturer, Lonza Group. In 2013, however, Hyglos GmbH also began manufacturing its own rFC product. This, combined with the acceptance of rFC by European regulators, the comparable cost between LAL and rFC, and support from Eli Lilly and Company, which has committed to use rFC in lieu of LAL, is projected to all but end the practice of blood harvesting from horseshoe crabs.
The state butterfly of Florida, the Zebra Longwing can live longer than most other butterflies, which is about 2-4 weeks. This is because while feeding on nectar, a longwing collects globs of sticky pollen on its proboscis. After enough pollen is collected the butterfly will regurgitate digestive enzymes on to the pollen mass, breaking it down to a digestible pollen rich supplement. This contributes to the butterfly's longer lifespan.
The spider species Araneus diadematus is commonly called the European garden spider, cross orbweaver, diadem spider, orangie, cross spider, and crowned orb weaver. It is sometimes called the pumpkin spider, although this name is also used for a different species, Araneus marmoreus. It is an orb-weaver spider found in Europe, where it is native, and North America, where it was introduced.
Range
A. diadematus has a holarctic distribution throughout Europe and across North America, from southern Canada to Mexico, and from British Columbia to Newfoundland.
Size and markings
Individual spiders' colourings can range from extremely light yellow to very dark grey, but all A. diadematus spiders have mottled white markings across the dorsal abdomen, with four or more segments forming a cross. The markings are formed in cells filled with guanine, which is a byproduct of protein metabolism.
Adult females range in length from 6.5 to 20 mm (0.26 to 0.79 in), while males range from 5.5 to 13 mm (0.22 to 0.51 in). Occasionally, the female will eat the male directly after mating.
Specialization
The legs of orb-weaver spiders are specialized for spinning orb webs. The webs are built by the larger females, which hang head down in the center of the web or remain hidden in nearby foliage, with one claw hooked to a signal line connected to the main orb, waiting for a disturbance to signal the arrival of prey. Prey is then quickly wrapped in silk and bitten, and the prey may hang on the web to be stored for later consumption. The initial bite serves to paralyze the prey and minimize the danger of the spider herself being stung or bitten, and the enzymes thus injected serve to begin liquefaction of the prey's internal structures.
Alongside the use of the web to capture other prey, the spiders are also cannibals and prey on each other, but this only happens just before, during, or just after sexual activity. They attack based on their size, sexual experience, and hunger levels.
A. diadematus is a reclusive creature and only bites humans if cornered or otherwise provoked. It responds to a disturbance by vibrating rapidly in its web until it becomes a blur, a reaction that is assumed to confuse potential predators
Purple Pitcher Plant, Northern Pitcher Plant, Turtle Socks, Side-saddle Flower, Sarracenia purpurea. THREATENED. Medicinal plant used by Native American people. Carnivorus plant that produces proteases and hydrolases that are digestive enzymes to aid in shredding prey items. Later in life bacteria and other natural prey processing life form colonies in the base of the plant that also digest prey to provide nutrients.
1 of 3 in a series.
Orono Bog Boardwalk, Bangor City Forest, Bangor, Penobscot County, Maine, USA. ©bryanjsmith
The colouration of these two Sarracenia 'Adrian Slack' pitchers is best appreciated in the evening light, so I waited for the best moment to make the shots (five stacked frames).
The plant attracts its insect prey with secretions from extrafloral nectaries on the lip of the pitcher leaves, as well as a combination of the leaves' color and scent. Slippery footing at the pitcher's rim, aided in at least one species by a narcotic drug lacing the nectar, causes insects to fall inside, where they die and are digested by the plant with proteases and other enzymes.
From Wikipedia.
Insects in the Diptera family Asilidae are commonly called robber flies. The family Asilidae contains about 7,100 described species worldwide.
All robber flies have stout, spiny legs, a dense moustache of bristles on the face (mystax), and 3 simple eyes (ocelli) in a characteristic depression between their two large compound eyes. The mystax helps protect the head and face when the fly encounters prey bent on defense. The antennae are short, 3-segmented, sometimes with a bristle-like structure called an arista.
The short, strong proboscis is used to stab and inject victims with saliva containing neurotoxic and proteolytic enzymes which paralyze and digest the insides; the fly then sucks the liquefied meal through the proboscis. Many species have long, tapering abdomens, sometimes with a sword-like ovipositor. Others are fat-bodied bumblebee mimics. Adult robber flies attack other flies, beetles, butterflies and moths, various bees, ants, dragon and damselflies, Ichneumon wasps, grasshoppers, and some spiders.
Technical Info:
Canon 100mm f2.8 macro lens + 20mm ET
f11
1/125
ISO200
DIY diffuser
Photographed in Tanzania, Africa
=> Please click on the image to see the largest size. <=
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From Wikipedia: Flamingos or flamingoes are a type of wading bird in the family Phoenicopteridae, which is the only extant family in the order Phoenicopteriformes. There are four flamingo species distributed throughout the Americas (including the Caribbean), and two species native to Afro-Eurasia.
A group of flamingoes is called a "flamboyance".
Description:
Flamingos usually stand on one leg with the other tucked beneath the body. The reason for this behaviour is not fully understood. One theory is that standing on one leg allows the birds to conserve more body heat, given that they spend a significant amount of time wading in cold water. However, the behaviour also takes place in warm water and is also observed in birds that do not typically stand in water. An alternative theory is that standing on one leg reduces the energy expenditure for producing muscular effort to stand and balance on one leg. A study on cadavers showed that the one-legged pose could be held without any muscle activity, while living flamingos demonstrate substantially less body sway in a one-legged posture. As well as standing in the water, flamingos may stamp their webbed feet in the mud to stir up food from the bottom.
Flamingos are capable flyers, and flamingos in captivity often require wing clipping to prevent escape. A pair of African flamingos which had not yet had their wings clipped escaped from the Wichita, Kansas zoo in 2005. One was spotted in Texas 14 years later. It had been seen previously by birders in Texas, Wisconsin and Louisiana.
Young flamingos hatch with grayish-red plumage, but adults range from light pink to bright red due to aqueous bacteria and beta-carotene obtained from their food supply. A well-fed, healthy flamingo is more vibrantly colored, thus a more desirable mate; a white or pale flamingo, however, is usually unhealthy or malnourished. Captive flamingos are a notable exception; they may turn a pale pink if they are not fed carotene at levels comparable to the wild.
The greater flamingo is the tallest of the six different species of flamingos, standing at 3.9 to 4.7 feet (1.2 to 1.4 m) with a weight up to 7.7 pounds (3.5 kg), and the shortest flamingo species (the lesser) has a height of 2.6 feet (0.8 m) and weighs 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg). Flamingos can have a wingspan as small as 37 inches (94 cm) to as big as 59 inches (150 cm).
Flamingos can open their bills by raising the upper jaw as well as by dropping the lower.
Feeding:
Flamingos filter-feed on brine shrimp and blue-green algae as well as insect larvae, small insects, mollusks and crustaceans making them omnivores. Their bills are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they eat, and are uniquely used upside-down. The filtering of food items is assisted by hairy structures called lamellae, which line the mandibles, and the large, rough-surfaced tongue. The pink or reddish color of flamingos comes from carotenoids in their diet of animal and plant plankton. American flamingos are a brighter red color because of the beta carotene availability in their food while the lesser flamingos are a paler pink due to ingesting a smaller amount of this pigment. These carotenoids are broken down into pigments by liver enzymes. The source of this varies by species, and affects the color saturation. Flamingos whose sole diet is blue-green algae are darker than those that get it second-hand by eating animals that have digested blue-green algae).
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The short, strong proboscis is used to stab and inject victims with saliva containing neurotoxic and proteolytic enzymes which paralyze and digest the insides; the fly then sucks the liquefied meal through the proboscis. Many species have long, tapering abdomens, sometimes with a sword-like ovipositor. Others are fat-bodied bumblebee mimics. Adult robber flies attack other flies, beetles, butterflies and moths, various bees, ants, dragon and damselflies, Ichneumon wasps, grasshoppers, and some spiders.
Carnivorous plants are plants that derive some or most of their nutrients (but not energy) from trapping and consuming animals or protozoans, typically insects and other arthropods.
where an insect falls into a vase-like modified leaf. Downward-pointing hairs on the slippery walls prevent the insect from crawling out, and the hapless victim ultimately drowns in a pool of digestive enzymes at the bottom.
Taken yesterday at the Pacific Orchid Exposition in San Francisco. The Pacific Orchid Exposition boasts over 150,000 beautiful orchids from around the world and is the largest orchid show in the United States.
Macro of Spider.
Spiders (order Araneae) are air-breathing arthropods that have eight legs and chelicerae with fangs that inject venom. They are the largest order of arachnids and rank seventh in total species diversity among all other orders of organisms. Spiders are found worldwide on every continent except for Antarctica, and have become established in nearly every habitat with the exceptions of air and sea colonization. As of November 2015, at least 45,700 spider species, and 114 families have been recorded by taxonomists. However, there has been dissension within the scientific community as to how all these families should be classified, as evidenced by the over 20 different classifications that have been proposed since 1900.
Anatomically, spiders differ from other arthropods in that the usual body segments are fused into two tagmata, the cephalothorax and abdomen, and joined by a small, cylindrical pedicel. Unlike insects, spiders do not have antennae. In all except the most primitive group, the Mesothelae, spiders have the most centralized nervous systems of all arthropods, as all their ganglia are fused into one mass in the cephalothorax. Unlike most arthropods, spiders have no extensor muscles in their limbs and instead extend them by hydraulic pressure.
Their abdomens bear appendages that have been modified into spinnerets that extrude silk from up to six types of glands. Spider webs vary widely in size, shape and the amount of sticky thread used. It now appears that the spiral orb web may be one of the earliest forms, and spiders that produce tangled cobwebs are more abundant and diverse than orb-web spiders. Spider-like arachnids with silk-producing spigots appeared in the Devonian period about 386 million years ago, but these animals apparently lacked spinnerets. True spiders have been found in Carboniferous rocks from 318 to 299 million years ago, and are very similar to the most primitive surviving suborder, the Mesothelae. The main groups of modern spiders, Mygalomorphae and Araneomorphae, first appeared in the Triassic period, before 200 million years ago.
A herbivorous species, Bagheera kiplingi, was described in 2008, but all other known species are predators, mostly preying on insects and on other spiders, although a few large species also take birds and lizards. Spiders use a wide range of strategies to capture prey: trapping it in sticky webs, lassoing it with sticky bolas, mimicking the prey to avoid detection, or running it down. Most detect prey mainly by sensing vibrations, but the active hunters have acute vision, and hunters of the genus Portia show signs of intelligence in their choice of tactics and ability to develop new ones. Spiders' guts are too narrow to take solids, and they liquefy their food by flooding it with digestive enzymes and grinding it with the bases of their pedipalps, as they do not have true jaws.
Male spiders identify themselves by a variety of complex courtship rituals to avoid being eaten by the females. Males of most species survive a few matings, limited mainly by their short life spans. Females weave silk egg-cases, each of which may contain hundreds of eggs. Females of many species care for their young, for example by carrying them around or by sharing food with them. A minority of species are social, building communal webs that may house anywhere from a few to 50,000 individuals. Social behavior ranges from precarious toleration, as in the widow spiders, to co-operative hunting and food-sharing. Although most spiders live for at most two years, tarantulas and other mygalomorph spiders can live up to 25 years in captivity.
While the venom of a few species is dangerous to humans, scientists are now researching the use of spider venom in medicine and as non-polluting pesticides. Spider silk provides a combination of lightness, strength and elasticity that is superior to that of synthetic materials, and spider silk genes have been inserted into mammals and plants to see if these can be used as silk factories. As a result of their wide range of behaviors, spiders have become common symbols in art and mythology symbolizing various combinations of patience, cruelty and creative powers. An abnormal fear of spiders is called arachnophobia.
Ground Beetle, Carabus granulatus.
Body length; 16-23mm.
Habitat; Typically a species of wetland margins, found in wet fields, river margins, lake shores and permanently damp and shaded woodland. Across much of its range it also occurs in upland and mountain regions, among peat and blanket bogs etc.
Widespread in much of Britain, including all the islands except Orkney and Shetland, but never really common. It occurs throughout Europe, north to mid-Scandinavian latitudes and east to the Pacific and Japan. Following introductions from 1890, it is now also widespread across the United States and Canadian border regions.
A narrow and elongate species, the upper part of this beetle is shiny, usually entirely dark metallic bronze, but greenish or bluish specimens do occur. Legs are long and robust, middle and hind legs slender, fore-legs are broader. All tibiae have two strong apical spurs, fore-tibiae without an internal antennal-cleaning notch. The legs are usualy dark, although pale-legged forms occur on the continent. The two wing cases, (elytra ), are subparallel with "chain link" longitudinal grooves. The head is long and narrow with robust projecting mandibles, prominent and convex eyes and long palps and antennae.
Active from March/April through to Autumn, this is one of the few species of ground beetle that hasn't completely lost its ability to fly. In the UK the species has reduced wings and is flightless, but in central Europe fully winged specimens have been observed to fly. However, in general this nocturnal beetle remains on the ground where they prey on insects and worms but predominantley snails. During the day they hide under tree trunks or stones. They overwinter under bark, among litter or under logs etc, although they may also become active during mild Winter spells.
Mating begins in April and egg laying a little later. The females lay about forty eggs, individual eggs laid in burrows a few cm deep which are then filled with soil. The eggs will hatch within a week or two and the nocturnal and predatory larvae develop through the Summer. Passing through three instars the larvae will be fully grown within 40 to 60 days. Pupation occurs in the ground from late Summer and the new-generation of adults appear in the Autumn. Overwintered adults may reproduce in the following Spring but some, perhaps a majority, do not and will overwinter a second time before doing so.
It is thought they may be adapted to feed primarily on dextral snails, those that coil to the right and which comprise more than 80% of European specimens. As most of the beetles have the left mandible overlaying the right this may be an adaptation to hunting dextral snails, sinistral snails, those that coil to the left, being largely immune to attack.
Unlike some other snail eating beetles, Carabus granulatus doesn't attack snails with digestive enzymes but simply reaches into the shell with its mandibles, butchers it extensively and pulls it from the shell.
Ommatius sp. maybe Ommatius coeraebus
Family: Asilidae
Order: Diptera
This Robber Fly appears to be eating another, slightly smaller, Robber Fly of the same species i.e. cannibalism.
Apparently cannibalism is common amongst Robber Flies. Indeed, some species have ben given the colloquial name of cannibal flies. Males are particularly at risk as they attempt to mate with larger females.
In this photo, the proboscis has been inserted through the cuticle of the victim's thorax. A neurotoxin subdues the victim and digestive enzymes then liquify the tissues of the victim. The liquified contents of the victims body are then sucked out through the proboscis.
DSC03593
Genus: Stylidium
Subgenus: Stylidium subg. Tolypangium
Section: Stylidium sect. Lineares
Species: S. graminifolium
The Stylidium has a distinctive reproductive structure in which the stamen and style are fused to form a floral column, commonly called a "trigger" in this genus. Both the anthers and the stigma are at the tip of the column. As the anthers develop first they are pushed aside by the developing stigma. The column typically resides beneath the plane of the flower. Pollination is achieved through the use of the sensitive "trigger", at the floral column. When a pollinating insect lands on a Stylidium flower and touches the column, the change in pressure causes a physiological change in the column, swinging the column quickly from below toward the insect. It will deposit pollens onto it or pick up pollens depending on the stage of development of the flower. This delayed development of the stigma prevents self-pollination and ensures that cross- pollination will occur between individuals of a population.
Stylidium are considered to be protocarnivorous or carnivorous because the glandular trichomes that cover the scape and flower can trap, kill, and digest small insects with protease enzymes produced by the plant.
Stylidium graminifolium is an Australian native plant.
Noted predator of the assassin bug family. It comes equipped with a cog wheel on its back as a defense mechanism for when they are in mortal combat with their prey. Notice the impressive hypodermic beak tucked under the head. Through this they inject toxins and digestive enzymes and then reverse flow to ingest their prey.
This moth is a member of the Zygaenidae family. It is found in Syria, Mesopotamia, Asia Minor, Israel and Lebanon. It is a day-flying moth. Its bright colors are a warning for its predators that the moths are distasteful - it contain hydrogen cyanide (HCN). If it is eaten, then the high acidity of the predators stomach activates enzymes that produces the hydrogen cyanide gas causing the predator to vomit and to think twice before it makes a similar decision in the future :)
Thanks to all who viewed, commented on and or faved my photo. It is greatly appreciated. Raed :)
My Fork-leaved sundew is growing with an unexpected vigour and the multi branched leaves that give it it's name are now opeing up on every stem.
Any insects in the kitchen are advised to steer clear of these beautiful drops of 'dew', they are gluey mucilage which grabs hold of any small insect attracted by the sugars within. More mucilage tipped tendrils close around the prey and enzymes in the fluid break down the insects soft tissue, which is absorbed into the plant.
Nature red in tooth and tendril...
This moth is a member of the Zygaenidae family. It is found in Syria, Mesopotamia, Asia Minor, Israel and Lebanon. It is a day-flying moth. Its bright colors are a warning for its predators that the moths are distasteful - it contain hydrogen cyanide (HCN). If it is eaten, then the high acidity of the predators stomach activates enzymes that produces the hydrogen cyanide gas causing the predator to vomit and to think twice before it makes a similar decision in the future :)
Thanks to all who viewed, commented on and or faved my photo. It is greatly appreciated. Raed :)
I think that Nightjars are the only birds that sit lengthways on branches to enhance their stick-like camouflage. I spotted this one roosting by day, quite high in a tree, but the geography of the site prevented me from getting closer and I didn't want to risk disturbing him. I left him sat there, but have been back twice since and have not managed to find him. Usually they keep their eyes tightly shut to enhance the camouflage but I think I was sufficiently distant for this one to risk keeping his eyes open. They sit motionless during the day, near-impossible to find but after sunset they become active, making some wonderful calls and bouncing around the sky with great acrobatic agility. They eat insects which they catch on the wing by flying round with their enormous mouths open, like a Swift (Apus apus). They return from Africa in mid May and disappear in September after one or two broods of chicks. They are also scarce and extremely patchily distributed in Britain, but with their greatest populations on the dry heathlands of southern England. I found him in a wood on the edge of the Peak District.
The scientific name Caprimulgus translates as goat-milker from the ancient belief (dating back before Aristotle) that Nightjars fed from goat udders, which caused them to stop producing milk, and eventually to go blind. This seems to be based on the simple observation that they have large mouths that might be capable of clamping on a goat's udder, but the large mouth is really to catch insects with. Because milk is a mammalian product, birds have never evolved the enzyme lactase that enables them to digest milk. It was fat that the Blue Tits used to steal off the top of the milk, and they stopped feeding from milk bottles once our tastes changed to low-fat semi-skimmed milk.
a dewy and immobilized giant robber fly. when not sleeping she will inject her victims with neurotoxic and digestive enzymes. she will then suck out their innards through her proboscis.
An innocent looking and quite beautiful carnivorous plant – Sundew.
Seen along the Shorepine Bog Trail in the Pacific Rim National Park.
Per www.carnivorous--plants.com/sundew-plant.html :
“Glandular tentacles with sticky secretions covering their laminae, characterize the sundews.
The trapping mechanism uses the stalked glands secreting the sweet mucilage that serves the triple function of attracting the insect, ensnaring them and providing the enzymes to aid the digestion process. The sessile glands help to absorb the broken down nutrients.”
Fortunately they are tiny plants that should pose no risk to humans!
The #MacroMondays #Decay theme
Emerging Glistening Ink Cap fruiting bodies reveal that the log they are growing on is being consumed from the inside.
Fungi, especially when seen on wood, is associated with decay, but it's much more complicated than that. One whole group of fungi, the mycorrhizal types, do not contribute to decay at all. They grow in the ground, linking to and even penetrating plant roots to provide them with nutrients and minerals while accepting in return sugars the plant concerned created through photosynthesis. In so doing they enable the tree or plant to create oxygen which we find pretty desirable within our biosphere. Indeed, as 90% of trees and plants rely on this symbiotic relationship, no fungi would pretty quickly mean no us.
But this week we are talking decay, so I've photographed a saprobic fungus. Saprobic fungi consume dead or dying wood and are among the very few organisms capable of breaking down lignin and cellulose which are the main components of wood.
Here we may think we are seeing three fungi. Wrong! We see three fruiting bodies almost certainly from the same organism which grows throughout the year, out of sight, in this case within the log from which these mushrooms are erupting. The unseen part is called mycelium, which is made from bundles of very thin threads called hyphae (hi-fee). They are analogous to plant roots, except they are much better at taking nutrients from their environment. The fruiting bodies are used to disperse spores which, like plant seeds, will create the next generation.
Plants needed fungi to colonise the land in the first place. Fungi teamed up with bacteria and algae to form lichens which broke down rock to create the first soil. As the earliest plants had no roots to embed themselves into and exploit this new habitat, they relied upon mycorrhizal fungi to join with them, lending their mycelia to provide plants with water and nutrients in exchange for sugars. Plant roots took a further 40 million years to evolve.
The log from which these mushrooms erupt is destined to become nutrient rich soil due to the actions of a variety of fungi which use their hyphae to penetrate and explore their host, while deploying enzymes and acids to eat it. The nutrients released will nurture new plants and trees which themselves will be nourished by mycorrhizal fungi and consumed by saprobic fungi in an everlasting (we hope) cycle of life-building and decay which allows us to live.
Finally, I hereby declare Fungi Season 2025 open. HMM all.
Después de tantas cenas y comidas copiosas típicas de estas fechas lo mejor que podemos hacer es recurrir a frutas que nos ayudan a la digestión. El kiwi al, igual que la piña, contiene bromelina. Una enzima que ayuda a la digestión de las proteínas, presentes en la carne.
Després de tants sopars i menjars copiosos típics d'aquestes dates el millor que podem fer és recórrer a fruites que ens ajuden a la digestió. El kiwi al, igual que la pinya, conté bromelina. Un enzim que ajuda a la digestió de les proteïnes, presents en la carn.
After so many dinners and copious meals typical of these dates, the best we can do is turn to fruits that help us with digestion. Kiwi, like pineapple, contains bromelain. An enzyme that aids in the digestion of proteins, present in meat.
#nikonD850 #nikon50mm18 #nikonistas #kiwi #naturalezamuerta #bodegón #bromelina #stilllifephotography #productphotography #godox #neewer #vanguardworldes @nikoneurope @natgeoespana @godoxlighting @neewer @vanguardworldes
1917AD, 7th Septemeber, Sydney, South Wales, Australia. John Cornforth is born, later to become Sir in recognition for his work on the stereochemistry of enzyme-catalysed reactions.
During World War II he was at Oxford where his work significantly influenced the development of penicillin. At the time penicillin was very unstable in its crude form and researchers were building on Howard Florey's work on the drug. Along with other chemists, he measured the yield of penicillin in arbitrary units to understand the conditions that favoured penicillin production and activity.
He was knighted in 1977.
Read more on our blog.
Um texto, em português, da Wikipédia:
Hibiscus
Hibiscus L. é um gênero botânico, com cerca de 300 espécies, inserido na família das Malvaceae, com flores e folhas exuberantes. Devido à nova taxonomia pela filogenética (Angiosperm Phylogeny Group), muitas espécies que pertenciam a esse gênero estão migrando para outros gêneros. Por exemplo: Hibiscus esculentus L., a planta do quiabo, agora é Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench. O cultivo dos exemplares do gênero, tanto ornamental como econômico, está disseminado nas regiões subtropicais e tropicais, cuidando para não sofrerem com geadas e temperaturas baixas constantes.
Etimologia:
Hibiscus significa Ísis (deusa egípcia), em grego.
Sinonímia:
Bombycidendron Zoll. & Moritzi
Bombycodendron Hassk.
Brockmania W. Fitzg.
Fioria Mattei
Espécies:
Hibiscus acetosella
Hibiscus x archeri (híbrido)
Hibiscus arnottianus
Hibiscus bifurcatus
Hibiscus brackenridgei
Hibiscus calyphyllus
Hibiscus cameronii
Hibiscus cannabinus
Hibiscus chitra
Hibiscus cisplatinus
Hibiscus clayi
Hibiscus coccineus
Hibiscus denisonii
Hibiscus diversifolius
Hibiscus elatus
Hibiscus furcellatus
Hibiscus fuscus
Hibiscus grandiflorus
Hibiscus hastatus
Hibiscus heterophyllus
Hibiscus indicus
Hibiscus kokio
Hibiscus lasiocarpos
Hibiscus lavaterioides
Hibiscus lobatus
Hibiscus ludwigii
Hibiscus macrophyllus
Hibiscus mastersianus
Hibiscus militaris
Hibiscus moscheutos
Hibiscus mutabilis (malva-rosa)
Hibiscus paramutabilis
Hibiscus pedunculatus
Hibiscus pernambucensis (guanxuma-do-mangue)
Hibiscus platanifolius
Hibiscus radiatus
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (hibisco)
Hibiscus sabdariffa (vinagreira)
Hibiscus schizopetalus (hibisco-crespo)
Hibiscus scottii
Hibiscus sinosyriacus
Hibiscus splendens
Hibiscus syriacus (hibisco-da-síria)
Hibiscus tiliaceus (algodoeiro-da-praia)
Hibiscus trionum (flor-de-todas-as-horas)
Hibiscus waimeae
Hibiscus dioscorides
Hibiscus diriffan
Hibiscus escobariae
Hibiscus noli-tangere
Hibiscus quattenensis
Hibiscus socotranus
Hibiscus stenanthus
Portugal:
Em Portugal este género está representado por 2 espécies, presentes em Portugal Continental, a primeira nativa, a segunda introduzida:1
Hibiscus palustris L.
Hibiscus trionum L.
Classificação do gênero:
Sistema Classificação Referência
Linné Classe Monadelphia, ordem Polyandria Species plantarum (1753)
Papuodendron C. T. White
Pariti Adans.
Talipariti Fryxell
Wilhelminia Hochr.
A text, in english, from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
Hibiscus
For other uses, see Hibiscus (disambiguation).
Hibiscus
Hibiscus flower TZ.jpg
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
Subfamily: Malvoideae
Tribe: Hibisceae
Genus: Hibiscus
L.
Species
232 species
Synonyms
Bombycidendron Zoll. & Moritzi
Bombycodendron Hassk.
Brockmania W.Fitzg.
Pariti Adans.
Wilhelminia Hochr.
Hibiscus (/hɨˈbɪskəs/ or /haɪˈbɪskəs/) is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. It is quite large, containing several hundred species that are native to warm-temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world. Member species are often noted for their showy flowers and are commonly known simply as hibiscus, or less widely known as rose mallow. The genus includes both annual and perennial herbaceous plants, as well as woody shrubs and small trees. The generic name is derived from the Greek word ἱβίσκος (hibískos), which was the name Pedanius Dioscorides (ca. 40–90) gave to Althaea officinalis.
Description:
The leaves are alternate, ovate to lanceolate, often with a toothed or lobed margin. The flowers are large, conspicuous, trumpet-shaped, with five or more petals, color from white to pink, red, orange, purple or yellow, and from 4–18 cm broad. Flower color in certain species, such as H. mutabilis and H. tiliaceus, changes with age.[5] The fruit is a dry five-lobed capsule, containing several seeds in each lobe, which are released when the capsule dehisces (splits open) at maturity. It is of red and white colours. It is an example of complete flowers.
Uses:
Symbolism and culture
Hibiscus species represent nations: Hibiscus syriacus is the national flower of South Korea, and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is the national flower of Malaysia. The hibiscus is the national flower of Haiti. The red hibiscus is the flower of the Hindu goddess Kali, and appears frequently in depictions of her in the art of Bengal, India, often with the goddess and the flower merging in form. The hibiscus is used as an offering to goddess Kali and Lord Ganesha in Hindu worship.
In the Philippines, the gumamela (local name for hibiscus) is used by children as part of a bubble-making pastime. The flowers and leaves are crushed until the sticky juices come out. Hollow papaya stalks are then dipped into this and used as straws for blowing bubbles.
The hibiscus flower is traditionally worn by Tahitian and Hawaiian girls. If the flower is worn behind the left ear, the woman is married or in a relationship. If the flower is worn on the right, she is single or openly available for a relationship. The hibiscus is Hawaii's state flower.
Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie named her first novel Purple Hibiscus after the delicate flower.
The bark of the hibiscus contains strong bast fibres that can be obtained by letting the stripped bark set in the sea to let the organic material rot away.
Landscaping
Many species are grown for their showy flowers or used as landscape shrubs, and are used to attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Paper
One species of Hibiscus, known as kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus), is extensively used in paper-making.
Beverage
Main article: Hibiscus tea
The tea made of hibiscus flowers is known by many names in many countries around the world and is served both hot and cold. The beverage is well known for its color, tanginess and flavor.
It is known as bissap in West Africa, agua de jamaica in Mexico and Honduras (the flower being flor de jamaica) and gudhal (गुड़हल) in India. Some refer to it as roselle, a common name for the hibiscus flower. In Jamaica, Trinidad and many other islands in the Caribbean, the drink is known as sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa; not to be confused with Rumex acetosa, a species sharing the common name sorrel). In Ghana, the drink is known as soobolo in one of the local languages.
Roselle is typically boiled in an enamel-coated large stock pot as most West Indians believe the metal from aluminum, steel or copper pots will destroy the natural minerals and vitamins.[citation needed]
In Cambodia, a cold beverage can be prepared by first steeping the petals in hot water until the colors are leached from the petals, then adding lime juice (which turns the beverage from dark brown/red to a bright red), sweeteners (sugar/honey) and finally cold water/ice cubes.
In Egypt,[citation needed] Sudan and the Arab world, hibiscus tea is known as karkadé (كركديه), and is served as both a hot and a cold drink.
Food
Dried hibiscus is edible, and it is often a delicacy in Mexico. It can also be candied and used as a garnish.
The roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is used as a vegetable. The species Hibiscus suratensis Linn synonymous to Hibiscus aculeatus G. Don is noted in Visayas Philippines being a souring ingredient for almost all local vegetables and menus. Known as Labog in the Visayan area, (or Labuag/Sapinit in Tagalog), the species is a very good ingredient in cooking native chicken soup. Certain species of hibiscus are also beginning to be used more widely as a natural source of food coloring (E163),[citation needed] and replacement of Red #3 / E127.
Hibiscus species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidopteran species, including Chionodes hibiscella, Hypercompe hambletoni, the nutmeg moth, and the turnip moth.
Health benefits
The tea is popular as a natural diuretic; it contains vitamin C and minerals, and is used traditionally as a mild medicine.
A 2008 USDA study shows consuming hibiscus tea lowers blood pressure in a group of prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults. Three cups of tea daily resulted in an average drop of 8.1 mmHg in their systolic blood pressure, compared to a 1.3 mmHg drop in the volunteers who drank the placebo beverage. Study participants with higher blood pressure readings (129 or above) had a greater response to hibiscus tea: their systolic blood pressure went down by 13.2 mmHg. These data support the idea that drinking hibiscus tea in an amount readily incorporated into the diet may play a role in controlling blood pressure, although more research is required.
Studies have demonstrated the anti-hypertensive effects of H. sabdariffa in both humans and animals. It has been proposed that the antihypertensive effects of H. sabdariffa is due to its angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibiting activity. In a randomized, controlled clinical trial involving 39 patients with mild to moderate hypertension, Captopril was compared to an extract of H. sabdariffa for antihypertensive effects. Subjects taking an extract of H.sabdariffa, consumed daily before breakfast for four weeks, found reduction in blood pressure similar to Captopril. Another randomized, placebo clinical trial involving 54 study participants with moderate hypertension demonstrated a reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However upon discontinuation of treatment, both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were subsequently elevated.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis has a number of medical uses in Chinese herbology. Lokapure s.g.et al. their research indicates some potential in cosmetic skin care; for example, an extract from the flowers of Hibiscus rosa- sinensis has been shown to function as an anti-solar agent by absorbing ultraviolet radiation.
In the Indian traditional system of medicine, Ayurveda, hibiscus, especially white hibiscus and red hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), is considered to have medicinal properties. The roots are used to make various concoctions believed to cure ailments such as cough, hair loss or hair greying. As a hair treatment, the flowers are boiled in oil along with other spices to make a medicated hair oil. The leaves and flowers are ground into a fine paste with a little water, and the resulting lathery paste is used as a shampoo plus conditioner.
Hibiscus tea also contains bioflavonoids, which are believed to help prevent an increase in LDL cholesterol, which can increase the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
A previous animal study demonstrated the effects of H.sabdariffa extract on atherosclerosis in rabbits. Notably, a reduction in triglyceride, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein was observed in rabbits consuming a high cholesterol diet (HCD) in addition to H.sabdariffa extract compared to rabbits only fed HCD, suggesting a beneficial effect.[16] Furthermore, the H. sabdariffa seed is abundant in phytosterol and tocopherol, plant forms of cholesterol that have antioxidant and LDL cholesterol lowering effects.
Precautions and Contraindications:
Pregnancy and Lactation
While the mechanism is not well understood, previous animal studies have demonstrated both an inhibitory effect of H. sabdariffa on muscle tone and the anti-fertility effects of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, respectively. The extract of H. sabdariffa has been shown to stimulate contraction of the rat bladder and uterus; the H.rosa-sinensis extract has exhibited contraceptive effects in the form of estrogen activity in rats. These findings have not been observed in humans. The Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is also thought to have emmenagogue effects which can stimulate menstruation and, in some women, cause an abortion. Due to the documented adverse effects in animal studies and the reported pharmacological properties, the H. sabdariffa and H.rosa-sinensis are not recommended for use during pregnancy. Additionally, they are not recommended while breastfeeding due to the lack of reliable information on its safety and use.
Contraindications
No contraindications have been identified.
Adverse Effects
Drug Interactions
It is postulated that H. sabdariffa interacts with diclofenac, chloroquine and acetaminophen by altering the pharmacokinetics. In healthy human volunteers, the H. sabdariffa extract was found to reduce the excretion of diclofenac upon co-administration. Additionally, co-administration of Karkade (H. sabdariffa), a common Sudanese beverage, was found to reduce chloroquine bioavailability. However, no statistically significant changes were observed in the pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen when administered with the Zobo (H.sabdariffa) drink. Further studies are needed to demonstrate clinical significance.
Species:
In temperate zones, probably the most commonly grown ornamental species is Hibiscus syriacus, the common garden hibiscus, also known in some areas as the "Rose of Althea" or "Rose of Sharon" (but not to be confused with the unrelated Hypericum calycinum, also called "Rose of Sharon"). In tropical and subtropical areas, the Chinese hibiscus (H. rosa-sinensis), with its many showy hybrids, is the most popular hibiscus.
Several hundred species are known, including:
Hibiscis acapulcensis
Hibiscus acetosella Welw. ex Hiern.—False Roselle
Hibiscus acicularis
Hibiscus aculeatus—Comfortroot
Hibiscus altissimus
Hibiscus andongensis
Hibiscus angolensis
Hibiscus aponeurus[26]
Hibiscus archeri—Archer's Hibiscus
Hibiscus aridicola
Hibiscus arnottianus A.Gray—Kokiʻo ʻula (Hawaii)
Hibiscus asper—Bush Roselle
Hibiscus austroyunnanensis
Hibiscus barbosae
Hibiscus benguellensis
Hibiscus berberidifolius
Hibiscus bernieri
Hibiscus bifurcatus—Fork-bracted Rosemallow
Hibiscus biseptus—Arizona Rosemallow
Hibiscus bojerianus
Hibiscus boryanus—Foulsapate Marron
Hibiscus brackenridgei A.Gray—Hawaiian hibiscus Maʻo hau hele
Hibiscus burtt-davyi
Hibiscus caerulescens
Hibiscus caesius—Dark-eyed Hibiscus (South Africa)
Hibiscus calyphyllus—Lemonyellow Rosemallow (Tropical Africa)
Hibiscus cameronii—Cameron's Hibiscus, Pink Hibiscus
Hibiscus cannabinus L.—Kenaf
Hibiscus castroi
Hibiscus cisplatinus—Rosa Del Rio
Hibiscus citrinus-
Hibiscus clayi O.Deg. & I.Deg.—Hawaiian red hibiscus (Hawaii)
Hibiscus clypeatus—Congo Mahoe
Hibiscus coccineus (Medik.) Walter—Scarlet Rosemallow
Hibiscus colimensis
Hibiscus columnaris—Mahot Rempart
Hibiscus comoensis
Hibiscus congestiflorus
Hibiscus costatus
Hibiscus coulteri—Desert Rosemallow
Hibiscus cuanzensis
Hibiscus dasycalyx—Neches River Rosemallow
Hibiscus denudatus Benth.—Pale Face (Southwestern United States, Northwestern Mexico)
Hibiscus dimidiatus
Hibiscus dioscorides A.G.Mill. (es/pt) (Yemen)
Hibiscus diplocrater
Hibiscus diriffan A.G.Mill. (Yemen)
Hibiscus diversifolius—Swamp Hibiscus
Hibiscus dongolensis
Hibiscus donianus
Hibiscus elatus—Mahoe
Hibiscus elegans
Hibiscus engleri—Wild Hibiscus
Hibiscus escobariae
Hibiscus excellii
Hibiscus ferrugineus
Hibiscus ficalhoanus
Hibiscus flavoroseus
Hibiscus fragilis DC.—Mandrinette (Mascarene Islands)
Hibiscus fragrans
Hibiscus fritzscheae
Hibiscus furcellatus Desr.—Lindenleaf rosemallow (Caribbean, Florida, Central America, South America, Hawaii)
Hibiscus fugosioides
Hibiscus furcellatus—Salad Hibiscus
Hibiscus fuscus
Hibiscus genevii Bojer (Mauritius)
Hibiscus gilletii
Hibiscus gossweileri
Hibiscus grandidieri
Hibiscus grandiflorus Michx.—Swamp rosemallow (Southeastern United States)
Hibiscus grandistipulatus
Hibiscus grewiifolius
Hibiscus hamabo
Hibiscus hastatus
Hibiscus heterophyllus—Native rosella
Hibiscus hirtus—Lesser Mallow
Hibiscus hispidissimus
Hibiscus huellensis
Hibiscus hybridus
Hibiscus indicus
Hibiscus insularis Endl.—Phillip Island hibiscus (Phillip Island)
Hibiscus integrifolius
Hibiscus jaliscensis
Hibiscus kochii
Hibiscus kokio—Red Rosemallow
Hibiscus labordei
Hibiscus laevis All. (=H. militaris)—Halberd-leaved rosemallow (central and eastern North America)
Hibiscus lasiocarpos—Woolly Rosemallow
Hibiscus lasiococcus
Hibiscus lavaterioides
Hibiscus laxiflorus
Hibiscus leptocladus ([Northwest Australia])
Hibiscus leviseminus
Hibiscus lilacinus—Lilac Hibiscus
Hibiscus liliiflorus—Rodrigues Tree Hibiscus
Hibiscus longifolius
Hibiscus longisepalus
Hibiscus ludwigii
Hibiscus lunariifolius
Hibiscus macrogonus
Hibiscus macrophyllus—Largeleaf Rosemallow
Hibiscus macropodus
Hibiscus makinoi—Okinawan Hibiscus
Hibiscus malacophyllus Balf.f. (Yemen)
Hibiscus malacospermus
Hibiscus martianus—Heartleaf Rosemallow
Hibiscus moscheutos Welw. ex Hiern.—Crimsoneyed Rosemallow (Central and Eastern North America)
Hibiscus mutabilis L.—Cotton Rosemallow, Confederate Rose (East Asia)
Hibiscus paramutabilis
Hibiscus pedunculatus
Hibiscus pernambucensis—Seaside Mahoe
Hibiscus phoeniceus—Brazilian Rosemallow
Hibiscus platanifolius
Hibiscus quattenensis
Hibiscus poeppigii—Poeppig's Rosemallow
Hibiscus radiatus—Monarch Rosemallow
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.—Chinese hibiscus (East Asia)
Hibiscus sabdariffa L.—Roselle, Omutete, or Sorrel
Hibiscus schizopetalus—Fringed Rosemallow
Hibiscus scottii
Hibiscus socotranus
Hibiscus sinosyriacus
Hibiscus splendens
Hibiscus stenanthus Balf.f. (Yemen)
Hibiscus striatus—Striped Rosemallow
Hibiscus syriacus L. (Type species)—Rose of Sharon (Asia)
Hibiscus tiliaceus L.—Sea hibiscus (Australia, Southeast Asia, Oceania)
Hibiscus trilobus—Threelobe Rosemallow
Hibiscus trionum L.—Flower-of-an-Hour
Hibiscus vitifolius—Tropical Rose Mallow
Hibiscus waimeae A.Heller—Kokiʻo keʻokeʻo (Hawaii)