View allAll Photos Tagged terpenes
The trees communicate in terpenes and other volitiles only detectable with special instruments (though we also can sometimes smell the forest).
The trees are neurons in a cortex. When we walk in the woods, we are traveling through a brain, and maybe also through a mind, of sorts. What emergent properties does a stand of trees have? The trees collective thoughts are completely foreign to us.
Their conversation is mostly undetectable and very sedate to creatures that run at roughly human clock speeds. No need to be hasty.
Trees absorb sheaves of solar rays too. Many of them are also invisible until they enter the lens of a camera without its hot mirror filter. Because the camera doesn't know which light should be visible to us, it records all the photons that hit it sensor as red, green, or blue. And in this way, through technological unknowing, we obtain knowledge of the unseen.
This follows the pattern of our general experience of life. First, even the plain things going on all around us take time and sometimes extra effort to even start to observe — let alone fully understand.
Second, it is only by moving through a phase of ignorance that we can allow even what is brilliantly illuminated to enter our awareness.
The truth is not just out there, it is everywhere.
— Theodore Tollefson @thetollart
Coriander.
The seeds have a lemony citrus flavour when crushed, due to terpenes linalool and pinene. It is described as warm, nutty, spicy, and orange-flavoured.
Different people may perceive the taste of coriander leaves differently. Those who enjoy it say it has a refreshing, lemony or lime-like flavor, while those who dislike it have a strong aversion to its taste and smell, characterizing it as soapy or rotten.
*Wiki*
Caterpillars of a Swallowtail butterfly(papilio machaon)with extended osmeterium.A defensive organ found in all Papilio caterpillars. It is a fleshy, forked structure located on the first segment of the thorax. When threatened, the caterpillar can evert (extend) the osmeterium, which then releases a foul-smelling secretion. This secretion, typically composed of volatile organic compounds , including terpenes, is used to deter predators.
Small red fruits which I've seen in the forest. I very like them, 'cos they looks like flowers and they are very decorative :)
Spindle, European spindle, common spindle (Euonymus europaeus) is a species of flowering plant in the family Celastraceae, native to much of Europe, where it inhabits the edges of forest, hedges and gentle slopes, tending to thrive on nutrient-rich, chalky and salt-poor soils. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree. The capsular fruit ripens in autumn, and is red to purple or pink in colour and approximately 1–1.5 cm wide. It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its bright pink or purple fruits and attractive autumn colouring. The fruit of spindle is poisonous, containing, amongst other substances, the alkaloids theobromine and caffeine, as well as an extremely bitter terpene. Ingestion can result in liver and kidney damage and even death.
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Czerwone owocki widziane w lesie. Bardzo je lubię, bo z daleka wyglądają niczym kwiatki i są takie dekoracyjne :)
Trzmielina pospolita, trzmielina zwyczajna (Euonymus europaeus) – gatunek krzewu należący do rodziny dławiszowatych (Celastraceae). Występuje w Europie i Azji, w Polsce jest dość pospolity na całym obszarze. Owocem jest czterograniasta jaskraworóżowa torebka, zawierająca 4 białe nasiona w pomarańczowej osnówce. Utrzymują się na krzewie jeszcze długo po opadnięciu liści. Występuje w lasach i zaroślach na całym niżu i w niższych położeniach górskich. Czasami jest też uprawiana jako roślina ozdobna. Wszystkie części rośliny, ale przede wszystkim owoce są trujące i zawierają glikozydy: ewobiozyd, ewomonozyd i ewonozyd. Za śmiertelną dla dorosłego człowieka dawkę uważa się 35 owoców.
Mule Deer Bucks are at work sharpening their antlers on pine trees as Fall arrives, Rocky Mountain Front Range, Colorado
In meteorological literature, the word haze is generally used to denote visibility-reducing aerosols of the wet type suspended in the atmosphere. Such aerosols commonly arise from complex chemical reactions that occur as sulfur dioxide gases emitted during combustion are converted into small droplets of sulfuric acid when exposed. The reactions are enhanced in the presence of sunlight, high relative humidity, and an absence of air flow (wind). A small component of wet-haze aerosols appear to be derived from compounds released by trees when burning, such as terpenes. For all these reasons, wet haze tends to be primarily a warm-season phenomenon. Large areas of haze covering many thousands of kilometers may be produced under extensive favorable conditions each summer.
Wikipedia
The fragrance contains several compounds that attract diverse insects. Looking at certain butterflies species, it can be seen that the fragrance blend is highly attractive to them, being sensitive to their antennae. High antennal response are seen in consequence to the phenylacetaldehyde as well as the terpenes (oxoisophoroneoxide, oxoisophorone, and dihydrooxoisophorone) found in the blend.
Swallowtail butterflies are large, colorful butterflies that form the family Papilionidae. Swallowtails differ from all other butterflies in a number of anatomical traits. Most notably, their caterpillars possess a unique organ behind their heads, called the osmeterium. Normally hidden, this forked structure can be everted when the caterpillar is threatened, and emits smelly secretions containing terpenes. The adults are often tailed like the forked tail of some swallows, giving the insect its name. During the 20th century, especially after the Second World War, fenland management ceased and much of this butterfly’s habitat was lost. Today active management of the fenland, where reed and sedge are cut to allow other plants to grow, plays an important part in the survival of the swallowtail in Norfolk. With this continued fenland management, the future for the swallowtail looks brighter.
Muir Woods is such a cool place to visit even in summer when the streams run dry. Walking amidst the giant old-growth redwood trees provides a great perspective along with that rich woody scent. Apparently, this unique aroma is due to the release of beneficial airborne chemicals called terpenes by the redwood trees, which also contribute to a sense of tranquility and well-being for visitors.
Flowers yield abundant nectar from which bees make a high-quality honey. Monofloral honey is produced primarily around the Mediterranean, and is marketed worldwide as a premium product. Flowers can be candied and are sometimes used as cake decorations. Lavender flavors baked goods and desserts (it pairs especially well with chocolate), and is also used to make "lavender sugar".[11] Lavender flowers are occasionally blended with black, green, or herbal tea, adding a fresh, relaxing scent and flavor.
Though it has many other traditional uses in southern France, lavender is not used in traditional southern French cooking. It does not appear at all in the best-known compendium of Provençal cooking, J.-B. Reboul's Cuisinière Provençale [12] In the 1970s, a herb blend called herbes de Provence usually including lavender was invented by spice wholesalers,[13] and lavender has more recently become popular in cookery.
Lavender lends a floral and slightly sweet flavor to most dishes, and is sometimes paired with sheep's-milk and goat's-milk cheeses. For most cooking applications the dried buds (also referred to as flowers) are used, though some chefs experiment with the leaves as well. Only the buds contain the essential oil of lavender, from which the scent and flavor of lavender are best derived.
In the United States, both lavender syrup and dried lavender buds are used to make lavender scones and marshmallows.
Lavender is used extensively with herbs and aromatherapy. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) yields an essential oil with sweet overtones, and can be used in balms, salves, perfumes, cosmetics, and topical applications. Lavandin, Lavandula × intermedia (also known as Dutch lavender), yields a similar essential oil, but with higher levels of terpenes including camphor, which add a sharper overtone to the fragrance. Mexican lavender, Lavandula stoechas, is not used medicinally, but mainly for landscaping.
Essential oil of lavender has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.[citation needed] It was used in hospitals during World War I to disinfect floors and walls. These extracts are also used as fragrances for bath products.
According to folk wisdom, lavender has many uses. Infusions of lavender are believed to soothe insect bites, burns, and headaches. Bunches of lavender repel insects.[citation needed] In pillows, lavender seeds and flowers aid sleep and relaxation.[citation needed] An infusion of flowerheads added to a cup of boiling water soothes and relaxes at bedtime. Lavender oil (or extract of Lavender) heals acne when used diluted 1:10 with water, rosewater, or witch hazel; it also treats skin burns and inflammatory conditions.[citation needed]
A recent clinical study investigated anxiolytic effects and influence on sleep quality. Lavender oil with a high percentage of linalool and linalyl acetate, in the form of capsules, was generally well tolerated. It showed meaningful efficacy in alleviating anxiety and related sleep disturbances.[14]
source wikipedia
A bright purple swath of Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa) comes into its own in the foothills of the Southern Rockies near Boulder, Colorado. The common name is particularly apt for this plant, as Bumblebees and other wild bees are constantly attending to its pollinating needs. Bee Balm makes similar terpene compounds in its leaves as Thyme plants of the Old World, and chemical analysis of their tissues has revealed that populations of Bee Balm often have distinct terpene signatures. However, it is not at all clear to me just how those terpene signatures influence the relationship between bees and plants.
Technical notes: This is a focus stack of four images, taken hand-held.
Thanks for stopping by to visit!
Korintje cinnamon is a variety of cassia cinnamon. Because the names cassia and cinnamon are used interchangeably, it is easy to confuse them. To make matters even more complicated, korintje cinnamon is sometimes called by other names as well. For example, it is sometimes called Padang cassia. The name refers to Cinnamomum burmannii, which is a close relative of the other forms of cassia as well as of true cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon). In fact, it is the variety with which most people in the U.S. are familiar. Korintje cinnamon is popular in commercial bakeries because of its low cost and because it is the flavor that most Americans expect. It is also known as Java or Indonesian cinnamon.
Much of the world’s korintje cinnamon is found in Western Sumatra, which is where it was first cultivated. It was first cultivated in the area around the city of Padang; specifically, the Kerinci Regency. Korintje is the Dutch word for Kerinci. The spice was cultivated by the Dutch during their colonial reign in Indonesia. This variety of cinnamon differs from Ceylon cinnamon as well as from cassia varieties in that it is harvested from higher altitudes. It is also harvested at a different time of year from the other varieties.
Korintje cinnamon is believed to be the variety of cassia referred to in China as kwei-shi. The name cassia is believed to have come from the kwei-shi name or from the name of India’s Khasi people.
In Hawaii, it is listed as an invasive species and a threat to more than a dozen local species.
Korintje cinnamon flavor profile
Korintje cinnamon is often rich in the essential oil that is responsible for its flavor, but the oil content can vary depending on the grade of the cinnamon. Korintje cinnamon comes in three grades: A, B, and C. While A grade cinnamon can have a more pungent flavor when compared to other forms of cinnamon, C grade can be somewhat bitter. The highest grade of korintje cinnamon is said to have a smooth, sweet taste with less of the pungent heat of other cassia varieties.
Health benefits of korintje cinnamon
The health benefits of korintje cinnamon are similar to those of other cassia varieties and are the result of beneficial compounds like:
Flavonoids: Korintje cinnamon contains flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol that are known to possess antioxidant properties.
Anthocyanins: Anthocyanins are pigments that give foods their color and can have major antioxidant benefits.
Borneol: Borneol is a terpene similar to camphor and is used medicinally to treat a variety of health conditions.
The constituents above and many others help to make korintje cinnamon effective for treating a range of health conditions, including the following:
High cholesterol: Research has shown that korintje cinnamon can help to lower the levels of various lipids such as LDL cholesterol.
High blood sugar: Korintje cinnamon along with other cassia varieties has been shown to lower blood glucose level as effectively as some older diabetes drugs.
Poor digestion: Korintje cinnamon may be used to treat gastrointestinal ailments like flatulence and diarrhea.
Note: Like other forms of cassia cinnamon, korintje cinnamon contains a large amount of coumarin. Coumarin has blood-thinning properties and can cause liver damage if you consume too much of it. Experts recommend consuming no more than a teaspoon of korintje cinnamon per day.
Common uses
Korintje cinnamon is used in most of the desserts and beverages in the US that require cinnamon. If you have had commercial cinnamon rolls or apple pie, you have probably had this variety of cinnamon.
Starting off with its three first in-stars mimicking the droppings of a bird, the Swallowtail caterpillar after later in-stars will develop eye-spots on both sides of its throrax as a deterrent against predation, in the hopes that it comes across as a potential snake.
Along with all the members in the family Papilionidae, these caterpillars have evolved an osmeterium, normally tucked away in-between the head and first segment of the thorax.. When threatened they'll extend and protrude out emitting foul smelling terpenes.
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In situ
What started out as a macro image of daisy turned into this. ;-) You can rotate this and it still looks good.
Swallowtail butterflies are large, colorful butterflies that form the family Papilionidae. Swallowtails differ from all other butterflies in a number of anatomical traits. Most notably, their caterpillars possess a unique organ behind their heads, called the osmeterium. Normally hidden, this forked structure can be everted when the caterpillar is threatened, and emits smelly secretions containing terpenes. The adults are often tailed like the forked tail of some swallows, giving the insect its name. During the 20th century, especially after the Second World War, fenland management ceased and much of this butterfly’s habitat was lost. Today active management of the fenland, where reed and sedge are cut to allow other plants to grow, plays an important part in the survival of the swallowtail in Norfolk. With this continued fenland management, the future for the swallowtail looks brighter.
Small red fruits which I've seen in the forest. They were very decorative :)
Smile on Saturday - theme: "Seasons flora" :)
Spindle, European spindle, common spindle (Euonymus europaeus) is a species of flowering plant in the family Celastraceae, native to much of Europe, where it inhabits the edges of forest, hedges and gentle slopes, tending to thrive on nutrient-rich, chalky and salt-poor soils. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree. The capsular fruit ripens in autumn, and is red to purple or pink in colour and approximately 1–1.5 cm wide. It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its bright pink or purple fruits and attractive autumn colouring. The fruit of spindle is poisonous, containing, amongst other substances, the alkaloids theobromine and caffeine, as well as an extremely bitter terpene. Ingestion can result in liver and kidney damage and even death.
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Czerwone owocki widziane w lesie. Urocza dekoracja pani jesieni :)
Trzmielina pospolita, trzmielina zwyczajna (Euonymus europaeus) – gatunek krzewu należący do rodziny dławiszowatych (Celastraceae). Występuje w Europie i Azji, w Polsce jest dość pospolity na całym obszarze. Owocem jest czterograniasta jaskraworóżowa torebka, zawierająca 4 białe nasiona w pomarańczowej osnówce. Utrzymują się na krzewie jeszcze długo po opadnięciu liści. Występuje w lasach i zaroślach na całym niżu i w niższych położeniach górskich. Czasami jest też uprawiana jako roślina ozdobna. Wszystkie części rośliny, ale przede wszystkim owoce są trujące i zawierają glikozydy: ewobiozyd, ewomonozyd i ewonozyd. Za śmiertelną dla dorosłego człowieka dawkę uważa się 35 owoców.
For Macro Mondays
A poisonous Spindleberry seed.
Wikipedia has this to say
The fruit is poisonous, containing, amongst other substances, the alkaloids theobromine and caffeine, as well as an extremely bitter terpene. Poisonings are more common in young children, who are enticed by the brightly coloured fruits. Ingestion can result in liver and kidney damage and even death
Better View On Black
Thanks for your friendship, my friends! Thanks for your visits, comments, faves and invitations. But PLEASE no more one or two Glitter Graphics!!
Swallowtail butterflies are large, colorful butterflies that form the family Papilionidae. There are at least 550 species, and though the majority are tropical, members of the family are found on all continents except Antarctica. The family includes the largest butterflies in the world, the birdwing butterflies of Australia (genus Ornithoptera).[1]
Swallowtails differ from all other butterflies in a number of anatomical traits. Most notably, their caterpillars possess a unique organ behind their heads, called the osmeterium. Normally hidden, this forked structure can be everted when the caterpillar is threatened, or forced out with a gentle squeeze, and emits smelly secretions containing terpenes. The adults are often tailed like the forked tail of some swallows, giving the insect its name.
Early flowering stage. White WIdow (auto)
Backlit. Outdoors.
My photographic images, and photo-transformed graphics are free to download under Creative Commons: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs. Some Rights Reserved. Thank you for your continued fellowship in photography.
This Santa Barbara county farmer has his bases covered (wonder where he has the dancing girls ?) as one side has 6' cannabis plants under plastic while the happy grapes get some added terpenes on the other side......
Click image to see on black.
They've eaten the Aristolochia all the way to the top of the stem!
A while ago I bought a Giant Aristolochia. I've been watching it grow but haven't seen any Polydamas butterflies fluttering around it. Its their host plant so that's why I wanted it growing in our Jungle. But obviously they've been there when I wasn't looking and today Albert and I noticed large holes in the leaves and turned one over to discover this profusion of caterpillars! Lots more Polydamas butterflies are on the way!
Swallowtail caterpillars have a defense mechanism called osmeterium. Osmeterium are a fleshy organ in which caterpillars of swallowtail species sequester essential oils from their host plants, also known as terpenes. These oils coat the normally hidden osmeterium which can be everted or pushed out when the caterpillar is threatened.
The osmetierium are usually a bright warning color like red, yellow or orange and because of the terpenes smell quite foul. Having to move swallowtail caterpillars to new host plants also means that butterfly growers get their share of osmeterium love as the caterpillars arch backwards wildly, smearing predators faces and keepers hands alike with gross smelling oils. Each species has its own unique odor based upon what plants the caterpillar has been eating.
Check out this video of this caterpillar eating... and eating... and eating!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dryUAicVSEQ
Here is one of it laying eggs...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_A-v-9BQlo
And here's a caterpillar transforming into a cocoon.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4iWSMxlFFQ&feature=related
Polydamas caterpillar on Aristolochia vine
Biscayne Park, FL
For more, see my set Lubbers, Butterflies and Bees.
Early evening clouds haphazardly intercept low angle light to create marvelous contrasts in warmth and shadow as the Colorado River winds past in the distance, Fisher Towers, Utah.
It is hard to describe the way in which this landscape takes up residence in the mind, casting its subtle nets around shoals of thought, priming the imagination with color, fantastical geology, aridity, and smells of juniper, petrichor, and terpene rich foliage. This fissured and eroded landscape is home to Ravens, Canyon Wren, Coyote, Desert Bighorn, Packrat, and many others, all exquisitely adapted to survive harsh temperature extremes and relatively little water. A place so desolate also feels so full of life and beauty.
Aristolochia is a large plant genus with over 500 species. Its members are commonly known as birthwort, pipevine or Dutchman's pipe and are widespread and occur in the most diverse climates. The flowers of this Giant Aristolochia are up to one foot in diameter. The flower is filmy and unusual. It is the host plant of the large and beautiful Polydamas Swallowtail butterfly.
Swallowtail caterpillars have a defense mechanism called osmeterium. Osmeterium is a fleshy organ where caterpillars store essential oils from their host plants, also known as terpenes. These oils coat the normally hidden osmeterium which can be everted or pushed out when the caterpillar is threatened.
The osmetierium are usually a bright warning color like red, yellow or orange and, because of the terpenes, they smell quite foul. Having to move swallowtail caterpillars to new host plants also means butterfly growers get their share of terpenes as the caterpillars arch backwards wildly, smearing predators faces and keepers hands alike with these gross smelling oils. Each species has its own unique odor based on what plants the caterpillar has been eating.
Video of caterpillar eating... and eating... and eating!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dryUAicVSEQ
Here is one of it laying eggs...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_A-v-9BQlo
And here is a caterpillar transforming into a cocoon.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4iWSMxlFFQ&feature=related
Polydamas caterpillar on Aristolochia vine
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami, FL
For more, see my set Lubbers, Butterflies and Bees.
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park.
Il koala passa quasi tutta la vita sugli alberi di eucalipto.
Verso sera, in quanto arboricolo notturno, comincia il proprio pasto composto di foglioline e gemme di eucalipto, consumandone abitualmente circa mezzo chilo al giorno.
Trascorre il resto del tempo sonnecchiando, incuneato saldamente nella biforcazione di un ramo.
Occasionalmente scende a terra per cambiare albero o per favorire la digestione inghiottendo terra, corteccia e sassolini.
La masticazione del koala è estremamente lunga, e l'animale non inghiotte le foglie e le gemme se non dopo averle ridotte a una pasta finissima con le proprie forti mandibole.
Il koala occupa una nicchia ecologica ben precisa, basando la propria alimentazione su un tipo di vegetale le cui foglie sono estremamente carenti in proteine e grassi, e ricche di fenoli e terpeni tossici per molte specie di animali.
Una siffatta alimentazione non può che comportare un metabolismo molto basso anche per un mammifero: il koala rimane immobile per 18-19 ore al giorno, gran parte delle quali passate dormendo.
Nel periodo della riproduzione il tempo rimanente lo passa ad accoppiarsi.
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park.
The koala spends almost all its life in eucalyptus trees.
Towards the evening, as a nocturnal arborist, it begins its meal of eucalyptus leaves and buds, usually consuming about half a kilo a day.
He spends the rest of his time dozing, wedged firmly in the fork of a branch.
Occasionally it comes down to the ground to change trees or to aid digestion by swallowing soil, bark and pebbles.
The koala's chewing process is extremely long, and the animal does not swallow the leaves and buds until after having reduced them to a very fine paste with its strong jaws.
The koala occupies a very specific ecological niche, basing its diet on a type of vegetable whose leaves are extremely deficient in proteins and fats, and rich in phenols and terpenes that are toxic to many species of animals.
Such a diet can only lead to a very low metabolism even for a mammal: the koala remains immobile for 18-19 hours a day, most of which is spent sleeping.
During the breeding season, the remaining time is spent mating.
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Matricaria chamomilla (synonym: Matricaria recutita), commonly known as chamomile (also spelled camomile), German chamomile, Hungarian chamomile (kamilla), wild chamomile, blue chamomile, or scented mayweed, is an annual plant of the composite family Asteraceae. Commonly, the name M. recutita is applied to the herbal product chamomile, although other species are also used as chamomile. The plant is commonly used to make a tea.
Description
Flowers of M. recutita:
A. Yellow disc florets
B. White ray florets
Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla is a member of the Asteraceae family, native to southern and eastern Europe. It can be found on all continents, has a branched, erect and smooth stem, and grows to a height of 15–60 cm (6–23.5 in). The long and narrow leaves are bipinnate or tripinnate. The flowers are borne in paniculate flower heads (capitula). The white ray florets are furnished with a ligule, while the disc florets are yellow. The hollow receptacle is swollen and lacks scales. This property distinguishes German chamomile from corn chamomile (Anthemis arvensis), which has a receptacle with scales. The flowers bloom in early to midsummer and have a fragrant aroma.
The flowers contain a blue essential oil, which gives them a characteristic smell and interesting properties. This color characteristic of the oil, attributable to the chamazulene it contains, explains why the plant is also known by the common name blue chamomile. The fruit is a yellowish-brown achene.
Etymology
The word chamomile comes from the Greek χαμαίμηλον (chamaimēlon) meaning "earth-apple", which is derived from χαμαί (chamai) meaning "on the ground" and μήλον (mēlon) meaning "apple". It is so called because of the apple-like scent of the plant.
In Latin, one of the meanings of matrix is womb; the name Matricaria was given to the genus because Matricaria chamomilla was used in ancient herbalism to treat cramps and sleep disorders related to premenstrual syndrome.
Uses
Chamomile is commonly used to make a tea.
Traditional medicine
German chamomile is used in herbal medicine.
Phytochemistry
More than 120 chemical constituents have been identified in chamomile flower, most of them found in the essential oil. Chemical constituents of the essential oil include: the terpenes bisabolol, farnesene, and chamazulene; the flavonoids apigenin, quercetin, patuletin, and luteolin; and coumarin.
Possible side effects
Chamomile, a relative of ragweed, can cause allergy symptoms and can cross-react with ragweed pollen in individuals with ragweed allergies. It also contains coumarin, so care should be taken to avoid potential drug interactions, e.g. with blood thinners.
Type-IV allergic reactions (i.e. contact dermatitis) are common and one case of severe Type-I reaction (i.e. anaphylaxis) has been reported in a 38-year-old man who drank chamomile tea.
Cultivation
Its origin is in South-West Asia, South- to Eastern Europe, but it grows almost all over the world nowadays.
For the cultivation of chamomile, the soil needs no special quality although the crop grows best on well balanced soils with good topsoil. Chamomile is an undemanding plant and pretty tolerant. The crop grows on light to heavy soils. The wild-growing chamomile species normally grow on sandy to loamy soils that are mostly acidic and should be open.
There exist three main cultivation techniques: seeding it as an annual crop in autumn, seeding it as an annual crop in spring or use it as a perennial crop, where the seeding is self-made. The most common method is a mixture of autumn and spring seeding to have a higher degree of utilization of the machines. As the Chamomile seeds are very small, a special sowing machine is used for the seeding. The seeding is normally done in rows of 25 cm (10") distance and about 2.0–2.5 kg/ha (approx. 2 lb per acre). The seedbed needs to be flat and weed-free. After seeding, the seedbed must be recompressed. The recompression ensures the small seeds contact the soil which improves germination. Recompression is achieved using a heavy roller. For its germination and its youth stage the chamomile plant needs a lot of moisture. After 1–2 weeks the germination starts.
If the seeding is done in autumn the perfect time is in September. Chamomile which is seeded in autumn generates the highest yields. No matter at what time in September the seeding was made, the blossom starts when the day length is about 17 hours, which is in Central Europe around the end of May or beginning of June.
By seeding in spring, the harvest time can be influenced, which helps to get a higher utilization degree of the machines due to prolonged periods of seeding and harvesting as well as other cultivation works. The seeding is done between March and May. But one can say that the yield is sinking with later seeding and the pest pressure is rising. The crop can be harvested around the 2nd half of July.
In a more extensive cultivation, the seeding is self-made by the plant and the cultivation is perennial. After the last harvest the plants are cut and left on the field. Afterward, the soil is mechanically treated but not turned. The seeds then germinate in September and create a carpet-like layer over the soil, which is very helpful against weeds. The yields are comparable to the ones of autumn sowings.
Fertilization
Chamomile is a humble plant that can grow on soils with mean nutrient status. It responds to fertilization with Nitrogen (N) with an increased vegetative growth what can lead to problems with the harvesting technique and the harvest time can be delayed. For a good development of the stem, adequate potassium (K) is needed. The optimal ratio of potassium to phosphorus (P) should be 1:2. This leads to an optimal fertilizer amount of:
40–60 kg/ha N
50–70 kg/ha P
100–140 kg/ha K
The N and K should be given in the time of tillering. A lack of micronutrients is not known so far. The chamomile plant grows best on well-balanced soil with good topsoil. However organic matter fertilizer should not be given during chamomile cropping for quality reasons. If there is a limit of bacterial contamination asked by the processing company, organic matter fertilizer is a risk for bacterial contamination of the flower and its resulting products. In other crops in the crop rotation e.g. before chamomile, fertilization with organic matter is highly recommended.
Pest and weed control
Chamomile has a slow youth development that requires good weed control. Before seeding it is important to have a proper seedbed without any weeds for which reason residual herbicides can be used. Due to the lack of existing selective herbicides, after germination only mechanical weed control is possible until the strong vegetative growth of the chamomile plant begins.
Aphids are a big threat for the chamomile production as they do not only lead to slower growth but also to an attraction of ladybugs. After having the flowers harvested, it is almost impossible to separate the insects from the flowers. This might lead to quality problems of the harvested chamomile depending on its purpose of use.
The most important pests that occur in the European production are downy mildew, powdery mildew and rust.
Crop rotation
Chamomile is known to be a self-compatible crop which means that a perennial cultivation is possible. For Chamomile, the most important condition which has to be induced by the crop rotation is a weed-free seedbed. This is normally given after cultivation of row crops (e.g. Potato), wheat or corn. One big problem for the chamomile following crop are volunteer chamomile seeds. Due to the harvesting process a lot of seeds are left on the ground and germinate during the next crop. Therefore, it is crucial to have a following crop which is tolerant towards chamomile targeting herbicides.
Harvest
The chamomile plant often flowers 2 to 3 times per year. This is taken into account by multiple harvests per year as well. The flowering period is about 50–65 days while the development of a flower takes about 20–25 days.
The harvest begins with full flowering. The choice of the right harvest date is crucial for the quality of the harvested produce. The most important quality feature is the content of essential oil in the inflorescence which increases continuously from the beginning of the flower formation and reaches its maximum when the ray florets are horizontally or already pointing slightly downwards. Due to that, the harvest is run out when a majority of flower heads have opened.
To the identification of the optimal harvest date, therefore, has to be paid a lot of attention and the date should be able to be identified objectively and accurately. For an optimal identification, equations to determine the flowering index have been developed. The following equation expresses the compromise between the increasing yield of flowers, the decreasing content of essential oil and the change of the composition of contents in the essential oil. In this equation, the ratio between the number of overblowing flowers minus the number of flower buds and the total number of flowers is determined.
The optimal date of harvest for chamomile is when the flowering index calculated with the above-described formula lies between −0,3 and −0,2[13] or about 50–70% of the existing plants are in full flowering.
Hand harvest
At hand harvesting flower buds are either plucked with the fingers or simple technical devices as for example pluck combs, comb shovels or pluck carts are used. These methods are mostly deployed in small-scale cultivation or for the harvest of uncultivated chamomile. In today's agricultural growing systems harvest often takes place mechanically.
Mechanical harvest
Despite the mechanical harvesting techniques, it is crucial that the harvested produce is of high quality. According to that, requirements in regard to harvesting technology for careful handling of the harvested produce are high. To be able to implement and to improve mechanical harvest farmers should grow varieties with big flower heads which have a uniform plant height so that the flower buds are located on the same level.
At mechanical harvest there are never flower buds harvested only but also parts of stalks. These stalks are mostly in between 10mm and 30mm (½" to 1") long. In principle this has no influence on the quality of the harvested flower buds which will be used for pharmaceutical purposes but might cause some more effort needed for selection.
An important technical harvest principle is the one which is implemented by rotary-mowers, choppers or complete harvesters. In these cases, the whole flower horizon gets harvested. Especially for the harvest of chamomile either for tea production or industrial processing choppers are used.
One further very important harvest principle is the one where drums with sharp plucking combs rotate contrary to the direction of harvesting. Thereby the plant stock gets combed from bottom to top. Due to the added knives behind the plucking combs the flower buds get cut off and not torn off the plant stalk as this is the case for other common mechanical harvest technologies.
Yield level
The flowers contain between 0.3 and 1.5% of essential chamomile oil.
Post harvest treatment and further processing
An adequate post-harvest treatment of harvested chamomile parts is crucial for the preservation of excellent external and internal qualities.
Drying
The harvested produce contains about 80% of water therefore it is at risk of fermentation. To ensure the storability, the product has to be dried down to a water content of only 10–11%. The process of drying should not start more than 2 hours after harvesting due to the higher risk of fermentation compared to other crops. It is necessary to ensure that the storage height is not too big in order to avoid high pressure on the product and to not raise the risk of fermentation even more.
There are several drying systems as for example the natural drying in the sun or under a roof but also drying by discontinuous dryers, semi-continuous rack-dryers or continuous belt dryers. In any case the most important is that the product never gets heated up beyond 40 °C (104 °F).
Selection
By reason of mechanical harvest, the share of stalks on the harvested produce is higher. Therefor a sorting out oftentimes takes place immediately before the drying procedure. This process of selection is commonly carried out by double-walled counter-rotating drum screens. If necessary, in a further work process after drying the short parts of stalks on the flower buds will be detached to receive plain flower bud goods.
In the case of hand harvest the selection process oftentimes happens after the drying process.
Distillation
An important reason for the production of chamomile blossoms is the extraction of chamomile oil which is used for pharmaceutical purposes. This oil is extracted by distillation mostly out of fresh flower buds and flower stalks. An important ingredient of the chamomile oil is bisabolol which accounts for up to 33% of the content of the oil.
Click image to see on black.
They've eaten the Aristolochia all the way to the top of the stem! Now they are all meeting. I wonder what's next! Apparently their society is not too different from ours!
A couple of months ago I bought a Giant Aristolochia. I've been watching it grow but haven't seen any Polydamas butterflies fluttering around it. Its their host plant so that's why I wanted it growing in our Jungle. But obviously they've been there when I wasn't looking and today Albert and I noticed large holes in the leaves and turned one over to discover this profusion of caterpillars! Lots more Polydamas butterflies are on the way!
Swallowtail caterpillars have a defense mechanism called osmeterium. Osmeterium are a fleshy organ in which caterpillars of swallowtail species sequester essential oils from their host plants, also known as terpenes. These oils coat the normally hidden osmeterium which can be everted or pushed out when the caterpillar is threatened.
The osmetierium are usually a bright warning color like red, yellow or orange and because of the terpenes smell quite foul. Having to move swallowtail caterpillars to new host plants also means that butterfly growers get their share of osmeterium love as the caterpillars arch backwards wildly, smearing predators faces and keepers hands alike with gross smelling oils. Each species has its own unique odor based upon what plants the caterpillar has been eating.
Check out this video of this caterpillar eating... and eating... and eating!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dryUAicVSEQ
Here is one of it laying eggs...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_A-v-9BQlo
And here's a caterpillar transforming into a cocoon.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4iWSMxlFFQ&feature=related
Polydamas caterpillar on Aristolochia vine
Biscayne Park, FL
For more, see my set Lubbers, Butterflies and Bees.
Swallowtail butterflies are large, colorful butterflies in the family Papilionidae, which includes over 550 species. Though the majority are tropical, members of the family occur on every continent except Antarctica. The family includes the largest butterflies in the world, the birdwing butterflies of the genus Ornithoptera.
Swallowtails have a number of characteristic features; for example, on the prothorax a Papilionid caterpillar bears a repugnatorial organ called the osmeterium. The osmeterium normally is hidden, but when threatened, the larva everts it through a transverse dorsal groove by inflating it with blood. It is a fleshy, forked structure and emits smelly secretions containing terpenes, which the larva typically tries to smear onto any attacker touching it.
The adults of some species have conspicuous posteriad prolongations of the hind wings in the region of the M3 vein. The forked appearance of these features as seen in the butterfly when resting with its wings spread, gave rise to the common name swallowtail. As for the formal name, Linnaeus chose Papilio for the type genus, Papilio being the Latin for a butterfly. For the specific epithets of the genus, Linnaeus applied the names of Greek heroes to the swallowtails. The type species: Papilio machaon honoured Machaon, one of the sons of Asclepius, mentioned in the Iliad.
A couple of months ago I bought a Giant Aristolochia vine. I've been watching it grow but haven't seen any Polydamas butterflies fluttering around it. Its their host plant so that's why I wanted it growing in our Jungle. But obviously they've been there when I wasn't looking and today Albert and I noticed large holes in the leaves and turned one over to discover this profusion of caterpillars! Lots more Polydamas butterflies are on the way!
Swallowtail caterpillars have a defense mechanism called osmeterium. Osmeterium are a fleshy organ in which caterpillars of swallowtail species sequester essential oils from their host plants, also known as terpenes. These oils coat the normally hidden osmeterium which can be everted or pushed out when the caterpillar is threatened.
The osmetierium are usually a bright warning color like red, yellow or orange and because of the terpenes smell quite foul. Having to move swallowtail caterpillars to new host plants also means that butterfly growers get their share of osmeterium love as the caterpillars arch backwards wildly, smearing predators faces and keepers hands alike with gross smelling oils. Each species has its own unique odor based upon what plants the caterpillar has been eating.
Check out video of this caterpillar eating... and eating... and eating! www.youtube.com/watch?v=dryUAicVSEQ
Here is one of it laying eggs... www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_A-v-9BQlo
And here is a caterpillar transforming into a cocoon.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4iWSMxlFFQ&feature=related
I spent the morning yesterday with Jeff Kaplan, one of Fairchild Garden's butterfly experts. Here's an interesting tidbit he shared with me. Butterflies emerge from their cocoon full size... and don't grow after that!
Polydamas caterpillar on Aristolochia vine
Biscayne Park, FL
For more, see my set Lubbers, Butterflies and Bees.
Swallowtail butterflies are large, colorful butterflies in the family Papilionidae, which includes over 550 species. Though the majority are tropical, members of the family occur on every continent except Antarctica. The family includes the largest butterflies in the world, the birdwing butterflies of the genus Ornithoptera.
Swallowtails have a number of characteristic features; for example, on the prothorax a Papilionid caterpillar bears a repugnatorial organ called the osmeterium. The osmeterium normally is hidden, but when threatened, the larva everts it through a transverse dorsal groove by inflating it with blood. It is a fleshy, forked structure and emits smelly secretions containing terpenes, which the larva typically tries to smear onto any attacker touching it.
The adults of some species have conspicuous posteriad prolongations of the hind wings in the region of the M3 vein. The forked appearance of these features as seen in the butterfly when resting with its wings spread, gave rise to the common name swallowtail. As for the formal name, Linnaeus chose Papilio for the type genus, Papilio being the Latin for a butterfly. For the specific epithets of the genus, Linnaeus applied the names of Greek heroes to the swallowtails. The type species: Papilio machaon honoured Machaon, one of the sons of Asclepius, mentioned in the Iliad.
Honeybee on Lippia graveolens ("Mexican oregano" -- not related to oregano, but makes some of the same terpenes, and thus has a similar aroma and flavor).
Swallowtail butterflies are large, colorful butterflies in the family Papilionidae, which includes over 550 species. Though the majority are tropical, members of the family occur on every continent except Antarctica. The family includes the largest butterflies in the world, the birdwing butterflies of the genus Ornithoptera.
Swallowtails have a number of characteristic features; for example, on the prothorax a Papilionid caterpillar bears a repugnatorial organ called the osmeterium. The osmeterium normally is hidden, but when threatened, the larva everts it through a transverse dorsal groove by inflating it with blood. It is a fleshy, forked structure and emits smelly secretions containing terpenes, which the larva typically tries to smear onto any attacker touching it.
The adults of some species have conspicuous posteriad prolongations of the hind wings in the region of the M3 vein. The forked appearance of these features as seen in the butterfly when resting with its wings spread, gave rise to the common name swallowtail. As for the formal name, Linnaeus chose Papilio for the type genus, Papilio being the Latin for a butterfly. For the specific epithets of the genus, Linnaeus applied the names of Greek heroes to the swallowtails. The type species: Papilio machaon honoured Machaon, one of the sons of Asclepius, mentioned in the Iliad.
“In the depths of the grow space the Kraken’s tentacles emerge, reaching for the light in a dance of green and white.”
Just a lil grow tip from your friendly neighbor Mr G!
Use Brer Rabbits Blackstrap Molasses!
Yes 1Tbsp/Gal. during flowering along side your normal bloom mixes.
It works better than any product I have been using at a fraction of the cost!
It works as a chelating agent so plants absorb more nutrients increasing taste, yield, terpenes/smell, etc. The B.R. Molasses has potassium, magnesium, iron, trace minerals, etc. that the plant thrives on during flowering! B.R. Blackstrap is hands down the best, but any Blackstrap Molasses will do!
You can thank me later!
Mr. G
chenille de papillon flambé exhibant son osmétérium.
Iphiclides podalirius
L’osmeterium est un organe charnu trouvé sur le segment prothoracique de chenilles de papillons de la sous-famille des Papilioninae, notamment des genres Papilio, Iphiclides, Eurytides et Troides.
Cet organe émet des composés malodorants qu'on pense être des phéromones. Normalement cachée, cette structure en forme de fourche peut être éversée lorsque la chenille se sent menacée et utilisée pour émettre une sécrétion nauséabonde contenant des terpènes. Ces produits chimiques varient selon les espèces
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The osmeterium is a fleshy organ found in the prothoracic segment of larvae (caterpillars) of Swallowtail butterflies including Birdwings and the '-prominent (Notodontidae) moths. This organ emits odorous compounds believed to be pheromones. Normally hidden, this forked structure can be everted when the caterpillar is threatened, and used to emit a foul-smelling secretion containing terpenes. These chemicals vary from species to species.
The fine structure of the osmeterial glands of Papilio demoleus libanius Fruhstorfer (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) have been studied and found to have three kinds of cells including ellipsoid gland cells.
Wikipedia.
Cannabis strain with purple flowering genetics. Feast your eyes on the rich, dark hues of the Alaska Banana Berry auto-flower. Its deep purple buds glisten with resin, ready to deliver a smooth, fruity experience. The vibrant contrast of neon green leaves cradles this aromatic beauty, offering a visual promise of the soothing high that awaits. Perfect for those seeking a relaxing, euphoric journey with a berry-tropical twist.
Nasutitermes triodiae
Family: Termitide
Infraorder: Isoptera
Order: Blatodea
Termite “cathedral’ nests like these, in the NT are usually attributed to Nasutitermes triodiae. The species is a grass eating termite and is sometimes referred to as the spinifex termite, from the spinifex grasslands where it is found.
These 3 metre high mounds are a triumph of termite engineering. The ‘fins’ that protrude out from the centre are part of the air conditioning system! The fins facing the sun take the heat whilst shading the rest of the nest. The ‘chimneys’ between the fins duct the hot air upwards and draw cooler air from below, thus preventing the colony from overheating. Internally there are chimneys linked to underground passages that facilitates air flows. There is a permeable top to the chimneys which allows gas flow.
Termites undergo incomplete metamorphosis with egg, nymph and adult stages. Some nymphs develop through a series of moults to become reproductive alates, winged adults. Colonies are founded by a single pair of male and female alates - a king and queen- which establish a nesting chamber and begin to produce fertile eggs. As the colony develops, the nests are constructed from mud, termite saliva, plant material and frass. Nests can develop over many years; queens can live for 30-50 years. If a queen is absent, the absence of her pheromones promotes the emergence of new reproductives. The continuing presence of the king produces pheromones that encourage the development of a replacement queen.
When the nest is attacked, or the nest walls breached, “nasute” soldier termites flood out to confront the threat. Soldier caste termites have a dark coloured head and a tube-like snout called a nasus. This snout is used to eject a mixture of terpenes which irritate and repel invaders.
The worker caste is responsible for collecting food for the colony.
Termites are diploid and follow the typical X-Y chromosomal sex determination, (unlike Hymenoptera which are haplodiploid). The workers are sterile - both males and females. The queen is female. Alates are both male and female reproductives.
References
Matsuura, K., Himuro, C., Yokoi, T., Yamamoto, Y., Vargo, E. L., & Keller, L. (2010). Identification of a pheromone regulating caste differentiation in termites. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 107(29), 12963-12968.