Interesting Observations: Part 9

Sharing some interesting findings

All the pictures used in this photo essay today, have been taken in my University campus in San Diego.

The above flower bud is golden chalice (Solandra maxima) from Solanaceae family. When I saw this vine in a yard near a beach house, I was mesmerized . Since then, I have seen the plant in different places.

I love the buttery-yellow buds. When unfurled, the flower is trumpet-shaped. Hence, the name golden chalice.

Below you see a sausage tree (Kigelia sp.) flower. An African native tree, but some of them have been in planted in different places in California.

The buds and flowers, both are lovely. While humans use the plant parts as folk medicines, the wildlife as antelopes and baboons, devour the flowers. The fruits look like sausages or elongated russet potatoes.

Occasionally, some monarch butterflies would stop by the campus garden. Or this butterfly could be from caterpillars grown on the milkweed patch in the campus itself.

This one is resting on a honeybush plant. It’s always a delight to see a Monarch butterfly.

This jacaranda tree was hung with dozens of wind chimes. Imagine sitting under it, watching the dropping purple flowers, while listening to the music of the wind chimes. It was a relaxing ritual for me.

The bird of paradise flowers, oozing with nectar would attract the hummingbirds. What joy to see them airborne, and sipping the nectar. Sometimes, they would perch on the flower, posing for my camera. Truth is, they are highly territorial, and they don’t like intruders.

I hope, you enjoyed the photo essay.

You can check the previous article in this series: