Category: Nature
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Where did Christmas Tree idea come from? Unwrapping its origins
The idea of the Christmas tree, as it is known today, finds its roots in traditions that date back to the Middle Ages in Germany. It was around this time that devout Christians began bringing decorated trees into their homes during the festive period. The earliest record reflects a guild in Freiburg setting up a…
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Rainbow Mountain Cusco, Peru: Elevation and how to climb
One of Earth’s geological wonders, Rainbow Mountain, sits 17,000 feet above sea level in the Andres of Peru. Despite its elevation, there are various trekking experiences. Each route to Rainbow Mountain presents a distinct experience, offering its own mild difficulty and charm. Why the Rainbow Mountain in Peru is so colorful Vinicunca, as the rainbow…
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Fly Geyser in Nevada USA: Facts and location
Located in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada is a small Geothermal geyser that looks like an alien form bursting with life: The Fly Geyser. The Fly Geyser resulted from a human-made drilling accident in 1916 when someone went drilling for a water source. Instead, they penetrated a pool that spewed 200°F of scalding hot…
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Have you heard about the edible jelly ear fungus?
The jelly ear fungus (Auricularia auricula-judae) resembles the human ear. Also known as the wood ear, the brown-colored jelly ear mushroom is commonly seen on elder trees in temperate regions worldwide, where it flourishes on both dead and live wood. Is the Jelly Ear Fungus edible? Soft and rubbery, unlike the slimy Parrot Waxcap Mushroom,…
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The Wondrous Hydnora Africana: Survival, Uses, and Edibility
Hailing from the arid terrains of South Africa, the Hydnora Africana is an enthralling spectacle of botanical evolution. This plant, a leafless wonder, lives a life concealed beneath the earth, save for a fleshy flower that dares to surface from the soil. Breaking the standard photosynthesis cycle leads to a parasitic existence, feeding on the…
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Where does Delonix regia grow? How to plant the fiery tree
Delonix regia, commonly known as the Royal Poinciana or Flamboyant, is a species of flowering plant native to the African island of Madagascar. Specifically, it originates from the dry, deciduous forests of the west coast. However, the tree’s flaming orange-red flowers and its adaptability have made it a popular ornamental tree well beyond its native…
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Why do Gloster Canary birds have bowl haircuts?
The Gloster Canary is a popular cage bird known for its unique hairstyle and dynamic singing voice. The bird’s bowl haircut, also known as bushy, rounded ‘crests,’ resembles the signature hairstyle of The Beatles, notably Ringo Starr. The Gloster Canary exists in yellow, green, and brown color variations. This chubby and cute wig-wearing little bird…
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Peru’s Waterfall of the Bride: Unveiling nature’s wedding dress
Is nature greater than any human artist? There’s a beautiful 55-foot waterfall outside the city of Cajamarca, Peru, that forms the shape of a bride in her wedding dress. Like Lebanon’s Baatara Gorge Waterfall, the waterfall of the bride is one of Peru’s best-kept secrets. The water source for the cascade is a cave that…
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Mystery of Dead Man’s Fingers: Where Do They Grow?
Suppose you’re hiking through a wooded area in upstate New York or the famous Appalachian Trail and stumble upon clusters of dark, lifeless human digits protruding from decaying logs. What are those creepy things? For one, they could be Dead Man’s Fingers. Scientifically known as Xylaria polymorpha, this unique fungus is guaranteed to get a…