Tag: Africa
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The amazing Usambara Three-Horned Chameleon: A modern-day Triceratops
Are you fascinated by the ancient world of dinosaurs? If so, you’ll be delighted to learn about the Usambara three-horned chameleon (Trioceros deremensis), a unique species that could be considered nature’s real-life triceratops! With its striking appearance and remarkable adaptations, this chameleon is a living relic from the past. Appearance and Camouflage The Usambara three-horned…
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The beauty of Madagascar’s giant Baobab trees
The Grandidier’s Baobabs (Palmate adansonia) are giant trees indigenous to Africa. Nicknamed the “mother of the forest,” this species of Baobab tree is predominantly found off Africa’s mainland in the island country of Madagascar. Baobabs can live up to 800 to 1000 years with their unique ability to act as water storage tanks. The trees…
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The beautiful yet feisty Lilac-breasted roller bird, Africa’s most colorful bird
The plumage on the lilac-breasted roller bird is gorgeous. The creature sports eight different colors to give it the impression of a mesmerizing rainbow. It may just be Africa’s most colorful bird. Native to sub-Saharan Africa and the national bird of Botswana and Kenya, the lilac bird is known to perch on treetops by the…
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Picasso bugs, where art and nature collide
You can’t beat the brushstrokes of nature. Native to tropical and subtropical Africa, the oval-shaped Picasso Bug or Zulu Hud Bug is nature’s artwork. The Picasso Bug (Sphaerocoris annulus) is a shield-backed bug species with a vibrant carapace that does more than illustrate its aesthetic beauty. The mosaic markings serve as a warning to predators.…
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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 marvel, lives a life concealed beneath the earth, save for a fleshy flower that dares to surface. Breaking the standard photosynthesis cycle leads to a parasitic existence, feeding on the humble underground parts…
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Mouse Deer: A look into the world’s smallest hoofed mammal
When the world speaks of deer, a vision of majestic creatures with large antlers standing tall in a misty forest is often conjured. But let’s flip the script a bit and venture into the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia and Africa, where a different kind of deer resides – an enchanting creature, not more than…
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The fascinating realm of Conophytum Pageae, a remarkable succulent
Discover the world of succulents through the lens of a scarce gem – Conophytum pageae. Named after its discoverer, Mrs. P. Page, this remarkable plant hails from the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, specifically the Richtersveld, where the climate can be harsh and unforgiving. Conophytum pageae is no ordinary succulent. It belongs to the…
