Tag: flowers
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Unlocking the secrets of the Sword-Billed Hummingbird’s open beak
The Sword-billed hummingbird has the longest beak in proportion to its body compared to any other bird. Why is this, and what secrets are behind the Sword-billed Hummingbird’s open beak? Let’s have a look. First of all, look at that extensive beak, much longer than the bird’s body. Beakonomics: Measuring Up the Sword-Billed Hummingbird The
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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. It joins the fiery flowering plant Delonix regia as native to the country. Baobabs can live up to 800 to 1000
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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
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Puya Raimondii, the flower spike that’s “Queen of the Andes”
Puya Raimondii is a bromeliad species (flowering plant) native to Bolivia and Peru. That’s the same family as pineapples, which the inflorescences (a collection of flowers arranged on a stem) resemble in full bloom. The so-called “Queen of the Andes” stands up to 50 feet high, with a trunk stretching to heights of 16 feet
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The Great Blue Turaco
The beautiful Great Blue Turaco (Corythaeola cristata) is a bird from West and Central Africa’s tropical forests. The birds weigh up to three pounds and grow up to 30 inches long, about a pheasant’s size. While not the most competent flyers, they are excellent climbers, spending most of their time hanging out in the trees. While the great