Tag: Plants
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Is Daisugi Real? The Ancient Japanese Tree-Growing Technique
The Japanese forestry method for harvesting wood, daisugi (meaning “cedar table”), goes as far back as the 14th century to solve a seedling shortage in Kyoto. Yes, Daisugi is real, not a hoax. Let’s explore the ancient Japanese technique for growing trees out of trees The 700-year-old technique involves pruning a tree’s branches like giant…
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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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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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The intriguing phenomenon of the Anguloa Uniflora Orchid: Nature’s swaddled babies
Nature never ceases to surprise us with its intriguing creations and phenomena. One such example is the Anguloa Uniflora, a unique orchid species native to the Andean regions of South America. This includes countries like Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The Swaddled Baby Orchid is well-known for its flowers that bear a striking resemblance to swaddled…
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Climbing the majestic Rock Of Guatapé, Colombia
The Rock of Guatapé or La Piedra del Peñol in Colombia’s Antioquia region is a geological marvel. This towering landmark attracts thousands of adventurers yearly, who come to admire the colossal formation and climb to the top for panoramic views. It takes 740 hard-earned steps to reach the peak. The history of the Rock Of…
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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…
