Sunday, September 15, 2013

End of Monsoon Confusion

The monsoon has wound down after several last-minute storms at the beginning of the month. Right now most plants are green, and many blooms have sprung up from the unexpected rain. For example, one of my lemon trees is in bloom (it is beautiful, but not very bright).

At Tohono Chul Park, there are flowers and greenery everywhere. Some of the plants, like the palms in our new, still-unfinished Palm Habitat, look a little out of place.

Unfinished Palm habitat 1-9-2013 1-33-35 PM 4519x2725

The kidneywood is in bloom again, and the scent is so heavenly it is worth a trip to the Park just to smell it. (It’s near the front, just behind the Five Seasons Garden.)

Kidneywood and bees 1-9-2013 1-31-23 PM 2770x2990

This caterpillar, which I believe may be a Gulf Fritillary, seemed very confused, evidently assuming the electrical cord he walked round and round on was a vine.

Xmas light caterpillar 1-9-2013 1-22-46 PM 2888x2825

 

5 comments:

  1. What a gorgeous caterpillar! I can't imagine how beautiful the butterfly must be.

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    1. I still don't know for sure, but if it is a Gulf fritillary that's the most beautiful butterfly in the Park (IMHO). Here's a link to a photo of one that doesn't quite do it justice: http://backyardbirds.blogspot.com/2012/10/butterfly-sex-notes.html

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  2. Anonymous4:20 AM

    Looks like a frittilary to me too. I just received my Arizona butterfly book and I am anxious to go out butterflying with you at Tohono Chul.

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    1. I showed the photo to Fred Heath, the butterfly expert, and he said yes fritillary, so YAY! I look forward to birding and butterflying and even planting with you. I learned today that owl clover is NOT a root parasite.

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  3. the plants in the world is so interesting ! thank you for sharing this interesting post !

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