Cool Plants and Trees

[orbsycli]

I love the way scientists are genetically enhancing Marijuana, these days.

Just look at this beautiful Cannabis plant:

http://www.highgrade-seeds.com/album..._shot_4wks.jpg

[Michaelangelica]

One of my favourites is Mandrake.
Mainly because of the terrible scream it makes when you pull it up.

It also makes a passable local anesthetic

[Racoon]

African Oil Palm-Elaesis guineesis.

The fruit of this tree yields valuable oils, used as food or is processed into margarine, soaps, and livestock foods.

[freeztar]

The sycamore fig is a pretty neat tree:
http://www.e-gnu.com/country_info/bo...TentedCamp.jpg

It has a special relationship with a wasp and literally creates a micro-ecosystem amongst it's branches.

[freeztar]

My favorite plant here in the SE US is the spotted touch me not (Impatiens capensis):
http://www.mta.ca/~rthompso/nativefl...jewelweed3.JPG

The flower has a catapulting system that launches seeds several feet away from the plant. The catapult mechanism can be activated by an animal brushing against it, hence the name "Touch me not". It is also commonly called "jewelweed" because when held underwater, the underside of the leaf has a silvery metallic sheen, very cool! It is also the only known cure for poison ivy!

[Racoon]

Saguaro, the Giant Cactus - Carnegiea gigantea

Saguaro are found only in the Sonoran desert. The giant saguaro is the king of cacti. A full-grown saguaro is usually more than 35 feet in height and is at least 75 years old, sometimes reaching a height of 50 feet and life span of 200 years. Some have arms but all are green and have a wax-like skin that helps prevent water loss. Rare and endangered this extraordinary giant cactus has been protected within Saguaro National Park since 1933 .

[Michaelangelica]

The Carob Tree is interesting
The seed pods have a chocolate like sugary flavour. Great stock food and drought tolerant.
The seeds were used as a jeweler's measure for a "carrot" /carob.
Hence our measurement of precious gems today.
Each seed weights one "carrot"

Carob is rich in protein, A and B vitamins, and such essential minerals as phosphorus and calcium. It's also much lower in fat and—especially because it's naturally sweet—in calories than chocolate or chocolate products. Furthermore, carob is nonallergenic . . . and doesn't contain theobromine, a stimulant which is present in chocolate.

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Natur..._Natural_Sweet

Countrywoman under a carob tree
http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Eur...hoto253808.htm
another photo:
http://www.pbase.com/valterj/image/50799062

It seems to have a long tap root that protects it from dry seasons.
When I grew it in pots, the tap root circled around and around the base of the pot. It was very slow growing. Perhaps because it was putting most of its energy into the tap root?

[Racoon]

The Rubber Tree

Where you can get Rubber!



&

[Michaelangelica]

Does it bounce?

[ronthepon]

Hey, cool visual display style, Racoon!