Luscious Lotus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As blooming plants go, this one has a versatility and history that can’t be beat! Don’t confuse this aquatic perennial with the water-lily. The lotus flower is only found in hues of pink or white, and contains the structure that forms a distinctive circular seed pod. Though rooted firmly in fresh water ponds or streams, the huge bowl-shaped leaves float on and above the surface while the flowers rise even higher on thick stems above the water.

Here in the U.S., the distinctive dried seed heads, which resemble the spouts of watering cans, are used for decorative purposes and dried flower arrangements. While still green, however, the seeds are edible and are considered a seasonal treat by the Cajuns known as “graine a voler”. They are eaten raw, fried, roasted, boiled, or cooked down in soups or stews. In Asia the edible flowers, leaves, stems, seeds, and rhizomes are all used in various ways from garnish to herbal teas and medicines. In China, the dried seeds are even heated to pop like popcorn!

From ancient times, the lotus has been used as a symbol for various virtues and deities in Asian traditions. In the classical written and oral literature of many Asian cultures, the lotus flower represents elegance, beauty, perfection and grace. The lotus flower also appeared in legends originating in ancient Egypt, and played an important part in both religion and art.

These images may be viewed or purchased from the “Trees and Plants” or “In Bloom” galleries at:

www.michaelcartaimages.com

Tie-Dyed Fall

Last fall I went in search of some natural fall color. I could see these blue-purple leaves from some distance, so I went to check it out (and, no, I have no idea what they are!). The combination of blues, green, red and yellow all together in one place was a visual feast. Backlit by the sun, the image was too special to pass up. I wonder what treats I have in store this year….

This image may be viewed or purchased from the “Trees and Plants” gallery at:

www.michaelcartaimages.com

Hasty Retreat

Chinese Geese

 

Hasty Retreat

I had never seen a Chinese Goose before I spotted these two at a state park in Western Iowa. I approached cautiously, and they ignored me until I moved in to get a better shot. Once they decided I was just a little too close, they stepped off the bank and swam quickly away. The second image you see here is their hasty retreat. I find their upturned backsides rather funny, as I am used to seeing Canadian geese. Here is some additional information on these beautiful but odd-looking characters.

Domesticated from the Swan Goose in Central Siberia over 2,000 years ago, the Chinese Goose is the smallest of all domestic geese. Because they eat grasses and weeds these birds are often bred and used for “weeding” purposes. They have also been considered good “watch-dogs”, as they can be quite aggressive and vocal when threatened.

There are two varieties of the Chinese Goose, white and brown (pictured here). They have a brown back and wings, a brown stripe down the back of the neck, and whitish under parts. The black bill is distinctive, with a large knob at the base. Orange legs and feet and a short upward held tail complete the outfit. The female has a smaller body and bill knob.

These images may be viewed or purchased from the “Animals & Insects” gallery at:

www.michaelcartaimages.com