So were my goals met? And does it really matter? In fact, it is the journey that I relish on any outing. New discoveries and old friends.
Do you know what a glochid is on a Prickly Pear cactus? Even if you don’t know the term, you may have encountered them if you have ever tangled with a cactus. The spines are the big things. The glochids surround the the spines. They are the even more painful in my opinion than the spines. In this photo they are the tiny brown hair-like spines surrounding the larger spine. They are devilishly hard to remove from your skin or clothing because they are so hard to see. I have thrown away articles of clothing after having encountered them.
A tall snag covered with the Neon Chrysothrix lichen!
Certainly an interesting growth on a wounded tree.
I love the “creatures” of the woods. Indeed, you are never alone. LOL
A tiny brown mushroom pushed its way through the Parmatrema lichen! In this case, I wondered if this wasn’t a communication tower for the fairies? LOL
Finally, I have made it to the open field. Here I had hopes of finding the leaves of the Blue Funnel-lily. Without delay, I searched the ground.
With the Funnel-lily in mind, I directed my eyes to the ground. The Devil’s Toenails were strewn about.
Further along, empty houses!
Here and there were the Queen’s Delight (Stillingia texana) and White Compass Plant (Silphium albiflorum) skeletons. In fact, these two tough plants thrive on the limestone barrens. Furthermore, they are plants that are not grazed by the cows.
Cows were grazing nearby. Some watched me with interest. While others (mostly the young ones) retreated away quickly.
Rabbit’s Tobacco (Diaperia prolifera) skeletons were thick. For this reason, I doubt the cows graze them either.
Indeed it looked like the knurl had its nose in the air. LOL
Obviously, a creature with a concerned face with long flowing hair. 😉
Three Earthstars fungi laid upside down in the path.
Flipped.
Too chilly for the red ants.
Finally the last find, the Cymopterus (Vesper macrorhizus)!
So I had two goals on this outing, no mud and the Blue Funnel-lily. First goal was met. Since I had only encountered a couple of muddy spots which were easily navigated pass. The second goal was not achieved or was it? So it was too early for the Funnel-lilies to be up. However, it won’t be long before they will sprout. In fact, I have have on my calendar as early as March 3rd. So maybe the second goal had been met after all. Now I have new information on the Blue Funnel-lily.
Creature with concerned face looks like a cocker spaniel with its long ear and curly hair. Better luck next time on funnel lily
Thanks!
Blue funnel lilies are second only to trout lilies on my favorite wildflower list. I’d love to go on searches with you and Jeanne this spring.
Certainly always glad to have you! 😊
The article on Arthropods is really eye-opening – who would guess termites were more abundant than ants?
Yes, that surprised me too.
The funnel lilies look like they will be gorgeous when they are blooming (had to google). Glad you saw some interesting things!
If you ever have a chance to see a funnel-lily, make sure you put your nose to it. It has a nice vanilla scent!
Great day! Always fun to see Cymopterus!
For sure!!! 🙂