After being up in the open I moved down into a small gully. The RX burn had opened it up with the brush burnt back.
There I found the acrocarp Funaria moss was making capsules.
Here’s a look at single specimen.
While sitting admiring the moss I saw a nearby dead millipede. Look at those hairy legs. Furthermore I would not have ever notice that if it had been alive and moving.
Certainly red catches my eye like this nearby grasshopper leg. 🙂 Sitting down often can lead to more discoveries.
The non-native Common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) was down in the gully. However only a few were found.
The Texas Balloonwort (Sphaerocarpos texanus) was a very nice find. It is an ephemeral liverwort which likes sandy loam soils. I have it at home but it is not up yet.
The Texas Balloonwort is dioecious (having separate male and female plants). The male is smaller at usually 5mm and often dark. So I think the dark parts in this photo are the male. I had noticed the dark parts but thought it was just dying back in the field, but will be looking even closer now. 🙂 The larger female reaches up to 2 cm.
After doing a internet search, I believe the circle and arrow parts are male. Very COOL!
Leap Day! So it is like a free day for the year. I hope that you used it wisely. Indeed I did! Tomorrow I will share my Leap Day’s adventure. But first a couple of neat Leap Day clouds at home.
Today we had a bit of everything, from rain to sunshine. In fact we even had a big clap of thunder!
I could watch those sea creatures all night. Especially the octopus with the dumbo ears. And I’ve never seen prettier clouds. Thanks
Sea critters are mesmerizing!
You are right about the dark areas on the ballonwort – Dale pointed that out on Saturday.
Thanks!
The balloon worts are so cute!!
👍🏼
I’m glad y’all got a good rain this afternoon!
We got 0.25”!! Hopefully you got some too.
The seamount video is incredible!
I’m a new fan of balloon worts. And the seamount video is fabulous.
A new fan …yeah!