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  • Abernethy is a 12,000-hectare nature reserve sitting within the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland. It is a fine exemplar of the remaining Caledonian forests, featuring a few old "granny trees" amongst growth that is much, much younger and of a different character. <br />
<br />
The RSPB manages the majority of the reserve with Scottish National Heritage (SNH) taking care of part of it. Abernethy is an important site for ancient Caledonian pine trees, and species such as capercaillie and crested tit.<br />
<br />
Like most of Scotland’s native woods, Abernethy has suffered deforestation over the centuries. Sheep and deer browsing then conspired to prevent new tree growth. Blocks of commercial conifer plantations have been sown into areas where there would have been native woodland.
    MM8321_20150902_15692.jpg
  • Sacred oak tree in the Foret de la Guerche links to Druid tradtions, near the Breton town of La-Guerche-de-Bretagne in eastern Brittany.  Oak trees in clearings are very Druidic, and this one has thus been adapted by adding statues of the Virgin, all the way up the trunk.
    MM7189 9-2-04 21955.jpg
  • Mar Lodge Estate is a Scottish Highland estate in Aberdeenshire, owned by the National Trust for Scotland. It is entirely contained within the Cairngorms National Park and important for nature conservation, landscape, recreation and culture. <br />
Mar Lodge, under the direction of Shaila Rao, is undertaking a major realignment of their ecology, striving to bring back much more of the Caledonian Forrest that has been lost. To do that they are culling the deer population that suppresses growth of trees.
    MM8321_20150829_12647-Pano.jpg
  • Mar Lodge Estate is a Scottish Highland estate in Aberdeenshire, owned by the National Trust for Scotland. It is entirely contained within the Cairngorms National Park and important for nature conservation, landscape, recreation and culture. <br />
Mar Lodge, under the direction of Shaila Rao, is undertaking a major realignment of their ecology, striving to bring back much more of the Caledonian Forrest that has been lost. To do that they are culling the deer population that suppresses growth of trees.
    MM8321_20150827_11176-Edit.jpg
  • Mar Lodge Estate is a Scottish Highland estate in Aberdeenshire, owned by the National Trust for Scotland. It is entirely contained within the Cairngorms National Park and important for nature conservation, landscape, recreation and culture. <br />
Mar Lodge, under the direction of Shaila Rao, is undertaking a major realignment of their ecology, striving to bring back much more of the Caledonian Forrest that has been lost. To do that they are culling the deer population that suppresses growth of trees.
    MM8321_20150828_11606.jpg
  • Winnowing rice in the rice paddies among the coconut trees in Luwus village of Bali. The woman is Bu Jro and she was getting one bag of rice (70kg) per each died of one eco size. (100 ecos to the hectare.)
    MM8154_20131018_17236.jpg
  • Winnowing rice in the rice paddies among the coconut trees in Luwus village of Bali. The woman is Bu Edi and she was getting one bag of rice (70kg) per each died of one eco size. (100 ecos to the hectare,)
    MM8154_20131018_17152.jpg
  • Mar Lodge Estate is a Scottish Highland estate in Aberdeenshire, owned by the National Trust for Scotland. It is entirely contained within the Cairngorms National Park and important for nature conservation, landscape, recreation and culture. <br />
Mar Lodge, under the direction of Shaila Rao, is undertaking a major realignment of their ecology, striving to bring back much more of the Caledonian Forrest that has been lost. To do that they are culling the deer population that suppresses growth of trees.
    MM8321_20150828_12154.jpg
  • Sunrise on Loch Maree in Wester Ross in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland. Numerous small islands in the Loch have old Scots Pines growing on them, mostly because on the islands they are protected from deer.
    MM8321_20160414_25188-Pano.jpg
  • Loch Eilt in Lochaber in the West Highlands of Scotland. Scots pines grow on the small island, protected from grazing deer. This island is famous as being the grave site of Dumbledore from the Harry Potter movies.
    MM8321_20160416_26277-Pano.jpg
  • Sunrise on Loch Maree in Wester Ross in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland. Numerous small islands in the Loch have old Scots Pines growing on them, mostly because on the islands they are protected from deer.
    MM8321_20160414_25163.jpg
  • Sunrise on Loch Maree in Wester Ross in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland. Numerous small islands in the Loch have old Scots Pines growing on them, mostly because on the islands they are protected from deer.
    MM8321_20160414_25150.jpg
  • Loch Maree in Wester Ross in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland. Numerous small islands in the Loch have old Scots Pines growing on them, mostly because on the islands they are protected from deer.
    MM8321_20160413_24741.jpg
  • Loch Eilt in Lochaber in the West Highlands of Scotland. Scots pines grow on the small island, protected from grazing deer. This island is famous as being the grave site of Dumbledore from the Harry Potter movies.
    MM8321_20160415_26481-Pano.jpg
  • Aerial of farmland in southwest Wisconsin near the Mississippi River, south of La Crosse.  Farms surrounded by clouds along the ridges of the rich Loess bluffs along the Mississippi River.
    MM6977_070826_13652 - Version 2.jpg
  • Sunrise on Loch Maree in Wester Ross in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland. Numerous small islands in the Loch have old Scots Pines growing on them, mostly because on the islands they are protected from deer.
    MM8321_20160414_25214.jpg
  • Growing apple trees in tissue culture at Seed Savers seed bank in Decorah, Iowa.
    MM6786_701184.jpg
  • Glenfeshie Estate in the Cairngorms of Scotland is a primary site of conservation efforts to bring back more of the ancient Caledonian Forest. Owned by Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen who has dedicated much effort to a program of culling deer to bring back more balanced ecosystem including Scotls pines. 

Thomas MacDonell seen hight above the glen is conservation manager of the estate.
    MM8321_20161017_34638-Pano-Edit.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.  <br />
<br />
Bixa orellana (Bixaceae) - annato, lipstick tree; native to South America. The genus Bixa is monotypic and a member of the family Bixaceae (16 species in 3 genera). The species is especially cultivated for its red colouring obtained from the testa of the seeds, the original Amerindian body paint which is also effective as an insect repellent. The red colour is due to several apocarotenoids located in the seed epidermis, of which bixin (9'Z-6,6'-diapocarotene-6,6'-dioate) is the most important. Several more carotenoids and apocarotenoids have been identified; their total amount varies strongly, but may reach up to 7% of the dry seeds' mass. Bixin was formerly an important dyestuff but is now replaced by Congo red for fabric but still used in food esp. cheese, butter, margarine and chocolate as it is almost tasteless. It is also used in soaps and other skin products (there sometimes also called the lipstick tree). Bixa orellana, also called annato, possesses extrafloral nectaries to attract ants that ward off predators (seed production doubles in the presence of ants) (from Mabberley 1997 and Gernod Katzer’s Spice Pages). Common names for Bixa orellana include: Orleansbaum, achuete, annatto, urucum, urucu, rocucou, anato, achiote, kuswé.<br />
The scientific species name orellana reminds to Francisco de Orellana, a Spanish explorer of the 16th century. Together with Francisco Pizarro, Orellana had been involved in the destruction of the Inca empire; in 1540, he participated in another expedition led by Gonzalo Pizarro. Following rumours about gold and cinnamon trees, about 2000 Spaniards entered to Peruvian and Brazilian jungles, where most of them perished. Orellana abandoned the party and made his way eastward, where he (more or less by chance) discovered the Amazonas river and earned scientific fame quite undeservedly. By confusion of the Spanish name with the French town Orle
    MM7753_2010-07-23_11854.jpg
  • Morning at Eilean na Moine in Loch Eilt, a loch in Lochaber, in the West Highlands of Scotland. It is between the villages of Glenfinnan and Lochailort. Loch Eilt separates the traditional districts of Morar, to the north, and Moidart, to the south.
    MM8321_20150909_21158.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.     <br />
Acacia auriculiformis (Fabaceae), commonly known as Auri, Earleaf acacia, Earpod wattle, Northern black wattle, Papuan wattle, Tan wattle, is a fast-growing, crooked, gnarly and thorny tree in the family Fabaceae. It is native to Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. It grows up to 30m tall. Acacia auriculiformis has about 47 000 seeds/kg. This plant is raised as an ornamental plant, as a shade tree and it is also raised on plantations for fuelwood throughout southeast Asia Oceana and in Sudan. Its wood is good for making paper, furniture and tools. It contains tannin useful in animal hide tanning. [from Wikipedia; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acacia_auriculiformis]<br />
interesting weblinks:<br />
http://www.naturia.per.sg/buloh/plants/acacia.htm<br />
http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/sea/Products/AFDbases/af/asp/SpeciesInfo.asp?SpID=10: Products: Fodder: Not widely used as fodder, but in India 1-year-old plantations are browsed by cattle. Apiculture: The flowers are a source of pollen for honey production. Fuel: A major source of firewood, its dense wood and high energy (calorific value of 4500-4900 kcal/kg) contribute to its popularity. It provides very good charcoal that glows well with little smoke and does not spark. Fibre: The wood is extensively used for paper pulp. Plantation-grown trees have been found promising for the production of unbleached kraft pulp and high-quality, neutral, sulphite semi-chemical pulp. Large-scale plantations have already been established, as in Kerala, India, for the production of pulp. Timber: The sapwood is yellow; the heartwood light brown to dark red, straight grained and reasonably durable. The wood has a high basic density (500-650 kg/m³), is fine-grained, often attractively figured and finishes well. It is excellent for turnery articles, toys, carom coins, chessmen and handicrafts. Also used for furniture, joinery, tool handles, and f
    MM7753_2010-07-23_11910.jpg
  • Restoration in the Loess Plateau region of China.  Fo Tang Yan village in Zizhou County where there is a very large restoration project planting date trees.  The propaganda moto on a terrace read "Plant a thousand mu (Chinese acres) of date trees for a thousand years of prosperity."
    MM6977_071020_27188.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.     <br />
<br />
Acacia auriculiformis (Fabaceae), commonly known as Auri, Earleaf acacia, Earpod wattle, Northern black wattle, Papuan wattle, Tan wattle, is a fast-growing, crooked, gnarly and thorny tree in the family Fabaceae. It is native to Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. It grows up to 30m tall. Acacia auriculiformis has about 47 000 seeds/kg. This plant is raised as an ornamental plant, as a shade tree and it is also raised on plantations for fuelwood throughout southeast Asia Oceana and in Sudan. Its wood is good for making paper, furniture and tools. It contains tannin useful in animal hide tanning. [from Wikipedia; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acacia_auriculiformis]<br />
interesting weblinks:<br />
http://www.naturia.per.sg/buloh/plants/acacia.htm<br />
http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/sea/Products/AFDbases/af/asp/SpeciesInfo.asp?SpID=10: Products: Fodder: Not widely used as fodder, but in India 1-year-old plantations are browsed by cattle. Apiculture: The flowers are a source of pollen for honey production. Fuel: A major source of firewood, its dense wood and high energy (calorific value of 4500-4900 kcal/kg) contribute to its popularity. It provides very good charcoal that glows well with little smoke and does not spark. Fibre: The wood is extensively used for paper pulp. Plantation-grown trees have been found promising for the production of unbleached kraft pulp and high-quality, neutral, sulphite semi-chemical pulp. Large-scale plantations have already been established, as in Kerala, India, for the production of pulp. Timber: T
    MM7753_2010-07-23_11910.jpg
  • Restoration in the Loess Plateau region of China.  Fo Tang Yan village in Zizhou County where there is a very large restoration project planting date trees.  The propaganda moto on a terrace read "Plant a thousand mu (Chinese acres) of date trees for a thousand years of prosperity."
    MM6977_071020_27188.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.  <br />
<br />
Shorea macrophylla (Dipterocarpaceae =  meranti family) - engkabang jantong (Malay), length of fruit: 12.5cm – The members of the meranti family are a dominant component of lowland tropical rainforests and exploited for their valuable timber; The calyx of the flower develops into the wings (3 large ones, 2 smaller ones) assist wind dispersal of the large, single-seeded nuts. Shorea macrophylla is the main source of illepenuts, the fruits are obtained from trees 15 years of age. It produces the biggest nuts of all engkabangs with sizes of 5.5 - 6.0 x 2.9 - 3.2cm snippets from the internet: <br />
Engkabang jantung (Shorea macrophylla) and Acacia mangium are two of the most popular wood species that frequently used as inputs for interior decoration such as cabinets, furnitures, and turnery. The plants are also used for particleboard, plywood, veneer, pulp, fence, firewood and charcoal (Sanchez, 2006, Anon,2009). Mohamad Azani et al., (2001) studied that engkabang jantung can grow very fast and form wide spreading crowns, even though it is planted under shades of the higher trees. Engkabang is a protected species and can be found scattering throughout Sarawak, usually on clay alluvial soil of riparian forest and lower slopes of clay hill sides below 600m above sea level (Anon, 2009 and Anon 2009a). The information about this species is still limited compared to Acacia mangium. Engkabang is popular due to its nut known as False Illipe Nut, which has moisturising properties that are similar to cocoa butter for skincare and haircare products (Fleckenstein, 2009).<br />
<br />
Engkabang jantung (Shorea macrophylla) and Acacia mangium are two of the most popular wood species that frequently used as inputs for interior decoration such as cabinets, furnitures, and turnery. The plants are also used for particleboard, plywood, veneer, pulp, fence, firewood and charcoal (Sanchez, 2006, Anon,2009). Moham
    MM7753_2010-07-22_11685.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.  <br />
<br />
Shorea macrophylla (Dipterocarpaceae =  meranti family) - engkabang jantong (Malay), length of fruit: 12.5cm – The members of the meranti family are a dominant component of lowland tropical rainforests and exploited for their valuable timber; The calyx of the flower develops into the wings (3 large ones, 2 smaller ones) assist wind dispersal of the large, single-seeded nuts. Shorea macrophylla is the main source of illepenuts, the fruits are obtained from trees 15 years of age. It produces the biggest nuts of all engkabangs with sizes of 5.5 - 6.0 x 2.9 - 3.2cm snippets from the internet: <br />
Engkabang jantung (Shorea macrophylla) and Acacia mangium are two of the most popular wood species that frequently used as inputs for interior decoration such as cabinets, furnitures, and turnery. The plants are also used for particleboard, plywood, veneer, pulp, fence, firewood and charcoal (Sanchez, 2006, Anon,2009). Mohamad Azani et al., (2001) studied that engkabang jantung can grow very fast and form wide spreading crowns, even though it is planted under shades of the higher trees. Engkabang is a protected species and can be found scattering throughout Sarawak, usually on clay alluvial soil of riparian forest and lower slopes of clay hill sides below 600m above sea level (Anon, 2009 and Anon 2009a). The information about this species is still limited compared to Acacia mangium. Engkabang is popular due to its nut known as False Illipe Nut, which has moisturising properties that are similar to cocoa butter for skincare and haircare products (Fleckenstein, 2009).<br />
<br />
Engkabang jantung (Shorea macrophylla) and Acacia mangium are two of the most popular wood species that frequently used as inputs for interior decoration such as cabinets, furnitures, and turnery. The plants are also used for particleboard, plywood, veneer, pulp, fence, firewood and charcoal (Sanchez, 2006, Anon,2009).
    MM7753_2010-07-22_11685.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.  <br />
<br />
Bertholletia excelsa (Lecythidaceae) – Brazil nut; native to Brazil – large woody fruit with animal-made hole affording a view of an eroded seed. In its natural habitat, the Brazilian rainforest, the mature fruits fall on the ground where agoutis (cat-size brown rodents) are the only animals that are able to gnaw their way through the fruit wall into the seeds. They eat some of the seeds of a fruit and cache the rest for subsequent use. Seeds left in a forgotten cache eventually germinate after 12 to 18 months and give rise to a new Brazil nut tree. <br />
Snippets from the internet: A forest tree, native to northern Brazil and Guiana, that grows 100' tall and has been grown in Hawaii. The fruit is round, woody, 6" long and contains 12-24 nuts per fruit. Almost all of the commercial crop is collected from wild trees<br />
Very good info about the economy etc. of the Brazil nut: http://www.rain-tree.com/brazilnu.htm
    MM7753_2010-07-22_11725.jpg
  • Genevieve Weston in the Weston Antique Apples orchard near New Berllin, Wisconsin.<br />
<br />
Weston's Orchards, the oldest active orchard in Waukesha, were established in 1935 by Harvey and Alice Weston on a site owned by Alice's father, William Marckwardt. By this time the farm already had an orchard and several of its current buildings. For example, its Dutch colonial style barn dates to 1901.<br />
<br />
The family-operated orchards have supplied the public with historic apple varieties for over 60 years. Some of the orchards' trees were planted in the late nineteenth century and significant additional plantings were made during the Great Depression by the orchards current owners. The orchards cover 16 acres with more than 700 trees and over 100 varieties with dates varying from the Calville Blanc d'Hiver (1598), Gravenstien (1600) to the Wolf River (1881) and Pink Pearl (1944). Weston's Orchards work to conserve these antique apple vaieties from extinction. The Old Church apple, for example, is grown solely on their farm.
    MM8154_20130916_11548.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.  <br />
<br />
Bertholletia excelsa (Lecythidaceae) – Brazil nut; native to Brazil – large woody fruit with animal-made hole affording a view of an eroded seed. In its natural habitat, the Brazilian rainforest, the mature fruits fall on the ground where agoutis (cat-size brown rodents) are the only animals that are able to gnaw their way through the fruit wall into the seeds. They eat some of the seeds of a fruit and cache the rest for subsequent use. Seeds left in a forgotten cache eventually germinate after 12 to 18 months and give rise to a new Brazil nut tree. <br />
Snippets from the internet: A forest tree, native to northern Brazil and Guiana, that grows 100' tall and has been grown in Hawaii. The fruit is round, woody, 6" long and contains 12-24 nuts per fruit. Almost all of the commercial crop is collected from wild trees<br />
Very good info about the economy etc. of the Brazil nut: http://www.rain-tree.com/brazilnu.htm
    MM7753_2010-07-22_11725.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.  <br />
<br />
Bixa orellana (Bixaceae) - annato, lipstick tree; native to South America. The genus Bixa is monotypic and a member of the family Bixaceae (16 species in 3 genera). The species is especially cultivated for its red colouring obtained from the testa of the seeds, the original Amerindian body paint which is also effective as an insect repellent. The red colour is due to several apocarotenoids located in the seed epidermis, of which bixin (9'Z-6,6'-diapocarotene-6,6'-dioate) is the most important. Several more carotenoids and apocarotenoids have been identified; their total amount varies strongly, but may reach up to 7% of the dry seeds' mass. Bixin was formerly an important dyestuff but is now replaced by Congo red for fabric but still used in food esp. cheese, butter, margarine and chocolate as it is almost tasteless. It is also used in soaps and other skin products (there sometimes also called the lipstick tree). Bixa orellana, also called annato, possesses extrafloral nectaries to attract ants that ward off predators (seed production doubles in the presence of ants) (from Mabberley 1997 and Gernod Katzer’s Spice Pages). Common names for Bixa orellana include: Orleansbaum, achuete, annatto, urucum, urucu, rocucou, anato, achiote, kuswé.<br />
The scientific species name orellana reminds to Francisco de Orellana, a Spanish explorer of the 16th century. Together with Francisco Pizarro, Orellana had been involved in the destruction of the Inca empire; in 1540, he participated in another expedition led by Gonzalo Pizarro. Following rumours about gold and cinnamon trees, about 2000 Spaniards entered to Peruvian and Brazilian jungles, where most of them perished. Orellana abandoned the party and made his way eastward, where he (more or less by chance) discovered the Amazonas river and earned scientific fame quite undeservedly. By confusion of the Spanish name with the French town Orle
    MM7753_2010-07-23_11854.jpg
  • Sacred oak tree in the Foret de la Guerche links to Druid tradtions, near the Breton town of La-Guerche-de-Bretagne in eastern Brittany.  The tree is reputed to be the site of some past massacre.  Oak trees in clearings are very Druidic, and this one has thus been adapted by adding statues of the Virgin, all the way up the trunk.
    MM7189 9-2-04 21955.jpg
  • Gevevieve Sekulovich in the Weston Antique Apples orchard near New Berllin, Wisconsin.<br />
<br />
Weston's Orchards, the oldest active orchard in Waukesha, were established in 1935 by Harvey and Alice Weston on a site owned by Alice's father, William Marckwardt. By this time the farm already had an orchard and several of its current buildings. For example, its Dutch colonial style barn dates to 1901.<br />
<br />
The family-operated orchards have supplied the public with historic apple varieties for over 60 years. Some of the orchards' trees were planted in the late nineteenth century and significant additional plantings were made during the Great Depression by the orchards current owners. The orchards cover 16 acres with more than 700 trees and over 100 varieties with dates varying from the Calville Blanc d'Hiver (1598), Gravenstien (1600) to the Wolf River (1881) and Pink Pearl (1944). Weston's Orchards work to conserve these antique apple vaieties from extinction. The Old Church apple, for example, is grown solely on their farm.
    MM8154_20130916_11708.jpg
  • In the villages around Keita, Niger villagers and the FAO have combined efforts to restore 36,000 sq. kilometers of land that was ravaged by the droughts of the 70's and 80's.  Most of the work has been done by some 10,000 women of the area, returning much of the land to productivity.In all they have planted 18,000,000 trees.
    MM6977_071211_32468.jpg
  • In the villages around Keita, Niger villagers and the FAO have combined efforts to restore 36,000 sq. kilometers of land that was ravaged by the droughts of the 70's and 80's.  Most of the work has been done by some 10,000 women of the area, returning much of the land to productivity.In all they have planted 18,000,000 trees.
    MM6977_071211_32378.jpg
  • On the farm of Rhoda Mang'anya in the Dedze District of Malawi. Rhoda has improved her soil, and with it the ability to feed her family, by using a variety of perrenial trees that provide nitrogen to the soil. <br />
For further information contact: <br />
Chris Katema<br />
ckatema@cgiarmw.org<br />
chrisskatema@gmail.com<br />
0999 220075
    MalawiAg_20120427_1796.jpg
  • Mar Lodge Estate is a Scottish Highland estate in Aberdeenshire, owned by the National Trust for Scotland. It is entirely contained within the Cairngorms National Park and important for nature conservation, landscape, recreation and culture. <br />
Mar Lodge, under the direction of Shaila Rao, is undertaking a major realignment of their ecology, striving to bring back much more of the Caledonian Forrest that has been lost. To do that they are culling the deer population that suppresses growth of trees.
    MM8321_20150910_21830.jpg
  • In the villages around Keita, Niger villagers and the FAO have combined efforts to restore 36,000 sq. kilometers of land that was ravaged by the droughts of the 70's and 80's.  Most of the work has been done by some 10,000 women of the area, returning much of the land to productivity.In all they have planted 18,000,000 trees.Issia Saidou is a sorghum and millet farmer, who was a soldier during the 80's drought.
    MM6977_071212_33628.jpg
  • Tresco Abbey Gardens in the Scilly Islands off the tip of Cornwall, in the UK.  Famed for its climate that promotes lucious growth, including palm trees.
    CelticLands_20070517_1026.jpg
  • Tresco Abbey Gardens in the Scilly Islands off the tip of Cornwall, in the UK.  Famed for its climate that promotes lucious growth, including palm trees.
    CelticLands_20070517_1026.jpg
  • Madron Holy Well and Baptistry sits on the outskirts of Madron, north of Penzance. The faithful dip rags in the water and hang them on the trees around the spring. In side the old Celtic church is Karen Ehrenfeldt, a druid from San Jose, California.
    MM7189 6-25-04 2323.jpg
  • Winnowing rice in the rice paddies among the coconut trees in Luwus village of Bali.
    MM8154_20131018_17152.jpg
  • In the villages around Keita, Niger villagers and the FAO have combined efforts to restore 36,000 sq. kilometers of land that was ravaged by the droughts of the 70's and 80's.  Most of the work has been done by some 10,000 women of the area, returning much of the land to productivity.In all they have planted 18,000,000 trees.
    MM6977_071211_32632.jpg
  • Restoration in the Loess Plateau region of China  Wang Chun Jun harvesting potatoes high on the hills above Miao Jia Yan village in Zizhou County where there is a very large restoration project planting date trees.
    MM6977_071020_26826.jpg
  • In the villages around Keita, Niger villagers and the FAO have combined efforts to restore 36,000 sq. kilometers of land that was ravaged by the droughts of the 70's and 80's.  Most of the work has been done by some 10,000 women of the area, returning much of the land to productivity.In all they have planted 18,000,000 trees.<br />
Mariama Abdouleye and her children (left) Idrissa Abdourahmane and (right) Abdoulaye Aboubakar.<br />
<br />
Her sister is Rabi Aboubakar.
    MM6977_071212_33717.jpg
  • In the villages around Keita, Niger villagers and the FAO have combined efforts to restore 36,000 sq. kilometers of land that was ravaged by the droughts of the 70's and 80's.  Most of the work has been done by some 10,000 women of the area, returning much of the land to productivity.In all they have planted 18,000,000 trees.Issia Saidou is a sorghum and millet farmer, who was a soldier during the 80's drought.
    MM6977_071212_33628.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.  <br />
<br />
Nelumbo nucifera (Nelumbonaceae) – sacred lotus; native from Asia to Australia – fruit consisting of the enlarged floral axis with numerous chambers each containing a single-seeded nutlet. As the long flexible fruit stalks sway in the wind, the nutlets are flung out and thrown into the water where they immediately sink to the bottom. Enclosed in the extremely hard pericarp of the nutlet, lotus seeds can retain their viability for more than 1,000 years.  With its waterlily-like flowers and aquatic lifestyle the sacred lotus superficially resembles waterlilies (Nymphaeaceae) although its closest living relatives have been shown to be the plane trees (Platanaceae) and members of the Proteaceae family. The sacred lotus has a deep religious meaning for Hindus and Bhuddists in India, Tibet and China where it has been cultivated since the 12th century BC. 
    MM7753_2010-07-23_11795.jpg
  • Winnowing rice in the rice paddies among the coconut trees in Luwus village of Bali. The woman is Bu Jro and she was getting one bag of rice (70kg) per each died of one eco size. (100 ecos to the hectare.)
    MM8154_20131018_17236 - Version 3.jpg
  • In the villages around Keita, Niger villagers and the FAO have combined efforts to restore 36,000 sq. kilometers of land that was ravaged by the droughts of the 70's and 80's.  Most of the work has been done by some 10,000 women of the area, returning much of the land to productivity.In all they have planted 18,000,000 trees.<br />
Mariama Abdouleye and her children (left) Idrissa Abdourahmane and (right) Abdoulaye Aboubakar.<br />
<br />
Her sister is Rabi Aboubakar.
    MM6977_071212_33717.jpg
  • In the villages around Keita, Niger villagers and the FAO have combined efforts to restore 36,000 sq. kilometers of land that was ravaged by the droughts of the 70's and 80's.  Most of the work has been done by some 10,000 women of the area, returning much of the land to productivity.In all they have planted 18,000,000 trees.
    MM6977_071211_32699.jpg
  • Archeologists from the Central Amazon Project work in the forest of Brazil to discover the workings of terra preta (black earth) and how it was created by the indians living in the area. Farmer Pedro Macedo looks into the the Terra Preta soil on his farm where archeologists are researching the formation of the soil.  In the background are the papaya trees he grows. At the Laguinho Site.
    MM6977_070803_11972.jpg
  • Mar Lodge Estate is a Scottish Highland estate in Aberdeenshire, owned by the National Trust for Scotland. It is entirely contained within the Cairngorms National Park and important for nature conservation, landscape, recreation and culture. <br />
Mar Lodge, under the direction of Shaila Rao, is undertaking a major realignment of their ecology, striving to bring back much more of the Caledonian Forrest that has been lost. To do that they are culling the deer population that suppresses growth of trees.
    MM8321_20150827_11176-Edit.jpg
  • Winnowing rice in the rice paddies among the coconut trees in Luwus village of Bali. The woman is Bu Jro and she was getting one bag of rice (70kg) per each died of one eco size. (100 ecos to the hectare.)
    MM8154_20131018_17236.jpg
  • In the villages around Keita, Niger villagers and the FAO have combined efforts to restore 36,000 sq. kilometers of land that was ravaged by the droughts of the 70's and 80's.  Most of the work has been done by some 10,000 women of the area, returning much of the land to productivity.In all they have planted 18,000,000 trees.<br />
Mariama Abdouleye and her children (left) Idrissa Abdourahmane and (right) Abdoulaye Aboubakar.<br />
<br />
Her sister is Rabi Aboubakar.
    MM6977_071212_33717.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.  <br />
<br />
Nelumbo nucifera (Nelumbonaceae) – sacred lotus; native from Asia to Australia – fruit consisting of the enlarged floral axis with numerous chambers each containing a single-seeded nutlet. As the long flexible fruit stalks sway in the wind, the nutlets are flung out and thrown into the water where they immediately sink to the bottom. Enclosed in the extremely hard pericarp of the nutlet, lotus seeds can retain their viability for more than 1,000 years.  With its waterlily-like flowers and aquatic lifestyle the sacred lotus superficially resembles waterlilies (Nymphaeaceae) although its closest living relatives have been shown to be the plane trees (Platanaceae) and members of the Proteaceae family. The sacred lotus has a deep religious meaning for Hindus and Bhuddists in India, Tibet and China where it has been cultivated since the 12th century BC. 
    MM7753_2010-07-23_11795.jpg
  • Mar Lodge Estate is a Scottish Highland estate in Aberdeenshire, owned by the National Trust for Scotland. It is entirely contained within the Cairngorms National Park and important for nature conservation, landscape, recreation and culture. <br />
Mar Lodge, under the direction of Shaila Rao, is undertaking a major realignment of their ecology, striving to bring back much more of the Caledonian Forrest that has been lost. To do that they are culling the deer population that suppresses growth of trees.
    MM8321_20150910_21724.jpg
  • Restoration in the Loess Plateau region of China  Wang Chun Jun harvesting potatoes high on the hills above Miao Jia Yan village in Zizhou County where there is a very large restoration project planting date trees.
    MM6977_071020_26826-2.jpg
  • In the villages around Keita, Niger villagers and the FAO have combined efforts to restore 36,000 sq. kilometers of land that was ravaged by the droughts of the 70's and 80's.  Most of the work has been done by some 10,000 women of the area, returning much of the land to productivity.In all they have planted 18,000,000 trees.<br />
Mariama Abdouleye and her children (left) Idrissa Abdourahmane and (right) Abdoulaye Aboubakar.<br />
<br />
Her sister is Rabi Aboubakar.
    MM6977_071212_33717.jpg
  • Archeologists from the Central Amazon Project work in the forest of Brazil to discover the workings of terra preta (black earth) and how it was created by the indians living in the area. Farmer Pedro Macedo looks into the the Terra Preta soil on his farm where archeologists are researching the formation of the soil.  In the background are the papaya trees he grows. At the Laguinho Site.
    MM6977_070803_11972.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.  <br />
<br />
<br />
Afzelia africana (Fabaceae) – African mahogany; collected in Burkina Faso – open fruit (legume) consisting of the two halves of the single carpel; inside the fruit are a number of large black seeds with a bright orange-red aril attracting birds for dispersal. Because of their attractive appearance the seeds are also used by makers of botanical jewellery; length of pod: 17.5cm.<br />
From Wikipedia: Mature trees grow between 10 and 20 meters in height. They are prized for their quality wood, their bark which has many medicinal uses, and their nitrogen-rich leaves which enrich the soil.
    MM7753_2010-07-22_11715.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.  <br />
<br />
<br />
Afzelia africana (Fabaceae) – African mahogany; collected in Burkina Faso – open fruit (legume) consisting of the two halves of the single carpel; inside the fruit are a number of large black seeds with a bright orange-red aril attracting birds for dispersal. Because of their attractive appearance the seeds are also used by makers of botanical jewellery; length of pod: 17.5cm.<br />
From Wikipedia: Mature trees grow between 10 and 20 meters in height. They are prized for their quality wood, their bark which has many medicinal uses, and their nitrogen-rich leaves which enrich the soil.
    MM7753_2010-07-22_11715.jpg
  • Winnowing rice in the rice paddies among the coconut trees in Luwus village of Bali. The woman is Bu Edi and she was getting one bag of rice (70kg) per each died of one eco size. (100 ecos to the hectare,)
    MM8154_20131018_17152 - Version 3.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.  <br />
<br />
Tipuana tipu (Leguminosae) – tipu tree; native to South America (Brazil, Bolivia & Argentina) – fruits (samaras); the 1-3-seeded, unilaterally winged samaras of the tipu tree bear a striking resemblance to the fruitlets of maples (Acer spp., Sapindaceae). A unilateral wing causes a helicopter-like flight as the diaspore rotates around its centre of gravity (i.e. the thickened, seed-bearing part of the fruit); length c. 5cm. ---  The tipu tree is widely planted as a street tree in the tropics; it is very vigorous and can become an invasive pest, such as in South Africa. The timber of the tipu tree is used for furniture.<br />
From: http://www.fao.org/ag/AGP/AGPC/doc/GBASE/data/pf000407.htm: This is mainly an ornamental tree, used in urban forestry, but the leaves also constitute e good feed for stock. It is also one of the many "rose woods". It has been used in the South Sahel and North Sudanese ecozones for street and amenity plantations, as well as in Dakar, Cairo, Lisbon, Tunis, Sousse, Jerusalem etc.
    MM7753_2010-07-23_11791.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.  <br />
<br />
Pterocarpus angolensis (Fabaceae) - kiaat tree; native to southern Africa<br />
Pterocarpus has remarkable fruits: anemochory, dispersal by means of barbed fruits and "Bodenroller" (winged fruits rolling along the ground), a triple strategy. The fruits are enclosed by a flat, dry involucre with a large surface and a relatively high weight. The spiny centre helps the fruit to stick to an animal (epizoochoric dispersal), the arrangement of the wings allows a dispersal by wind currents at the ground. Pterocarpus occurs in the savannah in the south of Africa (from Peter von Sengbusch, botany-online).<br />
The genus has been given a name which describes the unusual seed pods, pter meaning "wing" in Greek and carpus which means "fruit" in Greek. The central, hardened seed case is surrounded by a broad, membranous wing and is therefore called "wing fruit" or Pterocarpus. There are roughly 30 species in the genus and these may be found in the more tropical regions of the world. Four species occur in southern Africa. The specific name, angolensis means "of Angola". The brilliant dramatically red sap found in Pterocarpus gives it the common name of "bloodwood". The wood apparently bears some resemblance to the unrelated true teak from tropical east Asia (Tectona grandis) hence the common name "wild teak".
    MM7753_2010-07-23_11880.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.  <br />
<br />
Tipuana tipu (Leguminosae) – tipu tree; native to South America (Brazil, Bolivia & Argentina) – fruits (samaras); the 1-3-seeded, unilaterally winged samaras of the tipu tree bear a striking resemblance to the fruitlets of maples (Acer spp., Sapindaceae). A unilateral wing causes a helicopter-like flight as the diaspore rotates around its centre of gravity (i.e. the thickened, seed-bearing part of the fruit); length c. 5cm. ---  The tipu tree is widely planted as a street tree in the tropics; it is very vigorous and can become an invasive pest, such as in South Africa. The timber of the tipu tree is used for furniture.<br />
From: http://www.fao.org/ag/AGP/AGPC/doc/GBASE/data/pf000407.htm: This is mainly an ornamental tree, used in urban forestry, but the leaves also constitute e good feed for stock. It is also one of the many "rose woods". It has been used in the South Sahel and North Sudanese ecozones for street and amenity plantations, as well as in Dakar, Cairo, Lisbon, Tunis, Sousse, Jerusalem etc.
    MM7753_2010-07-23_11791.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.  <br />
<br />
Heritiera littoralis (Malvaceae) – looking-glass mangrove, native to the Old World tropics; the seawater-proof nut-like fruit contains a single round seed surrounded by a large air space. The prominent keel on their back acts like the sail; fruit up to 10cm long <br />
http://mangrove.nus.edu.sg/guidebooks/text/1062.htm: Low, much branched, evergreen tree, to 15 m tall; bark pinkish gray, smooth becoming flaky when older; leaf blades dark green above and silvery white below, withering dull orange-yellow, oblong to elliptic, leathery; flowers in hanging yellowish tassels; fruits purple-brown, woody, shiny with a stiff keel on one side. The hard and strong timber is valued for masts, when it can be got straight enough. It is also used for canoes, firewood, house posts, joists, pressers, telegraph poles, wheel-hubs and boat-ribs. An extract of the seed can be used to treat diarrhoea and dysentery .<br />
http://plants.jstor.org/flora/ftea009311?cookieSet=1: LOCAL USES (in East Africa). Trunks of this species are used for dhow masts in Lamu (Abdulla 1139) and Zanzibar (U.O.P.Z.) and were formerly used for railroad sleepers (Farquhar 6).  This species is widespread and common in mangrove, and its habitat not significantly threatened as far as is known. It is provisionally rated here as of “least concern” for conservation.  The capsules are common in drift along the shore. The dorsal ridge of the capsule, often described as a keel, is homologous with a wing and actually functions as a sail. Fruits float on the surface of the ocean always with the ridge or wing upward and they are widely distributed by a combination of currents and wind. The record from T 8 is based on a sight record by Luke (pers. comm.) at Mtwara Mnazi Bay/Ruvuma Est MNP)<br />
http://database.prota.org/PROTAhtml/Heritiera%20littoralis_En.htm: Uses: In eastern Africa the tree boles are used to make masts of boats, for sh
    MM7753_2010-07-23_11804.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.  <br />
<br />
Heritiera littoralis (Malvaceae) – looking-glass mangrove, native to the Old World tropics; the seawater-proof nut-like fruit contains a single round seed surrounded by a large air space. The prominent keel on their back acts like the sail; fruit up to 10cm long <br />
http://mangrove.nus.edu.sg/guidebooks/text/1062.htm: Low, much branched, evergreen tree, to 15 m tall; bark pinkish gray, smooth becoming flaky when older; leaf blades dark green above and silvery white below, withering dull orange-yellow, oblong to elliptic, leathery; flowers in hanging yellowish tassels; fruits purple-brown, woody, shiny with a stiff keel on one side. The hard and strong timber is valued for masts, when it can be got straight enough. It is also used for canoes, firewood, house posts, joists, pressers, telegraph poles, wheel-hubs and boat-ribs. An extract of the seed can be used to treat diarrhoea and dysentery .<br />
http://plants.jstor.org/flora/ftea009311?cookieSet=1: LOCAL USES (in East Africa). Trunks of this species are used for dhow masts in Lamu (Abdulla 1139) and Zanzibar (U.O.P.Z.) and were formerly used for railroad sleepers (Farquhar 6).  This species is widespread and common in mangrove, and its habitat not significantly threatened as far as is known. It is provisionally rated here as of “least concern” for conservation.  The capsules are common in drift along the shore. The dorsal ridge of the capsule, often described as a keel, is homologous with a wing and actually functions as a sail. Fruits float on the surface of the ocean always with the ridge or wing upward and they are widely distributed by a combination of currents and wind. The record from T 8 is based on a sight record by Luke (pers. comm.) at Mtwara Mnazi Bay/Ruvuma Est MNP)<br />
http://database.prota.org/PROTAhtml/Heritiera%20littoralis_En.htm: Uses: In eastern Africa the tree boles are used to make masts of boats, for sh
    MM7753_2010-07-23_11804.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.  <br />
<br />
<br />
Sophora secundiflora (Fabaceae) - Texas mountain laurel, mescal bean; native to North America (Texas, New Mexico, northern Mexico)<br />
The hard, fibrous and indehiscent camaras of the Texas mountain laurel (Sophora secundiflora, Fabaceae-Papilionoideae) appear to be adapted to dispersal by large herbivorous mammals such as antelopes. However, most of the potential dispersers in North America would have died out c. 13.000 years ago, at the end of the last ice age. The only native antelope in the southern US is the pronghorn (Antilocapra americana). Observations as to whether the pronghorn does eat the fruits of the Texas mountain laurel seem to be missing. The very hard and shiny seeds of the Texas mountain laurel are coloured bright red, a characteristic that generally indicated 'fraudulent' bird-dispersal ('fruit mimicry'). However, since the fruits are very hard and indehiscent, the conspicuous colour of the seeds is hard to explain from an adaptational point of view. Perhaps their colour is part of a two-stage dispersal mechanism, tricking birds into picking the seeds from the faeces of megafaunal herbivores.<br />
interesting weblinks:<br />
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=sose3: Sophora secundiflora is very popular as a native evergreen ornamental tree within its range, valued for its handsome, dark green foliage and lush early spring blooms. It is drought-tolerant, prefers rocky limestone soil, and is native from central Texas west to New Mexico and south to San Luis Potosi in Mexico. Like many woody plants native to rocky soils, it is slow growing. The fragrance of Texas mountain laurel flowers is reminiscent of artificial grape products.
    MM7753_2010-07-23_11949.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.  <br />
<br />
Pinus radiata (Pinaceae) - Monterey pine; wikipedia: The Monterey Pine is widely used in private gardens and public landscapes in temperate California, and similar climates around the world. It is a fast-growing tree, adaptable to a broad range of soil types and climates, though does not tolerate temperatures below about -15°C. Its fast growth makes it ideal for landscapes and forestry; in a good situation, P. radiata can reach its full height in 40 years or so.<br />
interesting weblinks: http://www.conifers.org/pi/pin/radiata.htm
    MM7753_2010-07-22_11681.jpg
  • Drying tree nuts used for shea butter in the village of Bagui Traue, Kolokani, Mali. The nuts are dried over a slow fire, then the meat is ground and pulverized. Also used for the oil in cooking.
    MM8154_20131030_22325 - Version 2.jpg
  • Drying tree nuts (used for shea butter?) in the village of Bagui Traue, Kolokani, Mali. The nuts are dried over a slow fire, then the meat is ground and pulverized. Also used for the oil in cooking.
    MM8154_20131030_22325.jpg
  • Drying tree nuts (used for shea butter?) in the village of Bagui Traue, Kolokani, Mali. The nuts are dried over a slow fire, then the meat is ground and pulverized. Also used for the oil in cooking.
    MM8154_20131030_22325.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.  <br />
<br />
Zeyheria sp. (probably Z. montana; Bignoniaceae) - Zeyheria is a South American genus with two species, occurring mostly in drier environments of sub-Amazonian Brazil and ranging west to Bolivia (Gentry 1992). Zeyheria montana Martius is widely distributed in the Brazilian territory, occurring between 350–1000 m elevation from the states of Maranhão, Paraná , specially in the Brazilian Central Plateau ‘‘Cerrado’’ vegetation. It is a 1–3 m tall shrub, which eventually develops into a tree.<br />
Uses: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19148414: Zeyheria montana leaf possesses anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities, which could be of relevance for the pharmacological control of pain and inflammatory processes
    MM7753_2010-07-23_11861.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.  <br />
<br />
Pinus radiata (Pinaceae) - Monterey pine; wikipedia: The Monterey Pine is widely used in private gardens and public landscapes in temperate California, and similar climates around the world. It is a fast-growing tree, adaptable to a broad range of soil types and climates, though does not tolerate temperatures below about -15°C. Its fast growth makes it ideal for landscapes and forestry; in a good situation, P. radiata can reach its full height in 40 years or so.<br />
interesting weblinks: http://www.conifers.org/pi/pin/radiata.htm
    MM7753_2010-07-22_11681.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.  <br />
<br />
Cerbera manghas (Apocynaceae) – pink-eyed cerbera, sea mango; native from the Seychelles to the Pacific – drift fruit; commonly found as flotsam on beaches in the Indian and Pacific Ocean. After the outer skin of the fruit has rotten away, the cage of woody vascular bundles enclosing a massive corky mesocarp with large intercellular air-spaces that affords the fruit excellent and long-lasting buoyancy in sea water; length of fruit: 9cm. <br />
Wikipedia: The leaves and the fruits contain the potent cardiac glycoside cerberin, which is extremely poisonous if ingested. People in olden times used the sap of the tree as a poison for animal hunting. The fruit was reportedly eaten to commit suicide in the Marquesas Islands. Because of its deadly poisonous seeds, the genus name is coming from Cerberus, the hell dog from the Greek mythology, hence indicating the toxicity of the seeds. In Madagascar, the seeds were used in sentence rituals to poison kings and queens  
    MM7753_2010-07-23_11767.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.  <br />
<br />
Enterolobium cyclocarpum (Leguminosae) – guanacaste; native to tropical America, the native tree of Costa Rica – fruit (camara); attractive to modern introduced horses, the guanacaste's fruits were once probably dispersed by extinct, horse-like herbivores; diameter 8cm<br />
 
    MM7753_2010-07-23_11773.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.  <br />
<br />
Cerbera manghas (Apocynaceae) – pink-eyed cerbera, sea mango; native from the Seychelles to the Pacific – drift fruit; commonly found as flotsam on beaches in the Indian and Pacific Ocean. After the outer skin of the fruit has rotten away, the cage of woody vascular bundles enclosing a massive corky mesocarp with large intercellular air-spaces that affords the fruit excellent and long-lasting buoyancy in sea water; length of fruit: 9cm. <br />
Wikipedia: The leaves and the fruits contain the potent cardiac glycoside cerberin, which is extremely poisonous if ingested. People in olden times used the sap of the tree as a poison for animal hunting. The fruit was reportedly eaten to commit suicide in the Marquesas Islands. Because of its deadly poisonous seeds, the genus name is coming from Cerberus, the hell dog from the Greek mythology, hence indicating the toxicity of the seeds. In Madagascar, the seeds were used in sentence rituals to poison kings and queens  
    MM7753_2010-07-23_11767.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.  <br />
<br />
<br />
Sophora secundiflora (Fabaceae) - Texas mountain laurel, mescal bean; native to North America (Texas, New Mexico, northern Mexico)<br />
The hard, fibrous and indehiscent camaras of the Texas mountain laurel (Sophora secundiflora, Fabaceae-Papilionoideae) appear to be adapted to dispersal by large herbivorous mammals such as antelopes. However, most of the potential dispersers in North America would have died out c. 13.000 years ago, at the end of the last ice age. The only native antelope in the southern US is the pronghorn (Antilocapra americana). Observations as to whether the pronghorn does eat the fruits of the Texas mountain laurel seem to be missing. The very hard and shiny seeds of the Texas mountain laurel are coloured bright red, a characteristic that generally indicated 'fraudulent' bird-dispersal ('fruit mimicry'). However, since the fruits are very hard and indehiscent, the conspicuous colour of the seeds is hard to explain from an adaptational point of view. Perhaps their colour is part of a two-stage dispersal mechanism, tricking birds into picking the seeds from the faeces of megafaunal herbivores.<br />
interesting weblinks:<br />
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=sose3: Sophora secundiflora is very popular as a native evergreen ornamental tree within its range, valued for its handsome, dark green foliage and lush early spring blooms. It is drought-tolerant, prefers rocky limestone soil, and is native from central Texas west to New Mexico and south to San Luis Potosi in Mexico. Like many woody plants native to rocky soils, it is slow growing. The fragrance of Texas mountain laurel flowers is reminiscent of artificial grape products. The brilliant, lacquer red seeds were valued by indigenous people for ornament and ceremonial use; they contain the highly poisonous alkaloid cytosine (or sophorine), a substance related to nicotine and widely cited as a narcot
    MM7753_2010-07-23_11949.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.  <br />
<br />
Pterocarpus angolensis (Fabaceae) - kiaat tree; native to southern Africa<br />
Pterocarpus has remarkable fruits: anemochory, dispersal by means of barbed fruits and "Bodenroller" (winged fruits rolling along the ground), a triple strategy. The fruits are enclosed by a flat, dry involucre with a large surface and a relatively high weight. The spiny centre helps the fruit to stick to an animal (epizoochoric dispersal), the arrangement of the wings allows a dispersal by wind currents at the ground. Pterocarpus occurs in the savannah in the south of Africa (from Peter von Sengbusch, botany-online).<br />
The genus has been given a name which describes the unusual seed pods, pter meaning "wing" in Greek and carpus which means "fruit" in Greek. The central, hardened seed case is surrounded by a broad, membranous wing and is therefore called "wing fruit" or Pterocarpus. There are roughly 30 species in the genus and these may be found in the more tropical regions of the world. Four species occur in southern Africa. The specific name, angolensis means "of Angola". The brilliant dramatically red sap found in Pterocarpus gives it the common name of "bloodwood". The wood apparently bears some resemblance to the unrelated true teak from tropical east Asia (Tectona grandis) hence the common name "wild teak".
    MM7753_2010-07-23_11880.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.  <br />
<br />
Zeyheria sp. (probably Z. montana; Bignoniaceae) - Zeyheria is a South American genus with two species, occurring mostly in drier environments of sub-Amazonian Brazil and ranging west to Bolivia (Gentry 1992). Zeyheria montana Martius is widely distributed in the Brazilian territory, occurring between 350–1000 m elevation from the states of Maranhão, Paraná , specially in the Brazilian Central Plateau ‘‘Cerrado’’ vegetation. It is a 1–3 m tall shrub, which eventually develops into a tree.<br />
Uses: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19148414: Zeyheria montana leaf possesses anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities, which could be of relevance for the pharmacological control of pain and inflammatory processes
    MM7753_2010-07-23_11861.jpg
  • Seed from the Kew Millennium Seed Bank collection at Wakehurst, outside London in the UK.  <br />
<br />
Enterolobium cyclocarpum (Leguminosae) – guanacaste; native to tropical America, the native tree of Costa Rica – fruit (camara); attractive to modern introduced horses, the guanacaste's fruits were once probably dispersed by extinct, horse-like herbivores; diameter 8cm<br />
 
    MM7753_2010-07-23_11773.jpg
  • Farm women cluster in the shade of a tree in the Wakoro Region of Mali to harvest and pick groundnuts (peanuts) after they have been collected from the surrounding field and piled high in the shade. The activity is a big social occasion with much talk and gossip, much laughter amid the dusty work of picking the peanut pods off the roots.
    MM8154_20131102_23617.jpg
  • Members of the Lonach Highlanders on their morning march stop for a wee dram of whisky under a tree.
    MM7189 8-28-04 20399.JPG