Let's take a one-day diversion from the UBC research series to feature something UBC horticulturist Jackie Chambers has sent along. I should also mention a couple things: Jackie now has a web page on the UBC BG site, and (for locals), she's also presenting this upcoming Thursday night to Nature Vancouver on the topic of The Royal Irises and other Wildflowers of Israel and Jordan. I highly recommend attending this talk -- it's one of her best.
Jackie writes:
Arctotheca populifolia forms dense, silver mats along the coastal sand dunes of southern Africa reaching its eastern extent along the south coast of Mozambique. It has also naturalized in parts of Australia.
This attractive perennial is low-growing, reaching just 20-30cm off the ground, and has a woody taproot which provides an anchor in the shifting sands. The stems will also form adventitious roots if buried in the sand, allowing plants to creep along the coastal dunes. The leaves are thick (almost succulent), and covered in white or grey hairs which give the leaves a soft, felted texture. The leaves can be 2-6cm long and 2-5cm wide and ovate to almost heart shaped. PlantWeb has detailed photos of the leaves.
The yellow inflorescence is about 3cm in diameter and is composed of two types of flowers or florets -- the widely spaced, yellow, ray florets and the disk florets located at the centre of the inflorescence which are greenish-yellow and more densely arranged (Asteraceae terminology). The inflorescence is held on a stalk, or peduncle, that can range in length from 3-10cm long. Peduncles often curve downward causing the flowers to be hidden below the silvery leaves.
The fruit is a 5mm long achene (a dry, indehiscent fruit with a single seed inside). The achene is woolly and has a small crown-like pappus, designed to assist in wind dispersal of the seeds (see diagram). The fruits can remain viable after spending time in salt water, allowing the wind and the ocean to spread the seeds along coastlines.
The genus name Arctotheca is derived from the Greek arctos meaning "bear", and theca meaning "capsule". This is a reference to the woolly texture of the fruit. The species name populifolia translates as "having leaves like a poplar". Plantzafrica has more information on Arctotheca populifolia.
This is more like a painting than a photograph. Lovely!
Jackie.....this is so beautiful. I wish there were no commericals on TV - can you image what this world would be if we all - all around - viewed visions as this. I love my walks with nature - I live in land and have coastal environs too. This was a delight to see and know this is on the other side of the world.
Have a wonderful presentation too!
Linda C Miller
Botanical Artist
Williamsburg VA
http://lindacmiller.blogspot.com
Oh, wow. The woolly gray leaves interspersed with the slim upright grass is breathtaking, especially in conjunction with the sand (instead of the usual soil).
beach bum indeed i have been linking
i agree the picture is a painting
make a great calendar some day perhaps
thank you for all the shareing
would florida be to hot for this beach bum
Interesting material, but such a beautifully composed photograph. Just too lovely.
Oh what a beautiful shot. Thank you Jackie, brought back wonderful memories of my visits to the Cape
Yes, a very beautiful, evocative photograph. I can almost smell it and feel it... grasses, sand, wind, sky... the low silver leaves.
Something about grass growing in pale beach sand, it grabs me in a certain way.
Maybe because of early childhood vacations in a rented cottage at Wasaga Beach. Back in the days (50s) when it was quieter.
It's SO pretty in such a lovely setting, well photographed. It's not invasive is it?
What a great beach picture. It really feels like we are looking the the flowers while lying down on the dune.
I hope we get to see some more of Jackie's pictures