Let’s See Some Pretty Plants

Plant watching can be therapeutic

Aeonium: Image by author

I have multiple reasons for my daily walks. Flora watching and photography are one of them. It’s such an enriching experience to observe plants from different families and how they transform with seasons.

Let me show you a slice of some plants in my neighborhood.

Above is a succulent, the aeonium. Isn’t that pretty? It’s immaculate. But as the summer heat peaks, I see they form lesions and die, just like the heat casualties of saguaro and baobab.

Below is a fountain bush. In summer, these bushes explode into gorgeous red blooms, and hummingbirds flock to sip nectar from the tubular flowers.

Fountain bush blooms: Image by author

The white roses turn to pink in summer heat. I have read that a type of fungus takes advantage of moist heat and appears pink on the petals. I have seen the pink coloration on Arabian jasmine, too.

White roses with pink tints: Image by author

Kumquats are like citrus, but their sour pulp makes them treated as ornamental plants only. My kids and I forage them and like to eat them candied with jaggery. We should take advantage of edible things.

Kumquat fruits: Image by author

Pyracantha flowers bloom in spring. They are tiny but characteristic of rose family flowers. They emit an obnoxious amine smell. Sometimes the whole area is thick with it. But to me, it’s a lot better than man-made or chemical smells.

Pyracantha flowers: Image by author

A sycamore with its base full of desert sunflowers. I take delight in such spectacles!

Sycamore and desert sunflowers: Image by author

In summer, star jasmines bloom vigorously. They have one of the sweetest smells.

Star jasmine: Image by author

I hope you like learning about the plants and enjoyed the pictures.