Saturday, 11 July 2015

Ivy Leafed Toadflax

After a rather long absence from home, I am finally back in Melbourne - and while it is great to travel, it is also great to return.  Thanks to all of you who commented while I was away and hope you understand why I may not have responded as quickly as usual.  Normal service will now be resumed!

I'll start with a simple post that shows a plant that used to grow in the walls outside of my home in Somerset - this is the Ivy Leaved Toadflax, a plant with such a wonderfully silly name I am almost obligated to like it!

I have recently (i.e. about 10 minutes ago) found out that it is not native to the UK, which surprised me, and that it has a rather splendid way to make sure its seeds find their way into cracks in which they can germinate.  Once the flowers of this plant are mature and have set seeds, they start to grow away from light and into any areas of darkness around them.  And this often means that the seeds are shed in dark and damp places where they grow.  Sounds like a wonderful adaptation.


You can find more macro shots at Macro Monday2 and I Heart Macro.  SM
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19 comments:

  1. Margaret Birding For Pleasure11 July 2015 at 19:01

    Glad you are safely home again. there is no place like home Stewart. Right! I foten see this little plant in walls but neveer knew the name of it. Have a lovely time with your family over the weekend.

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  2. Lee11 July 2015 at 19:13

    And it's about time you got back! Did you bring a note? :)

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  3. eileeninmd11 July 2015 at 20:59

    Hi Stewart, glad you are home from your travels. This is a pretty little plant! Have a happy weekend!

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  4. Yamini MacLean11 July 2015 at 22:06

    Hari OM
    Sounds like a plant with a mission! YAM xx

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  5. TexWisGirl11 July 2015 at 23:05

    a pretty survivor. :)

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  6. Linda W.12 July 2015 at 00:52

    Welcome home! I love the name of this plant, and it's fascinating how it spreads it's seeds.

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  7. Sylvia K12 July 2015 at 01:00

    Glad you are safely back home, Stewart! I love the little plant and a pretty survivor it is indeed!! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!! Enjoy!!

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  8. Florida Farm Girl12 July 2015 at 01:28

    How odd. Most plants, as you know, grow toward the light. But a splendid adaptation nonetheless.

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  9. Fun6012 July 2015 at 05:17

    I've seen this plant but never knew about its wonderful name.

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  10. Author R. Mac Wheeler13 July 2015 at 01:55

    I need to hunt for the photo I took of a cactus growing out of solid rock.

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  11. This N That13 July 2015 at 02:47

    Ain't nature grand??? Welcome home..

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  12. Sallie (FullTime-Life)13 July 2015 at 07:58

    That is the best name for a plant ever! Somehow it kinda' gives you hope for the future of the world when you read about a plant adapting like this.

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  13. Bethany Carson13 July 2015 at 12:44

    Neat plant, and very interesting to learn how it finds a good place to shed its seeds.

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  14. Hannah13 July 2015 at 16:21

    Interesting plant, it has cute little flowers, and nice-looking leaves.

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  15. Lea13 July 2015 at 17:29

    Very interesting!
    Have a great week!
    Lea

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  16. Pieni Lintu13 July 2015 at 19:15

    I love the contrast in these; plant and rock!

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  17. SeaThreePeeO13 July 2015 at 21:52

    Fantastic picture.

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  18. GreenComotion14 July 2015 at 12:33

    Hi Stewart,
    Welcome back!
    The photo of the Ivy Leafed Toadflax is very nice - love the purple flowers.
    The plant is very attractive against the background.
    Thanks for hosting WBW.
    Have a Great Day!!
    Peace :)

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  19. A Colorful World15 July 2015 at 02:54

    It's a lovely plant, in spite of its odd name! :-) I too was shocked when I learned that mullein wasn't native to the US. It is one of my favorite wildflowers, and once when I thought we were going to retire to the foothills of the Va mtns I had planned to have a native plant garden. I had so wanted mullein to be in that garden! :-) Anyway, we didn't retire there, and I have to enjoy such things in photos and on blogs but that's ok. :-)

    Glad you are back from your trip! I hope it was productive and wonderful but I know you are glad to be home!

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