Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Nature Notes and the Popping Seed Pods!

At first I thought there was bubble wrap on the sidewalk! I stepped on something that went pop! pop! pop! under my feet. But on closer inspection, this is what I found:



I had seen the larger, mature version of these in dried arrangements. And, I have heard these called Japanese Lantern Trees. But, when I google that, a lot of different types of tree appear, including this one. So, if you know any more about this type of tree, please let me know!



I have prepared this post so as to participate in Nature Notes over at RamblingWoods.com. Nature Notes is a lot of fun - we get together weekly to show and tell what nature is up to in our parts of the world!

26 comments:

  1. unusual and lovely, as always.
    No Tale Tues this week. Too worn down. That happens sometimes.

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    1. I know what you mean - its the weather, I think. Thanks for coming by and commenting though!

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  2. I assume they hold seeds from the tree. They are a lovely color. Great photos.

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    1. Yes - I think they are a type of seed pod...really different though. Thanks!

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  3. What fun spotting these lovely pods.

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    1. The little ones really are so cute, and you can pop them between your thumb and forefinger :)

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  4. Hmmm..that is what I love about you Libby..you love a good nature mystery.. I hope someone knows as I don't... Funny that we look similar.. hopefully you don't have my extra chins.. LOL...Michelle

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    1. You look great! I DO love a mystery don't I? LOL! There are so many in nature - all these little details all around us...like these mysterious pink eggs on my grape leaves. I haven't shown you those yet - very mysterious!

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  5. Hi Libby
    I'm familiar with this plant in Japan. It turns into orange and a symbol of summer.

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    1. What do they call it? You know its funny, because here I think it is called the Japanese Lantern!

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  6. I wonder if they're supposed to fall like that
    I've seen pods here and there but never so many together

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    1. I think some of those fell early because we had 80 mph winds through here! But the tree is still FULL of them.

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  7. they are lovely...what an interesting and surprising experience Libby!

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    1. Hi Laura- Yea, the popping part was odd - I ran and got the kids!

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  8. Not something I recognize but I sure do think they are attractive!

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    1. I am definitely drying a bunch in the fall!

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  9. They certainly make good subject matter for your pictures - Thanks for sharing

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    1. Thanks, Jane. You're right - they are really photogenic!

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  10. I have seen these but never knew what they were. I love your black eyed susans...mine have not bloomed yet. I went to Lowes today and got a shot of a coneflower because all mine are dead....and they are supposed to be great for Florida...oh well...at least I am able to enjoy your blooms ;) Thanks for stopping by and saying hello.

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  11. Wow, Danielle, you toured the whole blog! Thank you - very flattering, and nice of you!!

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    1. Thanks, JM! I surprise right on the property :)

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  13. Beautiful seed pods, I would be so tempted to collect them for dried arrangements but doubtless they are a food source for something!

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    1. Yea, I'm just not sure...so far the birds and squirrels are not interested. We have a mulberry and three walnut trees that keep them happy, plus wild grapes all over the place trying to take over!

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  14. I have to get back over there - just been tied up, but otherwise fine. Nice of you to ask!

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  15. Yea, all I know is that some people call them Japanese Lanterns...but when I google that it is the slang name for several different plants!

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