branch Archives - Page 11 of 26

Frond

Tree ferns are ferns that grow with a trunk elevating the fronds above ground level. Tree ferns are found growing in tropical and subtropical areas, including cool to temperate rainforests. Like all ferns, tree ferns reproduce by means of spores formed on the undersides of the fronds. The fronds of tree ferns are usually very large and multiple-pinnate. Their trunk is actually a vertical and modified rhizome and woody tissue is absent. To add strength, there are deposits of lignin in the cell walls and the lower part of the stem is reinforced with thick, interlocking mats of tiny roots. Tree ferns often fall over in the wild, yet manage to re-root from this new prostrate position and begin new vertical growth. It is not certain the exact number of species of tree ferns there are, but it may be closer to 600-700 species. Many species have become extinct in the last century as forest habitats have come under pressure from human intervention. Info source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree_fern

10 June 2019Nature, Picture of the day

Misty

The common eland, also known as the southern eland or eland antelope, is a savannah and plains antelope found in East and Southern Africa. It is the second largest antelope in the world, being slightly smaller on average than the giant eland. Mainly a herbivore, its diet is primarily grasses and leaves. Common elands form herds of up to 500 animals but are not territorial. The common eland prefers habitats with a wide variety of flowering plants such as savannah, woodlands, and open and montane grasslands; it avoids dense forests. It uses loud barks, visual and postural movements and the flehmen response to communicate and warn others of danger. The common eland is used by humans for leather, meat, and rich, nutritious milk, and has been domesticated in many areas.

Info source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_eland

The photo was taken during February 2018 at Mabula Private Game Reserve, Rooiberg, Limpopo, South Africa.

24 May 2019Picture of the day, Wildlife

Dragon

This rather sociable agama is normally found in small groups or colonies. It grows up to about 25 cm and has a thin dorsal crest that runs the length of its body. It typically has a short, plump body and a thin tail, with a triangular head. During the breeding season, the heads of the males become bright blue. The males also take to sitting on top of prominent rocks and are therefore a common sight in mountainous areas of South Africa. The females and young are a more uniform greyish-brown and are much shyer. It has some ability to change colour, although not to the same extent as chameleons, of which it is a sister group. When a male agama in breeding colouration is approached by a potential predator, it will lie flat against a rock and lose the intense breeding colours in favour of more cryptic colouration. A dominant male usually occupies a high point in the area and performs a pushup display and head nodding to warn off intruders.
Info source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agama_atra
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The photo was taken during August 2015 at Pine Lake Resort, Witrivier, Mpumalanga, South Africa.

14 May 2019Picture of the day, Wildlife