Author: Cameron Brooks

Quick Work

Danaus plexippus on Rudbeckia hirta

A sharp-eyed third grader discovers this black and yellow curiosity tucked under the leaf of a black-eyed Susan while planting the butterfly garden at school.

Danaus plexippus on Rudbeckia hirta

The caterpillar morphs into this chrysalis in under an hour’s time. We’re awestruck.

Shaving Brush Tree

Pseudobombax ellipticum

Elongated acorns occupy branches once all the leaves fall in late winter.

Pseudobombax ellipticum

Pink blows up brown every night.

Pseudobombax ellipticum

Pseudobombax ellipticum

The Pseudobombax pollinator block party swarms for weeks. Can you hear the dembow?

Ubiquitous Fruit

Chrysobalanus icaco

Cocoplum shrubs are everywhere in Southwest Florida, and the fruit is high in vitamin C.

Chrysobalanus icaco

Tasty trailside nibbles, cocoplums are often found near water. Click here for a cocoplum jam recipe.

Naples Botanical Garden Littoral Zone

Nymphaea

Naples Botanical Garden Nymphaea

Naples Botanical Garden Nymphaea

Victoria amazonica

Water Garden at the Naples Botanical Garden

Water Garden at the Naples Botanical Garden

Twenty-one hybridizers from around the world submit (via post due to COVID) new varieties for the International Waterlily & Water Gardening Society’s 2020 competition. Read more and see photos of the beautiful flowers here.