Carpobrotus edulis – Hottentot Fig

Just to prove the maxim “right plant, right place” this Carpobrotus edulis is thriving on the North Devon dunes.  The Hottentot Fig’s ability to grow in places that would appear inhospitable to the majority of sensible flora has allowed it to become invasive in places as far reaching as New Zealand and the Mediterranean.  ItContinue reading “Carpobrotus edulis – Hottentot Fig”

Mono Part Two – Fern

Day Two of my black and white series features one of my favourite ferns, Woodwardia radicans or the European Chain Fern.  This striking evergreen is called the Chain Fern as it very cunningly forms mini root balls at the end of each frond, as the tip touches the ground they root themselves into the soilContinue reading “Mono Part Two – Fern”

Brugmansia sanguinea – Red Angel Trumpet

No, I haven’t been on a short break trekking in the Andes, this photograph was taken yesterday in exotic North Devon.  This is Brugmansia sanguinea, a glamorous member of the Solonaceae family, relative of the potato, tomato and aubergine.  The Red Angel Trumpet is tougher than it looks, although it will crumple dramatically if frosted,Continue reading “Brugmansia sanguinea – Red Angel Trumpet”

Thunder and Lightning (very very frightening)

After weeks of benign, some might say fairy tale, weather today was a one way ticket on the express train to Storm Land.  Thunder and lightning followed in quick succession with lightning and thunder and the rain (not wanting to be left on the sidelines) was apocryphal. The guttering groaned and the girlies screamed andContinue reading “Thunder and Lightning (very very frightening)”