This year it's all about the A to Z of
A LIZARD'S TAIL
In which I will describe, show pictures of, and otherwise expound on plants and animals mentioned in the novel.
B is for Bougainvillea
In the tropics bougainvillea can grow into massive thorny vines that cover the whole sides of buildings. Their trunks can get quite thick. I've seen some at least 7 to 8 inches in diameter. It is under a mound, such as is this one shown below, that The Gatherings at Stone Wall in the Garden by the Sea, are held. Here, the lizards are safe from predators, protected by a near impenetrable mass of thorns.
B is also for Mrs. B. the bananaquit.
Bananaquits are about the size of wrens or small sparrows. They absolutely LOVE sugar which is why they are also called sugarbirds. If you put sugar out for them they will come in large flocks to eat. They are wonderfully noisy and, as one might imagine, hyperactive.
Of course they're hyperactive - they're hopped up on sugar!
ReplyDeleteAmazing to think this is our sixth Challenge, isn't it?
Bananaquit..... what a lovely name. I like the way I hace to work my tongue to get it out. Ha
ReplyDeleteI hope you got all perky and rested from your trip.
On with the B's.
Bish... It's early here... somewhere around 5.... typo alert.... Not hace but "have." You knew that anyway.
ReplyDeleteHi Bish - I love Bougainvillea .. and your Mrs B is special .. Bananquit - amazing little B for Bird ..
ReplyDeleteCheers Hilary
I loved Mrs. B. She's hyper like me.
ReplyDeleteAlex, yes it is amazing! I keep thinking I won't do it next year, but I always do. What are we, sadists?
ReplyDeleteYes, Manzanita, I knew you meant "have"! :-)
Hilary, bananaquits are delightful. They are also the "national" bird of the Virgin Islands.
I think, Diane, she may be a bit more hyper than even you are!
Those flowers are gorgeous. I'd love to have some outside my window.
ReplyDeleteThe smaller birds love hedges and trees. I hear them tweetering away all the time at home, its so relaxing.
ReplyDeleteYou've done this 6 years? I had no idea, Bish. And you still look amazing, so the Challenge has to be a positive influence. Beautiful pictures. What a sweet little bananaquit.
ReplyDeleteBougainvilleas are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHyperactive indeed!
ReplyDeleteBougainvillea can take over if you let i! Beautiful, but aggressive.
Nice! I wouldn't mind two of those growing in the front of my place. Or one of those birds visiting often. :)
ReplyDeleteBananaquit is a delightful name. That's a new one on me!
ReplyDeleteNo thorny vines for this chick. Lol!!
ReplyDeleteBougainvillea is one of my favourites. I have a mauve one that, come to think of it, I haven't seen in a while. Have to go look if it's still in the yard. :)
ReplyDeleteBig, thorny, overgrown, and unruly, but I still love Bougainvilla. The colors are so vibrant and beautiful. What a great place to hide and hold secret meetings.
ReplyDelete