This year it's all about the
The A to Z of
A LIZARD'S TAIL
A LIZARD'S TAIL
In which I will describe, show pictures of, and otherwise expound on plants and animals mentioned in the novel.
C is for Coral Shower
Coral shower is vine that can grow so thick in the islands it can smother and kill trees. In Texas, where this one is growing, it is non-invasive and quite manageable as it dies back in the winter and regrows from the roots each spring. It goes by many different names. Coral vine, queen's wreath, heavenly vine, rose of Montana, hearts on a chain, confederate vine, bride's tears, chain-of-love, coralita, love vine, Mexican creeper, mountain rose, queen's jewels, and my favorite, lovers at the gate.
Coral shower is vine that can grow so thick in the islands it can smother and kill trees. In Texas, where this one is growing, it is non-invasive and quite manageable as it dies back in the winter and regrows from the roots each spring. It goes by many different names. Coral vine, queen's wreath, heavenly vine, rose of Montana, hearts on a chain, confederate vine, bride's tears, chain-of-love, coralita, love vine, Mexican creeper, mountain rose, queen's jewels, and my favorite, lovers at the gate.
Bees love it too.
.JPG)
C is also for Catch 'n' Keep
Catch 'n' Keep is a vine-like very thorny bush that makes up a good bit of the "under brush" of the islands. The thorns are small and barbed. The plant's name perfectly describes how annoying it is. Once the thorns latch on your clothing or skin it's very hard to get unlatched. Tangle with catch 'n' keep and you will loose getting ripped clothing and ripped skin.
Close up of the small barbed thorns.
I love the greenery of most plants but some of the invasive vines scare me. I always wonder what could be hiding within the vine.
ReplyDeleteWould hate to get stuck with those thorns...
ReplyDeleteQuite the variety of plants. I wouldn't want to fall into that last one.
ReplyDeleteManzanita, in the islands you'd have to be aware of wasps that like to build nests on the underside of the leaves. But that's about it.
ReplyDeleteMelanie, they are nasty indeed.
No, Alex, you wouldn't want to fall into catch 'n' keep. :)
Coral Shower has such a pretty name and flower, not so sure about the thorns on the Catch 'n' Keep, but again I like the name.
ReplyDeletePS I forgot to wish you a Happy Easter - Happy Easter xx
ReplyDeleteHi, Bish,
ReplyDeleteThank you! Would you believe I never knew the name of that Coral Shower? I've always wondered though.
Coral shower is beautiful and deadly.
ReplyDeletelove all those names in the 1st post- each one could trigger a novel
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that Mexican Creeper had so many different names! I love vines but they can be contemptible to work with, especially the thorny ones. They are gorgeous though. My favorite is the Star Jasmine. It is so incredibly fragrant and grows like a weed where I am in Central Texas (Austin). I enjoyed reading your post and will look forward to learning more! Happy A-Zing...
ReplyDeleteMichele at Angels Bark
I'll avoid getting caught by that one.
ReplyDeleteYikes! Avoid the catch n keep, note to self.
ReplyDeleteGod sure has His own plan with plants.
Any kind of thorns can hurt if caught by skin. I don't care for anything thorny. Some of them, like cactus needles sting once the skin is torn or punctured. . .Makes me want to say ouch just thinking about it. I did see the bee after I enlarged the photo.
ReplyDeleteThe coral shower is gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteThe coral shower looks beautiful, wouldn't want to stumble across the Catch n Keep, though!
ReplyDeleteI know Mexican Creeper, but had no idea it could be so destructive. Unfortunately, I also know catch and keep all too well.
ReplyDelete