A to Z Challenge: P is for Pika April 28, 2016

 Pika are small rodent-looking mammals that are actually related to rabbits. They inhabit piles of rocks close to meadows and are herbivores. It’s main predator is the weasel. It’s is also known as the “whistling hare”, as it make a high pitch sound as a warning.

 

 

http://a-z-animals.com/animals/pika/

A to Z challenge: O is for Okenite

Okenite is a silicate mineral. It looks like a fuzzy cotton ball. It can be found on prehnite and inside basalt geodes. They are colorless to white in color. The crystals are delicate and will crush if touched. They are absolutely beautiful to look at.

 

 

http://www.galleries.com/Okenite

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okenite

A to z challenge:N is for Neddicky

Neddicky is a common bird from the Savannah in South Africa. It has a dull brown color and a reddish cap. It makes it’s nest into a ball shape made from felted grass, cobwebs and dry grass. It has a monotone call and is not considered an endangered species.

 

 

 

sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neddicky

http://thewebsiteofeverything.com/animals/birds/Passeriformes/Cisticolidae/Cisticola-fulvicapilla

A to z challenge: M is for Martynia

Martynia is a plant native to  Mexico. It is also know as cats claw, devils claw and unicorn plant. It’s pods are used in pickles.   It has the flavor of okra and stems are used mostly as basket weaving material.

 

 

 

sources: http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/martynia-zmaz08jjzmcc.aspx

http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/martynia-zmaz08jjzmcc.aspx

 

A to Z challenge: L is for Lycidae

I’m behind but not defeated, I will catch up. L is for Lycidae. It’s more commonly known as a net-winged beetle. These are brick in color and feed off of nectar. Those pretty red wings tell their predators that they’re toxic. There are similar Banded Lycidae that are black and yellow.

 

 

sources: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/beetles/banded_net-winged_beetle.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lycidae

A to Z Challenge: K is for Kadsura

Kadsura is a woody vine native to Western China and parts of Japan. It has an edible fruit that looks like a single red blackberry. It’s stem is used in traditional Chinese medicines.

sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kadsura

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kadsura_longepedunculata

 

A to Z challenge: J is for Jicama April 17, 2016

Jicama is a Mexican vine that grows a tuberous root known as a Mexican turnip or Mexican yam bean. The mature seed pods look like green beans but the mature pods are toxic. It’s the root that’s edible.

refrences: https://greenbeanconnection.wordpress.com/2012/03/09/april-1-jicama-planting-day/

 

A to Z Challenge: I is for Iolite

Iolite is a gemstone that get it’s name from a greek word meaning “violet”. It varies in color from blue to violet-purple and may even be found a yellowish-grey.

It has also been called “water-sapphire” and “Vikings’ Compass” because of the Vikings using it to determine the direction of the sun on overcast days.

Although it is a lovely color, it is not very popular and is not widely found in jewelry.

 

refrences: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iolite

http://gem5.com/stone/61/iolite/

A to Z Challenge: H is for Hydnora Africana

Hydnora Africana, This is one of those rare plants that would make one have nightmares. It would make “little shop of horrors” proud. It is a parasitic plant that attaches itself to the roots of other plants and stinks.

It’s said the fruit of this plant tastes pretty good but I don’t think I’d ever try it unless someone didn’t tell me what it was.

 

references: http://www.unbelievable-facts.com/2015/08/hydnora-africana.html

 

A to Z challenge: G is for Grampus April 8, 2016

A grampus also known as Risso’s dolphin, is grey in color with a white under belly and white scratch-like markings.   The head is bulbous with a blunt nose. It has a tall curved dorsal fin almost like a shark fin. It is a cetacean of the dolphin family which means it is a carnivorous, aquatic, mammal, unable to survive on land.

The word itself means fat fish and has also been used as another word for orca.

 

references: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/grampus

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risso’s_dolphin