Brenna Quinlan’s Post

Let’s talk about trees🌳💚🌳🌴💚 In the kingdom plantae, trees are tall, magnificent and majestic life forms with unique features that sustain not only themselves but all other living things that exist on the planet. Typically, they have a long woody stem, a distinct crown made up of branches and twigs with many leaves and in some cases flowers and a vast network of roots. Tree species vary widely in their sizes, colours, forms and shapes of the leaves and certain trees bear fruits and flowers at different seasons. They are perennial by nature which simply means that they have longer lifespans and are very resilient compared to other plant types. #trees #naturelovers #saveourtrees #conservation #closetonature #treelovers

In the heart of a quiet orchard, where the early morning mist kisses the leaves, lies a story of quiet resilience. The macadamia trees, with roots that dig deep into the earth, stand as guardians of an age-old secret. These trees, seemingly still, are alive with purpose, drawing strength from the soil, welcoming the dance of pollinators, and providing a haven for the creatures that call this orchard home. As the seasons turn, they patiently nurture their precious cargo, hidden beneath tough shells, protected by nature's own design. Each droplet of rain, each ray of sunlight, is a gift that they transform into growth, slowly, quietly, but with unwavering determination. At dusk, when the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, the orchard rests, having completed another day of nature's labor. These trees, though silent, tell a story of hard work and harmony—a story not often seen but always felt by those who take the time to look a little closer. Witness the dedication of these magnificent trees, and let their story remind you of the power of patience, resilience, and the quiet beauty of nature's work. #MacadamiaTrees #NatureAtWork #quietresilience #orchardlife #sustainablefarming #naturebeauty #farmtotable #NaturalGrowth #NutLovers #NaturalGoodness #premiumquality #macadamianuts #agriculture #nature

The latest Notes from the Fallen Tree from our favorite naturalist.

Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus xanthopygos)🐦 🕊. Here are some of its characteristics: Appearance: Yellow Vent: As the name suggests, they have a bright yellow vent. Black Mask: They have a distinctive black mask around their eyes. Olive-Brown Plumage: Their overall plumage is olive-brown. Behavior: Social Birds: Yellow-vented Bulbuls are social birds and often form flocks. Vocal: They are known for their loud and varied calls. Diet: They are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, berries, insects, and nectar. Habitat and Range: Open Woodlands: They are commonly found in open woodlands, gardens, and agricultural areas. Wide Distribution: They have a wide distribution across South and Southeast Asia. #birdlife #bird #birdphotography #naturephotography

Keep your eyes peeled for early-blooming wildflowers! 🌼 Before the trees have all their leaves, spring ephemerals take advantage of the abundant sunlight and water that reaches the forest floor. Once the leaves come in, these flowers disappear until the following year. New! We made a spring ephemeral field guide to help you identify which plants you see. Learn more about spring ephemerals and download the guide >> https://lnkd.in/dHTX3PXZ

Species spotlight: Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) Wild bergamot is a perennial wildflower species in the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is also called “beebalm”, as the flowers are important for various pollinator species including bees and butterflies. They sport long, bright green stems that reach up to 1m in height, and the flowers are explosions of a beautiful lavender-pink. This species tolerates a wide range of growing conditions, from moist to dry soil and from full to partial sun. Wild bergamot is very fragrant, bearing a scent reminiscent of oregano or peppermint! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eUsmDaSb

Do you know what plants, trees, flowers are food sources for your wild birds? Goldenrod is one, Dogwood is another. I give LINK to FREE Chart on what other vegetation birds like that might be in your backyard!

Happy #FlowerFriday! Some of the most interesting wildflowers take a little extra attention to appreciate. Drumheads (Senega cruciata) occur in open wet habitats from pine flatwoods to savannas and marsh edges. Although their pink flowerheads are quite showy, they are often hidden among the grasses and other vegetation they occur with.   Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ehhfxMS3

Rarely do we talk about invasive trees. Yet, something often referenced is the common characteristic of invasive species to form a thick canopy. It’s one of the attributes they use to outcompete native plants. So, what happens when you get this in the form of a tree? Tree of heaven is capable of growing 15-25 metres in height, with a canopy 6-10 metres wide! That’s a significant shaded area below just a single plant. Up in that canopy it’s producing hundreds of thousands of winged seeds. Whilst below, it's sending out suckers to spread locally and making the soil inhospitable to other plants. Our latest blog, 'Tree of Heaven: The tree threatening UK ecosystems’, discusses the problems associated with this formidable species and how to recognise it. #treeofheaven #invasivespecies #invasiveplants #trees #plantid

Red Pierrot (Talicada nyseus)/ රතු කෝනංගියා It is commonly found in semi-arid plains, degraded evergreen patches, semi-evergreen forests, gardens, hill stations, and various types of forests, wherever its primary food plant, Kalanchoe, is abundant. It can be spotted in habitats ranging from the plains up to altitudes of 8,000 feet. The butterfly is a weak flier, typically fluttering close to the ground in short bursts and often settling, though not for long. It prefers shaded areas, jungle undergrowth, and forests over open spaces and basks with its wings half open. While it is sluggish early in the morning and late in the evening, it stays on the wing almost until dusk, often settling on the undersides of leaves and twigs in groups. They visit flowers of herbs, particularly those from the Amaranthaceae and Acanthaceae families, and also enjoys both wild and ornamental flowers, with Alternanthera varieties being among its favorites. When resting, the butterfly sits with its wings closed, displaying the distinctive bright markings on its undersides. Despite its weak flight, fearlessness, and unique markings, it is not known to have any toxic plants that it feeds on, unlike many other butterflies that rely on sequestrable toxins for defense. The female Red Pierrot lays its light green, ellipsoid-shaped eggs on the underside of Kalanchoe leaves, which can be old or new without preference. The caterpillar, pale yellow to dirty white and flattened with large jet-black spiracles, is covered with tiny white setae. As a leaf miner, it bores into the leaves immediately after hatching, spending its life between the leaf's epidermal layers. Occasionally, it may move to a new leaf. The caterpillar’s host plants include Kalanchoe laciniata and Kalanchoe pinnata, both part of the Crassulaceae family. Interestingly, adult butterflies have been observed feeding on lichens, possibly collecting phenolic substances by scraping them. #nature