Now and Then #2
Today’s photo1: Morning Sky – January 2, 2018. It was 12°F this morning when I stepped outside to snap this photo with my iPhone.
Photo Favorite2: Blossom on Bona Dea Trails, Arkansas, August 16, 2008
As best as I can tell, this blossom is a swamp rose-mallow – “Hibiscus moscheutos (rose mallow, swamp rose-mallow, crimsoneyed rosemallow, eastern rosemallow) is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae. It is a cold-hardy perennial wetland plant that can grow in large colonies. The hirsute leaves are of variable morphology, but are commonly deltoidal in shape with up to three lobes. It is found in wetlands and along the riverine systems of the southeastern United States from Texas to the Atlantic states, its territory extending northward to southern Ontario.”
“There exist in nature numerous forms, and petal colors range from pure white to deep rose, and most have an eye of deep maroon. Taxonomic consensus is lacking for the nomenclature of the multiple subspecies. The flowers are borne apically, whereas the related Hibiscus laevis carries bud and bloom along the stem.3”
Bona Dea Trails & Sanctuary
“186 acres of wetlands and low woods provide an ideal habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Nearly six miles of trails wind through the sanctuary providing a multitude of recreational opportunities such as walking, jogging, nature photography, and nature study.4”
“This mostly hard-surfaced trail system passes through the Prairie Creek floodplain, and was designed as a jogging and fitness trail set amidst a wildlife sanctuary. It offers folks in the river valley six miles of winding trails through 186 acres of low wetlands that are home to a wide variety of wildlife.5”
- Today’s Photo is a photo that is almost always taken the day of the blog post. In some instances, posts may be backdated if internet access is not available on the day of the photo or other reasons prevent posting Now and Then.
- Photo Favorite is a randomly selected older photograph from a batch of photos specifically “curated” for Now and Then.
- Hibiscus moscheutos – Wikipedia
- Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
- US Army Corps of Engineers – 2016 news release
Note: Online references were accessed 1/2/2018
