Monday, August 24

Odds and Ends


My daughter took this photo in Ecuador recently. I have no idea what kind of tree they are, and I'm going to try and find out. They're otherworldly, aren't they? I searched for trees native to Ecuador, but I found nothing that looked like these. Thanks to Geraldo, we have an answer!! Look in the comments. Thanks, Geraldo!


Last week when the women in my neighborhood went out to lunch, this fuzzy guy met us on the way out of the restaurant. I asked him to move so I could get a better photo, but he was having none of it - and I knew I better not touch him. I suspect those black spurs are lethal! I wonder what he turns into after he spins his cocoon?


I really miss my live baby foxes, so I got this one to remind me how sweet they were. Isn't he cute? I suspect he'll become good friends with all my froggies in no time!

11 comments:

Shiny Rod said...

Once again, you sense of beauty surpasses all expectation. You have a unique gift Kenju. Keep doing what you do best, I love it and enjoy all you posts.

Granny Annie said...

Those trees give me the urge to spray paint them.

Bobkat said...

Those tress are amazing and look very tall. It's a great pic.

Love the little fox you bought :)

Arkansas Patti said...

Now that is one weird looking tree. Almost looks like it has been groomed.
Love your fox. I used to collect them till word spread and soon fox replicas were my only gifts for Christmas and B-Days. Lot of dusting going on.

Geraldo said...

Judy, I'm glad I can help solve this mystery.

This tree is an Araucaria Angustifolia, known as Parana pine. It is a conifer, but not a true pine. It is common in Southern Brazil and in Argentina; I didn't know it could found as far as Ecuador.
Its seeds are known as "pinhão" in Brazil, and are edible when cooked (they're similar to the Italian "pignoli" used in pesto sauce, but much bigger).

oklhdan said...

Most interesting looking tree. It looks like it is sporting pom poms. I also love the fox!

robin andrea said...

I like the fuzzy critter. I wish I could have seen it "in person." Quite a cute thing.

LZ Blogger said...

Judy ~ I think the uglier the cocoon, the prettier the butterfly or month. Wow Geraldo really did some homework of those trees! ~ jb///

Darlene said...

I wish Parana Pines grew here. They are really neat trees.

I agree with oklhdan that the tree looks like it is sporting ppom poms.

rosemary said...

really unique looking trees and fuzzy things....on another note, i haven't been to confession since i was a young mother....I'd probably give the listening priest a heart attack.

JeanMac said...

Wouldn't know tree or fuzzy guy!