FFF9 - MAGNOLIA GRANDIFLORA

Magnolia grandiflora is an evergreen tree which grows to a height of 10m and a width of 10m, native to South-eastern N. America - North Carolina to Florida and Texas. It has a moderate growth rate. In Australia, Magnolia grandiflora will flower in December to March with the seeds ripening from March to May. The large, showy, fragrant white flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (both male and female reproductive organs) and they are pollinated by beetles.

The name magnolia was coined in recognition of Pierre Magnolia, the French Botanist (1638-1715). Magnolias are considered to be an ancient flowering plant bearing the largest individual flowers of any tree or shrub that can be cultivated in temperate climates.

Please join me for Floral Friday Fotos by linking your flower photos below.

FFF4 - BUTTERFLY FEASTING ON LANTANA

Lantana is a genus of about 150 species of perennial flowering plants in the verbena family, Verbenaceae. They are native to tropical regions of the Americas and Africa but exist as an introduced species in numerous areas, especially in the Australian-Pacific region. The genus includes both herbaceous plants and shrubs growing to 0.5–2 m (1.6–6.6 ft) tall. Their common names are shrub verbenas or lantanas. The generic name originated in Late Latin, where it refers to the unrelated Viburnum lantana. This is a Lantana camara in our garden, which this butterfly is finding particularly tempting.

FFF3 - BEE ON LAVENDER FLOWER

Italian lavender (Lavandula pedunculata) is very attractive to bees and photographing the interaction of bee and flower is always rewarding!

Please join us and share your flower photos every Friday!

Bee on Yellow Flower

The Gatherer

Bee on Yellow Flower

I'm so so so tired of summer. I can't get out and get any decent photos when there is nothing but bright sun all day. I dug through my archives for this shot.

My Own Butterfly Take Two

This is the same butterfly as the one last week but with his wings spread. If you want to see the first photo click on the butterfly link below.

Its a bird... Its a Plane...

Its SUPER Bee!

I couldn't believe how much pollen this little guy was carrying on his legs. I'm surprised he could even fly.

My Own Butterfly...Finally

Some of you might remember my "fake" butterfly last month. This one is my very own though. The first decent shot I've ever had of a real live butterfly. Isn't it beautiful?

If you want to see my "fake" butterfly, click on the butterfly link below.