For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Walk 18/4 - Part 5 Final

There were some fascinating tree roots in this area but this was my favorite.
Oh oh!! A roadblock!! Now do I have to climb over or under or go around? Hmmm!!
What a pretty place this was to have a picnic. I must remember to bring some sandwiches with me next time.
The Rock Fig is a most unusual tree as it onlt grows on/in rocks. Some of them can be huge too and I wonder how they are propagated. I have taken some cuttings and hope one starts growing as it would make a wonderful bonsai.
The roots find the tinest crevase in which to anchor itself.
A spittle bug!! These are such interesting critters. They make this by rubbing a secretion with their legs and then live in the middle of it to hid away from predators. What amazes me is that they are so small, who could ever think of making a meal of it? It would be like us taking one crumb of bread!! :)
I disturbed this one so it could come out while I took a picture of it. It is all of about 4mm in length.
Along the path, this small pine tree was starting out its life.
And so the path ended and it was time to go home. I was lucky on this trip and only went back with one small injury and hardly dirty at all!! :) Next time I am there it will be the rainy season so I will probably get home filthy as usual. :)

22 comments:

Diane said...

Interesting photos, glad you arrived home basically undamaged :-) Diane

Jo said...

Oh I love tree roots, Joan. Thanks for sharing these interesting ones. And the spittle bug: I've never heard of it until today. Glad you got home safely. Blessings and (((hugs))) Jo

MadSnapper said...

sorry you got an owwiee! your rock fig looks a lot like our strangler fig here. isn't God's creation just plain old wonderful? and you get to capture it for us.

Gaelyn said...

I love the texture of the gnarled roots. Seems the fig would make an interesting bonsai.

Very cool to actually see the bug that makes the spittle.

Please share a pic from the wet and really dirty adventures ahead. Could be your new profile pic. ;)

troutbirder said...

It is amazing the giant size some tree can grow on little or no soil. Our white cedar tree often to that on the granite shores of Lake Superior.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Me too Diane. :) But it was actually only a scratch. :)

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Those roots really caught my eye Jo. I love wood in all its forms.

Spittal bugs are quite common and are found all over the world but unless one studies bugs, it is not some common, everyday kind of bug so I am not surprised you have not heard of it. Hugs too.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

You are right Sandra, nature gives us so much and teaches us great lessons too and all we need to do is just look, listen and observe what is around us.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Gaelyn. I really do wish I could get one to grow. When I go out walking I am always on the lookout for a baby plant but have not yet found one.

LOL!! Yeah, you would love that wouldnt you? :)I actually took one a while back. I will see if I can find it and post it for you. :)

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

That sounds like these Ray. I have seen other tres root on bare rock and to me that is astounding.

Firefly the Travel Guy said...

I love taking walks in forests as well. Just don't do nearly enough of it though. When I saw the fig I also thought bonsai. We have the bonsai show on in PE in a week or so. I should pop in.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Please do and take some pictures Jonker. I love bonsai and have started a few again.

Unknown said...

Love that root on top!

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Jose. It sure caught my attention. :)

Craig Glenn said...

Enjoyed your vacation J!

I got scratched worse than that getting out of bed this morning. LOL

Craig

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Sure did Craig. It felt wonderful to be back in the bush again. Now if only I could get back to live there permanently!!

LOL!! M at you again was she? :)

Becky said...

Love Bonsai. Another of my passions too. I've had a few, but they do take constant care. The roots are just so interesting.
Lots of Spittle bugs here too.
B.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Some trres just seem to me made for bonsai, like the Japanese Maple. I saw a pitcure someone posted of a spittal bug and it was the most interesting little thing I have seen it is mostly found on your fir trees. A very unusual little thing.

Rambling Woods said...

I have to work harder at really looking at things..especially the small things....My Mother did bonsai for 50 years....lost them in her house fires...it was a shame....

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Oh that is a shame!! They take so many years to cultivate and time to trim properly. I think I notice the small things because I have a small mind? LOL!!

Mary said...

Interesting walk and very pretty scenery. When I encounter a fallen tree it is usually the length of my legs....short....that determines the course around it (usually under for me and over for Mike).

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

LOL!! I am quite short too so I know what you mean Mary. :)