Amanita muscaria. I think this is the prototype for the Disney-esque toadstool seen in cartoons and movies. Ibotenic acid and muscimol are the moderately toxic neurotoxins from this fungi.
Quintessential Toadstool
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Plants that sustained the British EmpirePlants that sustained the British Empire
There are many plants that fit this description, e.g. tea, anyone? or cinchona the source of the anti-malarial medicine quinine, but here is one I did not know. Gutta percha. By the late 1800’s the British Empire was the largest to have existed, spanning the globe from England to India, Malaya, Australia and Canada. Communication by boat took weeks or months. The invention of the telegraph and the unique properties of Gutta percha enabled the empire to remain manageable well into the 1900’s.
Enjoy this short video from the BBC
Japanese Garden in Portland, ORJapanese Garden in Portland, OR
Located across the road from the rose garden (see other post) it is said to be the finest Japanese garden outside of Japan and it is well worth the entry fee. The attention to detail is extraordinary. Bring a book or a friend or both and stay a while.
Portland International Rose Test GardenPortland International Rose Test Garden
If you will be in Portland Oregon this summer be sure to check out the rose garden. Admission is free. On 4.5 acres in Washington Park this garden displays over 10,000 plants from 550 varieties. Most varieties are new since the purpose of this garden is to test new hybrids to decide which are best for commercial release. Post provided by BB.