Even a long wait is tolerable when you have a sketchbook.
at the doc’s
Images
Brachychiton populneus
The Kurrajong bottle tree — native to the foothills and plains of eastern Australia — is adapted to semi-arid climates, warm temperatures and seasonal drought. It’s been introduced to South Africa, the United States and Mediterranean countries, where it is well suited for use as a street and park tree.
The kurrajong was used by many Australian Aboriginal clans and tribes. The seeds were removed, cleaned of the fine hairs within the seed pod, and roasted. Water could be obtained from the tree roots by boring a hole in the trunk and squeezing the wood. There are also records of the seed pods being turned into a children’s rattle or toy. The soft spongy wood was used for making shields, and the bark as a fibre. The leaves are also used as emergency fodder for drought-affected animal stock. There are records of European settlers using the seeds as a coffee substitute.
Hypsiglena ochrorhynchus nuchalata
This was the second little snake in our empty pool before Hurricane Hilary blew into town. Two new-to-us reptiles in one night! Very cool.
Tantilla sp.
Fun visit last night from a tiny, rarely-seen snake! Very exciting.
Lynx rufus
We bought some new skulls for the Visitor Center (legally and ethically obtained).
general tso’s tempeh
When suddenly it‘s 6pm and I realize that I haven‘t sketched yet today, there‘s always the dinner ingredients.
Eriogonum cinereum
Ashyleaf buckwheat is one of my favourite chaparral plants, and I love that it grows natively here on our block. Also known as coastal buckwheat, it is endemic to the coastline of Southern California, primarily within Los Angeles County and Ventura County.
Eriogonum cinereum can reach from 0.6–1.25 m in height and width. Its foliage is a lovely pale turquoise/silvery grey colour. The leaves are wavy-edged and one to three centimeters long. The inflorescences stick out from the plant, each with several flower cluster heads of tiny tightly-packed frilly flowers which are usually pale pink in colour. It is the food plant for Euphilotes bernardino, the Bernardino dotted blue butterfly.
by the sea
Sitting in the shade of the huge old sycamore tree at Adamson House, looking towards the beach.
in the ground
I periodically buy whatever veggie seedlings are available at my local hardware store; this was yesterday’s haul. They’re all planted now; let’s see if they can grow faster than the snails can eat them!
Porophyllum ruderale
I found a new-to-me herb at the nursery today, and brought it home. Papalo (Porophyllum ruderale) is a heat-loving alternative to cilantro and is used in all sorts of Mexican food, typically coupled with lime juice.
This aromatic Mexican native tastes like a mixture of arugula and cilantro, with a bit of rue, though papalo is not botanically related to any of these. It is rich in vitamins and nutrients. The herb has been used medicinally among the Quechua people and in other Central and South American cultures to lower blood pressure, improve digestion, and reduce swelling of injuries.
I hope it thrives here. Have you ever eaten papalo?
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