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December 2, 2019
Monday Morning Mystery 120219
I post this mystery courtesy of Sally Teschon for two reasons — you can see this mystery plant at NY Botanical Gardens, and you can see the gardens' annual train show as well. The buildings — almost all of them NYC landmarks — are made from birch bark, acorns, cinnamon sticks and other natural materials.
It's definitely worth the trip, especially if you've never seen a previous one.
You can read more about the train show here. Below is one of my favorite buildings – Wave Hill House. The only thing missing is bird-walk leader Gabriel Willow in miniature.
But you really should I.D. that plant.
2 comments
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No plant from Africa is a host plant for Monarch butterflies.
Only native milkweeds will suffice!! -
I believe it is a Milkweed, Gomphocarpus physocarpus, whose common names include “Hairy Balls” and “Family Jewels” — for obvious reasons, given those seed pods. It is a native of Africa and can serve as a host plant for Monarch butterflies.
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2 comments
Deedee
No plant from Africa is a host plant for Monarch butterflies.
Only native milkweeds will suffice!!
Diane L.
I believe it is a Milkweed, Gomphocarpus physocarpus, whose common names include “Hairy Balls” and “Family Jewels” — for obvious reasons, given those seed pods. It is a native of Africa and can serve as a host plant for Monarch butterflies.