Lantana

Laugh all you want, but I really think my love of flowers and plants started during my veterinary toxicology course at North Carolina State University. Our professor was Cecil Brownie, a Jamaican who lived and breathed plant toxicology with a fantastic sense of humor. Many students had difficulty deciphering his accent but it never bothered me because I was absolutely fascinated. He even planted a poisonous plant garden on the school grounds, a spot for relaxation and the occasional impromptu vet student party.

I went back to Pruyn Sactuary today and once again was plagued by angst - which photo to choose? The runners up are here. I have named the flowers I know. Please feel free to comment if you can ID anything.

I chose this one because Lantana was one of my favorite flowers when I lived in Texas. It thrives in the heat, grows in to a huge bush, and the lovely flowers seem to last forever. And, of course, like all my favorite flowers, it is toxic.