LANTANA
In keeping with my discovery that I am starting to like orange flowers,
here is a Lantana, for October. This perennial shrub is a member of the Verbena family & is sometimes called Shrub Verbena. It is very common in landscapes here & comes in a variety of colors. (See EXTRAS)
This plant is native to the tropical areas of the Americas & Africa, but has also been introduced to many areas of the world. I am always amazed when a plant I like can be despised by others. It is considered to be a noxious, invasive weed in Australia, South Africa & India. Here is an interesting contradiction: the leaves are toxic to livestock & rabbits; but butterflies & hummingbirds love the flowers, plus some birds love the seeds.
We rarely see livestock (actually never) in our neighborhood; & we are being over run with rabbits, ( I counted 40 on a walk). My neighbors may have planted this woody shrub to rid us of this darling scourge. Whatever the reason, I really like this plant & include the pink & yellow variety in my front yard. (SEE EXTRA#3) There is a blue & yellow variety, which is my favorite.
PS: The news cycle is voracious, but it seems the fly on Mike Pence's head has traction, because there is now a Halloween wig available resembling his hair with the fly. Apparently he was trashing Black Americans when it landed, so a Twitter meme landed which says: "Pence's one Black Friend."
It is so stressful worrying about the election, that a little humor helps take the edge off. (in theory, anyway)
Have a great weekend!
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