Landscape II
In September 2010 three days before embarking on a trip to photograph our southern east coast I fractured my right arm and required surgery. The original photography studies I had planned necessitated frustrating adaptations and complete re-vamping as I was unable to manipulate my camera. I was determined to go on the trip. In the first weeks of traveling I had to use my Droid cell's camera, which although fun to use, produced inferior quality photos. I returned from the 2600 mile road trip in late November and this gallery contains the results of my, Broken Arm travel series.
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God's Child
on Jun 21I posted a photo of this plant on Thursday, June 2, 2011. View it here: http://godschild.smugmug.com/Project-365/Daily-Dose-of-One-A-Day-2011/15049328_xybZM#1304726680_P94HSPN-A-LB
Although not a true palm, this is a 14" Japanese Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) that is native to Southern Japan. Its common names are King Sago Palm, or just Sago Palm. We see this plant everywhere and it adds so much to landscapes. Information is powerful; what we don't know can hurt us.
Research reveals that "The plant is called a Sago Palm and its highly poisonous to both pets and humans. A chemical in the plant called cycasin is toxic and often causes permanent liver damage as well as neurological damage if enough of the poison is absorbed by the body. The seeds are the most poisonous part of the plant and the effects on humans are seizures, coma and death. Of course you and I wouldn’t just yank off a chunk of this plant and gnaw on it, but the seeds are colorful; so if you have kids and Sago palm in your yard, educate them on the danger or get rid of the plant." (Reprinted text from here: http://www.tonyspencer.com/2007/10/03/this-plant-will-kill-your-dog-and-maybe-your-kids/)