Dipsacus by iaacf
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Description
Dipsacus is a genus of flowering plant in the family Dipsacaceae. The members of this genus are known as teasel or teazel or teazle. The genus includes about 15 species of tall herbaceous biennial plants (rarely short-lived perennial plants) growing to 1-2.5 m tall, native to Europe, Asia and northern Africa.
The genus name is derived from the word for thirst and refers to the cup-like formation made where sessile leaves merge at the stem. Rain water can collect in this receptacle; this may perfom the function of preventing sap-sucking insects such as aphids from climbing the stem. The leaves are lanceolate, 20-40 cm long and 3-6 cm broad, with a row of small spines on the underside of the midrib.
Teasels are easily identified with their prickly stem and leaves, and the inflorescence of purple, dark pink or lavender flowers that form a head on the end of the stem(s). The inflorescence is ovoid, 4-10 cm long and 3-5 cm broad, with a basal whorl of spiny bracts. The first flowers begin opening in a belt around the middle of the spherical or oval flowerhead, and then open sequentially toward the top and bottom, forming two narrow belts as the flowering progresses. The dried head persists afterwards, with the small (4-6 mm) seeds maturing in mid autumn.
The seeds are an important winter food resource for some birds, notably the European Goldfinch; teasels are often grown in gardens and encouraged on nature reserves to attract them.
Thank you for your comments on my hoverfly posting,
Myathropa florea: a hoverfly
Comments (13)
kimariehere
beautifully shot love the contrast here!!
MrsLubner
Great shot! I remembe having many of these dried in arrangements around the house in the fall. Very nice and good information. I didn't know that's what they are called. Mother always refered to them as Thistles.
bubu78
woow ! great lighting and details, enhanced by the dark background. Bravo
RobyHermida
Nice work!
ascript
Awesome closeup! ;)
Firesnuffer
Fantastic shot, the lighting is perfect!
spen66
Nice macro work and excellent lighting/DOF, but for me spoilt by the out-of-focus hover fly at the top?
mrmadmikie
Beautiful capture, the light is what does it for me.
keeneye
Stickery situation for some of these bugs I see stuck inside. Thanks for the info!!!!!
cmolsen2002
This is quite awesome. A fantastic pic! I have always known them as teazles, so it was such a pleasure to read your accompanying narrative! Thank you
helanker
Oh yes i know this one. Didnt know what to call it, but we use it for decorations when they are dry. This is a really beautiful shot.
hotracer2
Very intersting image:):):)
witch_1612
Very Nice Work!!!