Orange Ladybird With Black Spots

Here's a quick picture that I took of an orange Ladybird with black spots. From looking around on Google images, apparently this is a Harlequin Ladybird. These are said to be somewhat of a threat to "normal" red and black Ladybirds. However, the "threat" which was hyped up by the media, was a few years ago now, and has since died down a bit.



I don't know how much of an impact other species of Ladybirds invading the UK has had on the population numbers of normal Ladybirds in the UK, but this one was photographed in the UK around early summer time 2018.

How To Grow An Orange Tree From Seed

Take a look online and you will see quite a few methods of how to grow an Orange tree from a seed. From soaking the seeds for a few days, and then placing them in moist see-through bags and placing in a spot that gets some sun etc, to just planting them in some soil and leaving on a window sill somewhere. To be honest, all of these methods work, especially if you put the odds in your favour by planting many seeds. This is a sure way to get some sprouting. Anyway, today I'm going to tell you how I start orange plants from seed. I'm no expert, and I don't own an orange grove (orchard), but I have had considerable germination success from my method.



This is what I do. Eat some Oranges and save the pips (seeds). That's the tasty part. Leave them to dry for a few days, then grab them one by one and peel some of the outer shell (protective layer) off the seed, exposing some of the actual seed inside. On each end of the seed the outer shell goes a little bit pointed, so its not difficult to grab this and peel some off the end. This is to assist the seed to sprout quickly by allowing warmth and moisture to reach the seed more easily, and help it take its jacket off (protective layer) with less hassle. You don't need to peel much off, just enough so that some of the seed is exposed.

Then, just plant them in some wet soil, preferably in slightly acidic soil, at around half an inch deep, and put them in a window that gets some sun. Or better still, outside if the weather is nice and warm like it is here in the UK right now. If the weather is warm there is no need to cover the pot(s) with a see-through plastic bag or cling film. Just keep the soil wet and within a few days you will have some signs germination taking place.

If the temperature doesn't drop too low on the nights in your location, to make them strong and more resilient to the cold weather, leave them outside all night when they are very young (from first germination). I say this because most Orange trees are better suited for warmer tropical climates, they are not really tough enough to withstand the UK's fairly harsh in comparison autumn / winter seasons. So for your trees to stand a better chance of survival in the UK (depending on the variety), you need to get them gradually used to lower temperatures. Of course, in the winter, the UK is far too cold for young citrus / Orange plants / trees to survive.

So give them as much sun as possible through the warmer months, with some colder (but not too cold) nights, get them as big and strong as you can, and then bring them indoors (keep in a window, conservatory or patio) once the temperatures drop really low. Preferably, keep them potted for quite a few years doing this process, and when they reach a good size and maturity, consider planting them outside in a spot that gets the most sunlight.

Don't expect to see fruits straight away though, as Orange trees can take many years to produce fruit if grown from seed. Still, even without bearing fruits, the leaves, and trees in general are beautiful to look at, and fragrant when touched. Everything talked about in this post will also work for lemon trees, too. In fact, most other citrus variety's.

The Strange Young Grey Willow Plant

Young Grey Willow plants are strange. They look nothing at like what they do when they get older. Look at the image below of a baby example in a pot. They grow flat and spread out across the pot. With some plants and trees you can instantly tell what they are. But with Grey Willow, they make a strange transformation at some point, where they take on their more older, more recognisable appearance. Also, I know Willow are known for rooting, and this species is no exception. Young Grey Willow roots like crazy.

And the growth rate is unbelievable. One day there's the start of a few new leaves, the next day they are fully sized and there's more new little leaves sprouting. I've never seen growth quite as fast as that. I'm not feeding them anything special. In fact I've only really fed them water. Some seed sellers market the Paulownia Tomentosa as one of the "Fastest Growing Trees".

I've grown Paulownia Tomentosa and I can tell you, this is nothing but a myth. In my experience they don't grow fast at all. They have nothing on Grey Willow. Can't wait for the one in the image to get more mature and see how it transforms. Since writing this post a few days ago it is now twice the size. I might update this blog at some point to show its progress. Weird magical Willow.

White Willow Tree Leaf Identification

White Willow (Salix alba) is a beautiful tree. Identification is easy. In some ways, with its long leaves, it looks quite oriental and not native to the UK. But that is not the case. It is native to the UK, as well as many other countries throughout Europe (And Asia). It's very decorative and have no doubt that it is widely used as a display specimen as a corner piece placed in expensive pots in trendy gardens. Or, grown in the ground of course.

Although some people are weary of growing Willow trees in the ground because the Root Systems of some species can be very aggressive. And sometimes, the roots can be seen at ground level or not much deeper. I believe the Weeping Willow definitely falls into this category. So this is something to be aware of, especially if you have a small garden, or are thinking of planting a Willow Tree very close to your home.  

It's Green - Why is it called "White" Willow? 

That's because the underside of the leaf is white / very light grey.

The bark has many medicinal properties, most of which are beneficial for providing pain relief for issues like menstrual cramps, headaches, osteoarthritis and gout. It's also known to be a skin exfoliant and is used in acne creams. Willow bark contains Salicin, which is anti-inflammatory and works much like an aspirin tablet. White Willow Tree extracts / tinctures and teas are widely available for sale online. And you can even make / harvest your own if you have the time and the patience to do so.

All in all, the White Willow Tree is a remarkable plant, and really demonstrates how natural herbs and remedies can be used to effectively treat certain ailments without the need to go rushing off to the pharmacy to buy treatments that are not made using natural processes.

Hound's Tongue - Cynoglossum Officinale

This is just a quick identification post about the Hound's Tongue Plant (Cynoglossum Officinale), which is part of the Borage species. Such a nice plant. Although it is potentially dangerous and considered as a weed to some. The flowers are purple / maroon and the leaves feel very soft to the touch. After the flowering period the Hound's Tongue bears nutlets (seeds).

However, I have not seen them much due to not having a lot to do with this plant. There's also Blue Hound's Tongue (Cynoglossum grande). And I think there are different variations of the purple Hounds Tongue as some examples from other parts of the world look quite different to each other. The picture below is of Hound's Tongue found in the UK (Quickly taken by me).

Be aware: Hound's Tongue can be poisonous to humans if eaten in big enough quantities, and can also cause dermatitis. It can also be lethal to animals / livestock. Not just a pretty face then! I better go wash my hands. Other than being an attractive plant, or noxious weed as some like to consider them, the best thing about these wildflowers is there smell. Though, it must be an acquired taste because a lot of people say it smells disgusting. Personally I like it. It's quite unique and very alluring. I believe you can buy the flower essence online.

Spider Hiding In Web Under a Leaf Image

Here is two quick images of a Spider hiding under a leaf where he / she has made a little home for himself. Or herself. I don't know what type of Spider this is, but it looks like a variation of the common Garden Spider species. Or as I refer to them as, the one's with the shredded wheat legs! I love these spiders. They remind me of my childhood, as they were always around when playing and exploring outdoors.

This one has different patterning to the "normal" Garden Spider, and has what resembles a kippah / yarmulke (Jewish cap) on the top of its body. Click the images for a closer look. I like most Spiders except Wolf Spiders. I really don't like them anywhere near me. Too fast and too hairy!

Strange Little Biting Bug UK (Picture)

I come in from being outside in the back garden after messing around with an Alder tree (getting in between the leaves to water it in the pot), and can instantly feel something biting my arm! I look and there's this tiny little yellow bug biting me. It couldn't be anything else other than this bug, as it was in the exact location where the stinging (biting) was coming from. I blew it off my arm and managed to catch it. The bug looks like some kind of hybrid green fly. It's mostly yellow in colour, with a red stripe starting at the eyes and going down the side of the body. It also has white and red Antennae (feelers).  If you look carefully you can see that it does have a mouth needle for piercing through humans skin. Like it did to mine. Strange little bug.

I would post the original picture of it caught in a glass but the insect is so small in comparison that its not really worth uploading. But take a look at it magnified approximately 6 - 8 times above. Click the image to enlarge. Weird little insect. Does anyone know what this is? Can you identify it? The bite has not left me with any lasting effects, so I don't think its particularly dangerous. But I'd still like to know if this is just some well-known insect that I've never seen before, or something more exotic and not native to the UK.

Update: This insect has been identified as the nymph of a Campyloneura Virgula. Thanks goes out to the very knowledegable AmandaB over at the nhm.ac.uk natureplus forum for quickly resolving the mystery.

Coprinus Mushroom Ink Cap Image

Here is an image of a Coprinus Mushroom (Ink Cap). If you look closely at this picture you will see that the mushroom is actually melting / dripping from the bottom of the head. Surprisingly, this mushroom is edible. However, you must take care not to drink any alcohol if you decide to eat this mushroom. Click the images for a closer look.

IT IS POISONOUS if you eat it and drink an alcoholic drink at the same time. Or, I would imagine, even drinking alcohol on the same day as eating these mushrooms would be very dangerous. Don't do it!

Also, in case you were wondering, Ink Caps are not known to be hallucinogenic / psychedelic as far as I'm aware. Although some people have claimed that they felt a bit trippy after consuming large amounts of Coprinus Mushrooms, most people who know a lot about mushroom species dismiss this as just a placebo effect. But hey, who knows for sure. Check out this image on Flickr of a whole bunch of them rotting away.

Damson Plum Tree Images UK

Here are some quick images of what I believe to be Damson Plum Tree's naturally growing in the wild. Pictures were taken in the UK. I believe there are different species of Damson fruits, some look a little different to each other. However, they are all part of the Plum family. If you came here looking for Identification of a berry / plum you have seen, but the images here don't look the same as what you seen, it could still be a Damson / Plum of some kind. If you want to buy a Damson tree, they are readily available for sale online on sites such as eBay UK. Click the images to enlarge.