Alien

Uploaded: July 21, 2009

Description


Mexican buckeye

Ungnadia speciosa

From a distance the plants in full flower resemble redbuds or peaches. Livestock seldom browse the toxic foliage, but bees produce fragrant honey from the flowers. Although not a true buckeye, it is so called because of the similar large capsules and seeds. This distinct plant, alone in its genus, commemorates Baron Ferdinand von Ungnad, Austrian ambassador at Constantinople, who introduced the Horse chestnut into western Europe in 1576. The fruit is a light reddish brown when ripe. The three-lobed capsule contains one to three dark brown to black, shiny seeds 1/2 inch in diameter. The sweetish but poisonous seeds are sometimes used by children as marbles.

Liberty Hill
Fort Hood, Texas

18 July 2009

Exif: F Number: 9, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 10/3200 seconds, Flash: did not fire., ISO: 400, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 105.00 mm, Model: NIKON D200

Comments

Michelle Alton July 21, 2009

I say, looks like Hamantashen to me! (named after Haman, the villainous character in the Purim story: Esther and Haman). Hamantashen are prune-and-poppy seed-filled pastries, eaten during Purim. They are shaped like tricorn hats and the filling appears like these seeds) when the pastries are baked and expand in the cracks!
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A lovely salivater, this photo is...with alien eyes peaking out like prune filling! #1157260

Jane E. Kirn July 21, 2009

Nice one Jim, great detail. How did you come across this one? #7762118

Jeff Robinson level-deluxe July 21, 2009

Excellent capture Jim! Jeff #7762335

Tammy M. Anderson level-deluxe July 21, 2009

Hi Jim. Great title, find, capture and title. Very interesting. #7762715

Val Feldman level-deluxe July 22, 2009

Whoa! What a great find, Jim! An alien in a five cornered box! Very, very cool shot! (As always, appreciate your info - I'm going to be on the lookout for one of these!) #7767939

Amy M. Wilson July 22, 2009

Very cool capture and info, so interesting, Jim! #7768328

Tammy Espino July 22, 2009

Very interesting plant and cool capture! :) #7771783

Max Aureli July 24, 2009

Great closeup with gorgeous focus and details!!! #7778999

Melinda B. Shiflet July 27, 2009

Great macro, here, Jim! Congratulations on your EP! #7785421

Shelly A. Van Camp level-classic July 27, 2009

Amazing macro, Jim! #7786348

mike dougherty August 01, 2009

WOW. incredible shot Jim. #7805075

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