Exploring Nature: Tidbits & Trivia

The unique blooms of the Olivia Rose Austin are celebrated for its fragrance. As an added bonus, these roses grow well here in Central Texas.
Photo from Metro Creative

It’s time for a tidbits column.

Let’s consider a few facts from here and there that illuminate how wonderfully varied is our world of nature.

An acre of soil may contain more than one million earthworms when conditions are ideal. Also, earthworms have mouths and no teeth, and can consume about half their body weight in a day.

Australia’s giant Gippsland earthworm can grow up to six feet long!

What’s the best smelling rose? The Olivia Rose Austin is a medium pink variety that is celebrated for its delightful fragrance. It grows well in our central Texas area.

Male butterflies have scent scales on their forewings to attract females. Like hummingbirds, butterflies fly in a figure eight pattern.

The scientific name for the California condor is Gymnogypscalifornianus. It is found in the Southwestern United States and northern Baja in Mexico.

Previously known as the royal vulture, this condor is among the largest and rarest birds in North America. It has a 9-foot wingspan and there are only about 400 left in the world.

Finally, there are three plants that are very good at attracting hummingbirds to your yard — bee balm, black and blue salvia and autumn sage.

So long until next time.