Milkweeds = Monarchs

Migratory monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) are beloved.  Milkweed (Asclepias.sp.) is their larval food, so planting milkweeds is encouraged. 22 species of milkweed occur in Florida (and in different habitats). Pictured above is scarlet milkweed (Asclepais curassavica), also known as bloodlfower,…

Peacock in White

Often seen along Oslo Road at the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area (ORCA) is the white peacock butterfly (Anartia jatrophae) shown above in a photo taken on an orchid stroll on June 27, 2020.  This low-flying tropical butterfly "uses" three common…

“Spice” Tree?

Pepperbark, toothache tree, tickle tongue, and prickly ash are among the many common names given to the deciduous temperate tree also called Hercules-club (Zanthoxylum clava-herculis).  This native tree was planted at the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area (ORCA) in 2001 as…