In the woods I came across losts of fungal growth as a result of the recent rains. In particular groups of strange flower looking mushrooms –
Geastrum means earthstar. The manual shows them white in color with a note that at maturity the spore case is dark brown. My visitors are black and I assume I missed their earlier appearance (or my identification may be wrong).
The name datura comes from the Hindu dhatura meaning thorn apple.
Here is a close up view of the thorn apple
Many of these have taken up residency. What attracts me to them is their flower for which they are sometimes called Moonflower or Angel’s Trumpet. My bees love them but the entrance is constricted.
So this may be the reason why my enterprising bees cut a hole in the side for easier access
And here is a worker on her way out
Datura is an hallucinogen and, in excess, a poison. My neighbor complained that the bees were less focused on his vegetables now this unusual plant was in bloom. Serious and dedicated as my bees are, perhaps they were also getting a little high from their visits.
I have an abundance of Pokeweed or Pokeberry with the hanging berries providing additional fruit for the songbirds.
And finally something for me – passion fruit
With its lovely tendrils and stigma