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Pop Goes the Milkweed!


Pop Goes the Milkweed!
Photo Information
Copyright: Jim Pinkham (jpinkham) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 80 W: 4 N: 146] (661)
Genre: Plants
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-09-23
Categories: Flowers
Camera: HP Photosmart 945
Exposure: f/3.0, 1/750 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-09-30 15:46
Viewed: 785
Points: 12
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Doesn't this bring back childhood memories? For me, growing up in Maine, this was one of the harbingers of fall and fun September afternoons. I saw this one on a trek last Sunday and it seemed like a good exemplar of a recently burst pod.

Some interesting notes on this plant in Wikipedia. For instance, Carolus Linnaeus (the founder of our modern classification system of binomial nomenclature) "named the genus after Asclepius, the Greek god of healing, because of the many folk-medicinal uses for the milkweed plants." (These days, the family is a sub-family of dogbane.) Despite the medicinal value of some varieties, I recall instances in English literature where milkweed was also dreaded as a poison to cows. And, indeed, some varieties can be toxic.

The Wikipedia article (all usual disclaimers apply) also notes: "These milkweed filaments or floss are coated with wax, and have good insulation qualities. Tests have shown them to be superior to down feathers for insulation. During World War II, over 11 million pounds (5000 t) of milkweed floss were collected in the United States as a substitute for kapok."

For more information, the article is here. As usual, external links for further reference and research are provided at the end.
eqshannon, c_rapp, rcrick has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • Dave Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 525 W: 47 N: 674] (2173)
  • [2007-09-30 18:27]

I like all the elements in this shot. Nicely done! Excellent composition!

very nice macro photo, nice color and sharpnes

I guess it musta' harbingered here a long time ago..as in weeks. Very nice fall colors. The milk thistle. I am taking it now in herb form for kidneys. It is also a good liver tonic. Ever so slightly thicker hairs on this as opposed a thistle. Very good sir.
Bob

Hello Jim nice exposure and sharpness good contrasting subject with the soft background, light was good and it's nicely composed tfs rgds Necip.

Beautifully captured 'pop' great details and lighting. TFS
Christan

  • Great 
  • rcrick Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 711 W: 36 N: 1549] (4991)
  • [2007-11-22 20:11]

Hello Jim, I really like the lighting on this image, stunning detail just pin sharp, well framed, nice work, cheers Rick

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