one more quiz
Okay, last quiz for a while I promise: Do any of you know what these are? I had one heck of time trying to ID them online. Google AI finally got me there. I will fill you in tomorrow with the my, and AIs, best guess.
Update: Ginny suggested you all need more details, and she’s right! Here are the facts: Gathered in Florida on April 30th, on the grounds of my hotel in Bonito Springs. The hotel was heavily landscaped with lots of mature old trees of all kinds, and it didn’t occur to me to look up or around at the lush landscaping. Each spike (??) is about 10-12 inches long unless it’s broken. They are brittle, presumably from being dried out, and break easily. If you zoom in they look a lot like braided leather–but feel much more brittle.
xo Mary Jo
fallen male pollen cones of the Longleaf Pine (I think!)
Golly, MJ we ought to at least have the same info you had to start with?? Were they still attached to a living plant? In the grass, fallen from a shrub or tree? Location? Size? Sun or shade? Donated to you by an ardent follower? Etc… :)))
All that being said, my best guess is the seed stalks of a broad leaf plantain, A typical lawn weed. Doesn’t seem as though that’d be hard to ID though.
You are so right Ginny! I added the info to the description. I am partly doing this, because I am about 80% certain of what I eventually identified them as. But I’d love like a second opinion. There is strange lack of images online of these strange and beautiful things.
Well, I was raised in west central Florida and routinely hauled home all sorts of nature treasures, but even with all those clues I’m still clueless. I’ve never seen the likes of these beauties before. Where are all the Florida gardeners/naturalists? C’mon, weigh in y’all!
This is was really hard to identify. But after a few dead ends, I think I have an ID: I believe it is the fallen male pollen cones of the Longleaf Pine. Ginny, let me if you agree.
Thanks,
Mary Jo
Funny, MJ, but pinecone crossed my mind more than once in my pondering. But I don’t think it’s a longleaf pine, their male cones just aren’t nearly that ong. But I have nothing better to offer, sorry.
Suggestions:
Take some to Longwood with you and pick the brains of their horticulture (tree) staff.
Might the groundskeeper at the hotel in Bonita Springs be a resource?
Post pic on your IG where you get a lot more comments. People love to share their knowledge!
Can hardly wait for a conclusive ID!