Plants And Animals

Happy Autumn~

Basil – antibacterial, mucous membrane health

Garlic – laying stimulant, anti-fungal, benefits circulation system

Lavender – stress reliever, increases blood circulation, highly aromatic, insecticide

Marigolds – stress reliever, increases blood circulation, highly aromatic, insecticide

Marjoram – laying stimulant, anti-inflammatory, decongestant, improves blood circulation, detoxifier

Mint – insecticide and rodent repellent, antioxidant, aids in respiratory health, digestive aid, lowers body temperature naturally.

Nasturtium – laying stimulant, antiseptic, antibiotic, insecticide, wormer

Oregano – combats coccidia, salmonella, infectious bronchitis, avian flu, blackhead and e-Coli, strengthens immune system

Parsley – high in vitamins, aids in blood vessel development, laying stimulant

Sage – antioxidant, antiparasitic, general health promoter, thought to combat Salmonella

Behold, the most dragon-like of turtles!

Macrochelys temminckii, the alligator snapping turtle, is one of the heaviest turtles in the world, with average adults able to tip the scales up to over 150 pounds. The largest and oldest specimens have blasted past even that, with some individuals weighing well over 200 pounds!

Alligator snapping turtles are largely carnivorous. While they can scavenge, they are primarily ambush predators, lying in wait for fish or other organisms to be lured in by their… well, lure.

See that little spot of pink? That’s part of their tongue, and they’re able to wiggle it around to attract prey.

It must be a winning strategy, since some individual alligator snapping turtles have reached incredible ages. Some have been rumored to have bullets from the American Civil War lodged in their flesh.

While not as closely related as you might think, it is sometimes mistaken for the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina). When comparing the two side by side, as the alligator snapper has a heavier head…

… and far more pronounced ridges on its back.

East Austin Succulents Austin, Texas

…and here are some shots of the current greenhouse selections, including a stunning Deuterocohnia brevifolia (with a matching price tag)! @randomc it was just gorgeous.

What do you do if you find a turtle crossing the road? I collaborated with Dr. David Steen of the Alongside Wild Foundation to tell you how to save our shelly pals.