Ancient tropical plants produce cones in UK for first time on record

[Lady Freedom Returns]

Ancient tropical plants produce cones in UK for first time on record
By Amy Woodyatt, CNN

Updated 1754 GMT (0154 HKT) August 22, 2019

Two cycads (cycas revoluta), a type of primitive plant that dominated the Earth's flora 280 million years ago, have produced cones on the cliffs of a botanic garden on the Isle of Wight, off England's south coast.
"This can be seen as further evidence from the plant kingdom of climate change in action. Certainly this sort of plant could formerly not be considered hardy in the UK; the recent heatwave has contributed to the individual cone growth," Ventnor Botanic Garden said in a statement.

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[malaise]

1. Only this morning we were talking about the poui tree in the Caribbean

They are in full bloom right now which is wonderful to see during our walk but something is wrong.

For most of my life the majestic poui bloomed twice between January and May.
It is now blooming again and last year it was covered with flowers in December.

Something is going on - we'd better deal with it.

https://thecaribbeancurrent.com/the-magnificent-poui-trees/

What can be white, pink, yellow or any shade in between and remains the same thing? A Poui tree of course. Its lofty almost weightless petals of this tree add a sense of dread to almost all students –aware of its warning of upcoming exams – an elegant penthouse for a travelling nightingale, a romantic picnic spot for a loving couple, and a photographers dream.

The scientific name for this beautiful specimen is Tabebuia; it can be used for various jobs. The wood provides a wide range of uses as it is a source of timber for people of the Caribbean. It is resistant to salt water, termites, and other insects making it a viable option in boat making, decking and other wood related projects. Poui tree wood is actually used on Coney Island for the boardwalks as it is very durable.

The nectar produced by these trees provides nourishment for vital animals of the Caribbean ecosystem such as: bees and hummingbirds.These trees are therefore bred by beekeepers as a source for their bees. The Poui tree can grow up to 150 feet, with a base 4-7 feet in diameter and densely clustered flowers about 1-4. Flowering season runs from January to May, which is the dry season in most Caribbean countries; it will not bloom again until the next dry season or dry spell.

This amazing tree can be spotted (without much effort) across Jamaica; in someone’s yard, a commercial district and in school yards. The presence of the Poui is ingrained within our very culture as very often we put meanings to the blooming of this exuberant plant. It is a tradition that school children watch the blooms of the Poui to decide on when to begin studying. There are naturally three times when the Poui blooms that school children look for: once in mid February to give an indication that the time is drawing near, once in March to indicate the time for studying is upon them and the third at the end of April or Mid May to indicate that the time of studying is long gone.

[samnsara]

2. I live in a canyon in washington state at 2750 feet in the forest...I am seeing changes in the..

..flora and fauna. Somethings changing.

I have flowers blooming on my land that went dormant..or died.. years ago after hubby and I tried to get them to grow at this altitude. Somethings changing.

I am seeing wildlife in abundance that I maybe would have only spotted once or twice a year...or maybe not for several years ( ie) skinks, rabbits and certain birds). Somethings changing.

We are normally protected from the springtime west winds that hammer the rest of the county...but in the last cpl years my wind chimes have been gently blowing daily. Somethings changing

We normally get one clap of thunder a year, but the last 3 years we have experienced long and frequent thunderstorms. somethings changing.

The jet stream goes way above us keeping the cold weather away that normally brings us snowy and cold winters. Last year we didnt get significant snowfall until Feb then it lasted a month. Somethings changing.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

3. Kicking because it's interesting.

[Demovictory9]

4. yes, very