June 25
Rose Bay
(Rhododendron
maximum)
This native
evergreen shrub blooms in summer along stream banks and in
moist woods. It can get to be more than thirty feet tall.
The dark green leathery leaves are a lighter color beneath.
In severe cold or drought, they roll closed along the
center vein and droop. There are terminal clusters of 10-30
flowers. Each flower has five lobes and the largest lobe of
each flower has green spots.
Nearby, seemingly suspended in midair, was a Sycamore
Tussock Moth (Holysidota
harrisii) caterpillar
hanging by a five foot long thread from the sycamore tree
above. He was twisting and winding himself back up the
thread.
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larger image)
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