Botany Photo of the Day

Thanks again to Eric in San Francisco (Eric in SF@Flickr) for today's image (via the BPotD Flickr Group Pool | original image with comments). This photograph was taken in the San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum. Much appreciated, Eric!

The family Alstroemeriaceae is native to Central and South America (map). This species, commonly known as hardy alstroemeria or parrot flower is native to northern Brazil. However, it has naturalized in Europe, the United States and Australia (PDF). Of particular concern is naturalization in Western Australia, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. The Floridata entry on Alstroemeria psittacina warns about its invasive potential, though it also provides commentary on the plant's good qualities: drought-resistant, hummingbird-attracting, container-friendly and a long-lasting cut flower.

Photography resource link: On the topic of image critique, here is a place where it's done right: The Radiant Vista. “The Radiant Vista is a creative community of inspiration, passion, and grace. Together we pursue our dreams and explore our endless potential.” The highlight of the site is a daily critique video; you have to watch one to understand what a great job they do. If you submit your photograph to them and it gets critiqued, let me know (if I don't catch it myself) and I'll link to it in a future entry. I also really enjoyed the article “The Myth of Talent”.