177/366: Red Stem Storksbill Seed Pods (+3 in notes)

(+3 in notes above)

What you are looking at are the forming seed pods of the common wildflower, Red Stem Storksbill. When I took pictures of the flowers and figured out what they were called, I couldn't fathom WHY they would have such a name. How does a lovely little purple flower remind a botanist of a BIRD'S BILL? I figured there must be a reason but I had no clue.

Fast forward a month. I'm out there wandering around in our meadow again when I see these weird things growing straight up into the air. What the heck are those things? Taking a closer look, I realized they must be seed pods of some sort. Something about them tickled a memory and I stared and pondered. Purple dried petals...interesting sepals...and those leaves...and then it hit me!!

Laughing out loud in glee, I exclaimed, "NO WAY!!! I KNOW WHAT THOSE ARE!!!!! NOW I KNOW WHY THEY ARE CALLED RED STEM STORK'S BILLS!!!!"

It would take me many pictures over the course of a couple of years before I got a image that showed how beautiful and cool these forming seed pods are. They are hairy and soft and truly beautiful with many colors and patterns to appreciate. I invite you to view this image in a larger size so you can see it better. And, I have more for you! If you roll your mouse over the upper left corner, you'll see the flower and also the incredible crazy seeds that spring out of these pods when they have fully formed, dried, and split open. What a remarkable flower and life cycle! :)