Clover, loved all over

It is a common sight in most lawns. Many have spent hours on hot sunny days sitting idly on the grass and marvelling at the discovery of a four leafed clover. Few people have spent more than a second looking at the plant itself when lady luck has not provided us the discovery. This time of year the clover does something new. It flowers. If you don't believe me go take a look at your lawn. Those little white balls are the flowers of White Clover (Trifolium Repens).Each flower is a starburst of white trumpets that radiate from a central seed chamber. Here with the bigascope we can see deep into its heart. The flower stalks are a deep red. Wait! there is more! Did you know that there are several species of clover? Non are so different from the White Clover as the Red Clover. From a distance the Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense) looks, well, just like a purple version of the White Clover. However, be not fooled, there is something different going on deep in the flower. Check out this picture.

Can you see what is different? The red rods sticking out of the flower lead us to the startling conclusion. The Red Clover sticks its Stamens out. In moderation, clover is a good species to have in your wild patch because they are the food providers for a number of species that you definitely want to attract. Firstly there is the Common Blue butterfly which despite its name has alluded me up to now. Secondly its nectar is warmly appreciated by bees. Next time you are about to cut the lawn, and decapitate a multitude of providers, think about the bees!

That leaves me with just enough time to show you this. Whilst at work today this creature pounced on me and buried his jaws into the soft flesh of my hand. Again and again his mandibles closed on my skin. What on Earth I was doing and what this man eating creature is will have to wait until tomorrow. :-)