Comment by Tony Carroll on January 20, 2013 at 2:07am

Albino Betta.

Comment by Tony Carroll on January 20, 2013 at 11:21am

I know this isn't exactly wildlife, but I found it fascinating, and wanted to share. Brazilian Grape Tree (also known as Jabuticaba) does not use branches to grow fruits. It grows fruits (and flowers) directly on the trunk.

Fascinating.

Comment by Steph S. on January 20, 2013 at 11:37am

Tony that Brazilian Grape Tree is beautiful. And yes, plants are an important part of wildlife habitat. Oh that albino Beta fish is so beautiful.

So, many thanks!

I hope everyone is having a relaxing day.

Comment by Ruth Anthony-Gardner on January 20, 2013 at 12:08pm

Growing fruit on the trunk, interesting. I wonder what the adaptive value might be.

Comment by Tony Carroll on January 20, 2013 at 12:11pm

I'm thinking easier for all animals to get to, so seeds from the fruit are spread further? The article didn't say.

Comment by Steph S. on January 20, 2013 at 12:17pm

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169534702024916
Here is an article discussing the role of the species and their role in the forest.
Abstract

Recent studies have demonstrated the increasingly important role of lianas (woody vines) in forest regeneration, species diversity and ecosystem-level processes, particularly in the tropics. Mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of liana species diversity could yield new insights into the maintenance of overall species diversity. Lianas contribute to forest regeneration and competition, not only by competing directly with trees, but also by differentially affecting tree species and thus changing how trees compete among themselves. In addition, they contribute considerably to ecosystem-level processes, such as whole-forest transpiration and carbon sequestration. As the rate of tropical forest disturbance increases, they are likely to increase in relative abundance throughout the tropics and the importance of lianas to many aspects of forest dynamics will grow.

The ecology of lianas and their role in forests

Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Volume 17, Issue 5, 1 May 2002, Pages 223-230

Comment by Steph S. on January 20, 2013 at 12:20pm

Tony - yes, it is so the seeds are spread further (relative abundance) - the article although about another species, answers the question of the plants role of ecology in the forest.

Comment by Tony Carroll on January 20, 2013 at 9:42pm

Comment by Joan Denoo on January 20, 2013 at 10:04pm

Dominic, many of your photos of butterflies sit on plants that look very much like an Asclepias, but I don't think it grows in Florida. I could be wrong.
Asclepias tuberosa L.
http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/species.php?id_plant=ASTU

Comment by Joan Denoo on January 20, 2013 at 10:06pm

Tony, your photos of a grape tree and an octopus dazzle my imagination! 

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