A World of Plants and Trees

         In class on the 7th, we discussed the importance of knowing the names of the nature around us, specifically in how we can do so by calling plants by their name rather than as a "flowering bush" like I did in one of my previous posts. I learned how to identify plants through both the app, Plant Snap, and the feature in Apple Photos to 'find plant.' Although I was a little embarrassed and surprised that I did not even think about a feature like this existing, I was also excited and found it so fun to be able to actually know what I was taking pictures of. I could not wait to put this technology to a test, and so during my nature observation this week I walked around to identify the various plants and trees around my neighborhood.

        Please see some of my favorite photos of the trees/plants that I identified below:

Picture 1: Tamarind Tree

Picture 2: Flowers on an Apple Tree

Picture 3: Dying Drimiopsis Lancifolia Plant

Picture 4: Boxwood Shrub

Picture 5: Uniquely Shaped Oak Tree

        While identifying these items, I decided to use both Plant Snap and Apple's plant identification feature in hopes of identifying which one worked best. Overall, I found that Plant Snap was generally better, but each had problems identifying certain items such as the trees and the dying plant. Therefore, I think it is most beneficial to use both so that one can ensure the proper identification is made. However, I do believe Apple's feature may be best for an average person, as it is a quick and efficient tool that can help them better understand the nature that they may be admiring. For example, my stepmom takes photos of different plants she finds pretty on a daily basis, so I told her about the apple feature and so far, she loves it!

        Once I identified each of the above items, I then read their brief descriptions that corresponded with the items. One description that stood out to me was that for the Tamarind tree (picture 1), as it said that the tree bears edible fruit that is used in food around the world. I, however, did not see any fruit on the tree while inspecting it, and I became curious as to why that is. My best guess is it is due to the location of the tree, as it is located in the parking lot behind my house, and therefore is only surrounded by concrete and has limited space to grow. In fact, upon further reflecting, I notice that the tree is growing in a weird, almost two-tiered shape, and I am beginning to wonder if that shape is also because of the limited space surrounding it. I also really enjoyed identifying picture 2 as an apple tree (no, not one that actually grows apples!) as this tree has beautiful flowers and is located right next to my house, yet I had no idea it even existed before I began purposefully looking for plants today. This experience just further emphasizes the importance of these nature exercises for me, as I am hopefully beginning to create new habits where I truly observe, notice, and appreciate the nature surrounding me each and every day.

Picture 6: Crepe-Myrtle Tree

Picture 7: Multi-stemmed Trunk of Crepe-Myrtle Tree

       

         One tree that I found particular intriguing was the Crepe-Myrtle tree, as seen above in pictures 6 and 7. The Crepe-Myrtle tree is described as a flowering plant that is native to the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, China, Korea, and Japan. This tree stood out to me primarily due to its unique looking trunk, as it looks tropical and out of place on a college campus in Texas, almost reminding me of a big-sized bonsai tree. It is amazing to me that this plant exists just a couple blocks away from my house.

        Overall, this experience was so much fun for me, and I felt like a little kid in a candy store as I was moving from plant to plant throughout my neighborhood. The ability to identify the plants I am looking at in a way has made me feel even closer to nature, as I actually know what I am looking at and the history behind the various plants. I believe these are tools I will use not only throughout the rest of this class, but also throughout my life as I have my nature experiences around the world.

Best,

Emily