Appreciation of Nature in TOYONO

Part-43: Oh-inu-no-fuguri & a ladybird

(Ed: March 30, 2000)(Olympus CAMWEDIA C-2500L)

This season finds tiny blue flowers here and there. And look at them. A ladybird having been very busy.

The name "Oh-inu-no-fuguri" literally means "dogs' scrotum" because the seeds look so alike. The flower blooms only in the sun. It is 0.8 to 1.0cm in diameter, original home in Eurasian Continent & Africa. "Oh" means "big" because the flowers are bigger compared to those of Japan-original ones. "Oh-inu-no-fuguri" were realized around the end of 19th century.

Close-ups. The pistil and the two stamens are clearly seen.