Plant Patterns

 

Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) fruit.
The dry fruits of Teasel were once used to
raise the nap (tease) of fabric.
Grenade, France.

Looking at plants is good for you.  Numerous studies have shown positive changes in brain activity, neurotransmitter levels and a sense of wellbeing come from viewing plants.  Experiencing plants can reduce blood pressure and lower corticosteroid stress hormones.  Our nervous systems resonate with the plant kingdom.  Some researchers speculate this physiological effect is from overcoming a lack of plants in our human-built environment.   Others posit it is a genetic memory of earlier times in our history.  Whatever the reason, nature in general and plants in particular are definitely good for people.  

Here are a few of the colors, shapes and patterns of plants that have caught my eye and soothed my brain. 

 Leaves

Heliconia sp. leaf.
This relative of Banana (Musa sp.) is impressive
when light shines through the leaves. 
San Jose, Costa Rica.

Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra).
These leaves take on a
a brilliant red hue in the fall.
Rowan County, North Carolina. 

Iris sp. leaf. 
This Iris leaf, with its parallel veins glows in spring. 
Rowan County, North Carolina. 

Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) leaves. 
The basal rosette of spikey Bull Thistle leaves will give rise
to the tall flowering stem.
Rowan County, North Carolina.

Stems

Chinese Timber Bamboo (Phyllostaches vivax) stems.
This Asian exotic looks at home in the highlands of Costa Rica. 
San Jose, Costa Rica.

Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea). 
The water-storing stems of Saguaro 
are pleated and lined with rows of spines. 
Saguaro National Park, Arizona. 

Flowers

Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) flowers.
This cluster of Buttonbush flowers has an unearthly look.
Rowan County, North Carolina.

Toad Plant (Eryngium carlinae irazu) flowers.
This low growing plant with unearthly blue flowers is found
on a few volcanos in Central America.  
Volcan Irazu, Costa Rica. 

Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea) flowers. 
Golden Alexander is related to Queen Anne's Lace (Daucus carota). 
Orange County, North Carolina. 

Fruits

Old Man's Beard (Clematis drummondii) fruits.
These fruits are dispersed on the wind.
Patagonia Lake State Park, Arizona. 

Texas Ebony (Ebenopsis ebano) fruits).
This tree has large woody fruits containing the seeds.
Zapata County, Texas.

Stinking Passionflower (Passiflora foetida) fruit.
The yellow bracts surrounding the red fruit are coated with a sticky
substance that traps and digests insects.
Hill Bank Field Station, Belize. 

For all the impact of plants on the human psyche, these structures we find so appealing did not evolve to make us healthy or happy.  Plants have their own agenda of energy production, water conservation and reproduction.  It is an added benefit that these things please us.