The Undesigned Chapter XII ; 'Fragnant but flamboyant'

Mulskinner Hi-Tec (/Eco-product) Recom. XVII ; [I / 2014 ] - The plants [; Pt I ]

”Trust your nose, Frodo. Whenever you feel uncertain from the path, always follow your nose.”

- Gandalf to Frodo (on the LOTR...the movie. As I don't seem find that statement written on the Tolkien's orginal - or at least seem that not on web-edition from The Fellowship of the Ring.)

”...but consider the Universal History, and then tell us – when did the burdock and plantain sprout first? It has been so written for the most part, that the times it describes are with remarkable propriety called dark ages. They are dark, as one has observed, because we are so in the dark about them. …Yet no era has been wholly dark, nor will we too hastily submit to the historian, and congratulate ourselves on a blame of light. If we could pierce the obscurity of those remote years we should find it light enough; only there is not our day. ” - Thoreau (Henry David) ; Dark Ages (...from ca 1840s)

”...So let me introduce to you,

The one and only Billy Shears...”

- Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band (The Beatles)

[...By coincidence, this little bee(-ing) was accidentally left off from the preceded insect/bees-post (here). So I decided give it a place here. Also depicts this exemplary case of the family of Solanum-plants; (Relatively) scarcer group of plants in the European regions, also renownly many of them poisonic. This 'creeper-vine' Solanum dulcamar, also known as the Bittersweet, however appears rather common spec. also on European natures. Typically for (some) plants toxic for the humans, not necessary so to the insects. Simply as they've had some time for adapt and evolve together, during the hundred thousands and millions of years of their fruitful co-existence...if you then think about that a bit further, turns out not for any surprise any news of the various 'insects'pests', etc., found of have developed resistance to the chemials (fx). It's only surprising that them can have evolved the resistance so quickly, in a few decades, maybe even by years.]

; ...Appears (it) also so, that I've long since considered we'd have some post devoted esp. to the trees here (the Fennoscandian some, in particular). However, none good an opportunity or place seemed available, or practical until now. After this consideration, I've now figured now that this forthcoming serie shall discuss plants from bit wider perspective. Aspect is so much of source of discussions and central topic in the human life, ao, becomes even more obvious if we think for most any field of human culture. (...Fx, think just for the agriculture, fuels, medicals, or even the construction and commerce – all those have their origins and development based on plants, one way or another.) At this moment I've not too specific idea about, but I suppose subsequent parts on this serie shall be from the trees, and also I suppose there should be smtgh from the plants as home-gardening/farming (for foods/harvests). However, on that order and the latter mentioned only in form of some enchanting pics and accompanying notices...Maybe also we'd have some post(s) on else things if it happens turn out (smtgh) of and from aspects relating.

This introductory chapter here only has a few paragraphs about the flowering plants, also from most important aspect at the insects-plant relations (...mostly, discusses also a few other aspects.., :). Mainly (it was intended) to be of the characteristical fragnances, or the scents by flowers.

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(; ...Appears it then also so, that this was orginally meant to be posted on the April Fool's Day, but was a little delayed until now (it's only a few days past). My intentions on this, a priori,  aren't on write any fool's day jokes, but from some aspects of interest and enchantement - like the plants. However, as the humor is so common and usual aspect of this human life - that's characteristically a human emotion - I viewed a little about that Fool's Day, and there's quite comprehensive article at pages of museum of hoaxes. ; Seems there then say (have a look and view it yourself more in particular...), ao, that the day did had indirect antique precursors long since, fx 'the Roman festival of Hilaria, held March 25, and Medieval Feast of Fools, held Dec 25.'. ; ...Addit., it also mentions that William Shakespeare (1584-1616), the famous dramatist, never mentioned the April fool's day at any from his plays. (And, the actual Fools Day, the 'joke day', is noted for an 19^th centurian invention.) - B-t-w., feels to me (or, as I find that) most anything from the 1500ies (English) history often seems, somehow, tied for an aspects about what the Shakespeare knew or knew not, did or did not. Fx; '...Malaria was so common in Britain during those times, and the Shakespeare was well aware from.', and '...That Shakespeare must have had at least some in-direct knowledge from it, and is referring to that distantly on the verses...'. ...But what a magnet for the historical anecdotes and writing we find this mysterious person, most famous drama-writer/actor ever lived. (As well, what the beautiful relationship man must have had for his palesome and dark muses, from whom he was so inspired of and from, 'cause that perhaps is the second most usual popular topic on some scholarly 'digging' of that so ”Shakespearean” 16^th century...) ; The basic ides of that 'fool's day' then at least seems distantly relating on these 'Saturnalian aspects', discussed priorly (/following), for seems it there also noted that originally 'Saturnalia was a Roman winter festival at the end of December'. However, but we can quietly close up our parenthesis for that good old phrase: 'King for a day, fool for a lifetime.' Some practical wisdom... ; but let's move on...)

So – relating for theme of the post – pictured household plants (below pic), selected just for them being very pleasant of the scents. The Common gardenia (G. Jasminoides, left above at pic), a renown and noteworthy flower, that I recently acquired mostly just because of that reason. Jasmines also feature lot appreciated fragnants, so the White jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum, below left) also from my recent acquiring. In fact – while I don't have much of an interest about that - the jasmines appear said popularly cultivated to the uses of the cosmetic industry. And I suppose, it's from the same plants (or at least some rather close variery...in the east Asia there grows several spec.) whose flowers are used as well for flavouring some teas. ; About the last screen it's said, that the pumpkin's (of course I have to have place for the pumpkins on this too...) smell one wouldn't at first consider for the loveliest of 'odors'. It has a bit of the same than an unpleasant 'rotten' smell as the fruits inner. But, actually, close by it's flowers, when those of recent blooming, the air is filled w. their typical 'fume'. ..It only little resembling the abovementioned but also little different, and actually it's rather enjoyable, even has a nice quality of it's own. (...Bees seem to be very fond of it too, as I've often remarked priorly). One probably either likes the pumpkin 'smell', or not. 

 

[/That rabbit on the pic...? Well, it's the 'Sole living inhabitant on Saturn', like the original story would tell...Ie, that good old Topolino-classic, a comics-story having such a hilarious name as that 'Astralpippo n.9999!'. It's from the y. 1960 and was drawn by Giovanni Battisti Carpi. Story was by Attilio Mozzarti. ;...Another almost as good story, of the same year, and by Italian artists (drawn by Carpi, written Ennio Missaglia), which I find here some space to recommend, is 'Topolino e la rivolta delle ombre'. - Although the symbolism of that is quite more of a direct socio-criticist kind, than these 'fantasmaphagorificals', of the former mentioned story. (Neither has anything, or much to do with the flowers or tragnants). ...Yet, the Saturn was actually for me a great fave of planets in my early days. Not any other planet looks perhaps as exiciting than it does, it fx has the famous rings formed of iced gas (or, smtgh-like). I also read the planet being comprised mostly, or largerly just of the Hydrogen (H) and Helium (He) - It's also gigantic, second or third largest planet on our solar system, only after Jupiter and Uranus...possibly.. The planet also has several moons, 17 acc. my memoir [; well 'the current number' seems more like 53, of which the moon Titan described for a 'rich laboratory for chemial processes, resembling the Earth in deep freeze', ao.] ...So, apparently it's has to be a perfect place for a rabbit, even for an imaginary some. (I don't recall the name of the inhabitant, but he's described for quitesome a 'trickster' and bored for death, all alone on his planet - Well, not quite so alone on the end of the story. And the place itself - that ethereal, exciting 'ball', w. it's surrounding rings and outer pieces of rock w. those gaseous formations in 'life-preserving' deep freeze – it of course inevitably awakens most extraordinary thoughts and feelings...

   
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; No question from, the flowering plants are ever so important in the human life – One who cares think for it, soon will discover: the plants are everywhere around us in the Earth. No Earthly life would have been possible without the appearance of plants by earliest. Briefly put, just glance around yourself and you'll notice this a most simple truth. ...Possibly you have some plant at your living room. Take a look for your refrigerator and find out that there's products made from bunch of plants. Possibly your garden fence is decorated with some, and then there's fx all their imaginable usabilities of them at our surrounding environments (...in the best cases, not always so) as the traffic walls, making shady-spots, their air-purifying use, etc). Shopping centers and other commerce paradises - those boresome, over-hygienic but dusty places - also owe the whole of their existence to the plants. Just think about it: no plants, no man.

Not to say anything (much) about that the plants make the air breathable...again to prove my point, no need to buy/study any expensive tests or equipments; Just go for any nearby place where there's natural vegetations – even some smaller patches, but not the city park – and compare the air there for your usual suburban air. The more of a vegetation, the better them also filter any unhealhier substance from the air (Not every natural environment of course appears equally healthysome concering it's air-quality. The more of a water usually is also rather important. Also, many of the conifers are described from having qualitie making the air very good, but in the deciduous forests there is usually more fertile rich soil, making them suitable to a more numerous plants, and via that, providing to a passer-by fx more of the variety, colours and the flowerings, not only nice to watch but also having any particular scent of their own. In combined, the variety also has some part on that. The amount of course is equally fundamental, city air is bad not only because of the pollution, but also from that the trees are usually too few.)

; But, as I intend not to write overwhelmingly massive page-counts on this introductory chapt., the following only lists some other species renown for their especielt scent(s). As my knowledge about the plants also is mostly of very recent origin, I don't claim to make any very extensive 'coverage', but list a few respectable and renown examples. And, of course, in fact almost every plants there are posses some smell of their own, or characteristic kind (typically at the time of flowering.)  And also, some 'rule the thumb' concerning the regular garden and indoors plants is that more the bred and cultivated variety is, the less it usually has left of the natural plants original aroma or fragnance. (The plant scents can to some appear allergizing. Also, the plant's scent is usually difficult keep for much time. So, in the commercial market it is often avoided a quality.)  
Anyway, I fx did find the Acacia(s) (Acacia) been so favored plants in the perfume-industry, long since, that in the past to some regions of France the plants are actually believed introduced just for that purpose, quite early from modern era. Of the appreciated outdoor plants, appears there fx (common) Mignonette (Reseda odorata) - In the past seem it been as common outdoor cultivar than was that Gardenia (previously mentioned) for an indoor plant (I guess still is, seems it also a species mentioned cultivated to the perfume manufactures.). Also, at this is proper mention the (garden) Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens)...and perhaps other heliotropes also provide species favored of their scent. (Some, incl. that fragnant species .arborescens, appear also poisonous.) ; ...The Orchids (of course) are very renown due from their variety from scents. The natural N.European orchids are perhaps less versatile on that (as they're from species far less compared to the tropical some), but quite pleasant, if typical, orchidean scent here growing is at least the Lesser Butterfly-Orchid (Planathera bifolium - The name of it, apparently, comes just due the plants elegant fragnance, which only is recognizable during the night when an orchid purports attract the smaller moths et sim by it).  ...Not to mention various more and other some: The plants are very many and almost each and every has it's own characteristic aroma (or smell, depends largely how we experience any of those.) ; From the certain plant's 'qualities' via their scents (not quite renown for the pleasantness, but its usabilities) we can, I suppose, mention the Tagetes and the Calendula. As the both appear been favored on gardening due because their smell repels pests. So we also find that the scent of a plant can serve for tempting the insects, but as well for to fend 'em off. 

 

If we then also mention the Wild Rosemary (Rhodendrom tomentosum), also containing very recognizable, slight toxicating but rather exceptional scent filling the air during it's flowering, we can notice these few examples sufficient. ; ...However, an inpassing mention we can then also refer for the 'mediterranean comparable', ie regular Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). It's scent also very noticeable. Actually, Borgen (on Mina örter, 1970s) seems write that during Rosemary's time of the flowerescense the whole coastal range of Atlantic from it's growth (at the West Mediterranean regions, Spain, France) is filled w. the delicate fragnance of the plant. And furthermore, in the christian tradition ever since the 'begins of time' the plant has been very appreciated one and was/is strongly associated to the Mother Mary. (Not much surprising it's scent also has been favored at uses of cosmetics, et sim.) 

; ...And, however, we can't then possibly also not leave unmentioned our final exemplary (Mediterranean) plant, the Dictambus albus (Although I don't know how pleasant it's 'fragnance', but apparently has it nice scent, too.) From it's common name Fraxinata, or Burning bush...for it happens be that mentioned spec. is most renown from been sometimes claimed to just that flammable shrub which plays part in the biblical story - precisely, see from the Bible (Exodus 3:1-22, 4:1-17). Not familiar of this 'field' (the Church history) more precisely, but see wikip.(fx) ; And seems it, the mentioned plants at the Natures are even still believed (by some) from being still existant. ...On a more 'confirmable level' (as I find that), appears it also noted the plant's leafs from to secrete certain oils that really can burst for flames very easily, in the suitable conditions (Even by itself - Or so it's said, while in reality rarely that's seen, also is said.) Anyhow the plants range at least situates close for the mentioned 'scriptoral regions' (Albeit, not quite on the same area.) 
 

As the oils itself are liquid, the gaseous substances forming of (those) also often are highly flammable. So, even if this goin' slightly off from the world of scents discussed, we nevertheless find it so that scents and liquids have some things in common. (Basically, at least, in the evaporescent form.) 
...Hobbying of the plants can also turn out very enriching for anyone having interest on that – as I nowadays most often like to think, quite simple a truth also ; The plants actually know better, for they've had some time to learn, developing various adaptations we humans are only barely aware of, perhaps.

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; Brings us then to these additional few examples of plants. Them here not from basis of any characteristical of scent(s), but only because I at first considered this devoted solely to our natural plants. Neither of these also not selected here due being rather toxic, but for them have very enchanting flowerings. 

And, also these few examples actually mainly to pay attention on a fact, that there's actually many rather interesting species which have the presence at this Northern range. (Only that the people of our so called 'welfare nations' would learn to appreciate these old and honorable species of their own Natures.) Of course generally far less studied tropical plants are often more in the centre of various devoted researches nowadays as there's also multitudes more of plant species in warmer parts of the world.. ; ...Albeit, not so much on the public eye, due because the big companies on medical research often aim and purport for to establish themselves some monopoly of those and limit their rights of use and acquiring; i-o-w., it's that dilemma from generally very suspectable system of patenting (In case from the plants and the commerce concerned). Personally I only think of that much like our beloved Rousseau at his own times from the similar intentions - I don't think there is much of a disease that several dozen herbs and plants wouldn't possibly heal, but I only find that practical a view-point impoverishing concerning the study and enjoyment of the Natures (And also esp. so concerning one's own intelligence, if devoting all his resources to solely for the research about their commercial usefulness.)

'The many faces of Daphne' ; ...After these notices it feels proper mention that Daphne is said among the most toxic plant that have natural range on this far North Europes. It's actually said about Daphne (Daphne mezereum) the plants contained poison (mezerein) being so strong, that if one would cut a twig for flower-decorations to a bowl and sleep overnight in the same room, one would in the morning wake w. a considerable headache. In spite of that, fx the plants scent isn't very noticeable, at least in the open (Appears not very pleasant either, acc. my judging.) 

...But, it's also interesting that despite it's remarked even many insects from to avoid the plant just from the same reason, it's toxcity, there's also some (fx, Brimstone) that readily visit the blossoms during the Springtime. - Renownly, the plant's bitter-tasting berries are lethally toxic some to any mammalians (incl. humans), digesting mentioned fx from causing vomiting, burning fevers, etc.  Then, however, it's noted from not having effect on the birds, that actually eat them and spread the bush via that way. (Also, some researches from the substances it contain and possible usability at the medicinal purposes seem been carried out, but seems it they've disbanded that for it was found not practical, just due from mezerein plant contains.) 

From Daphne's part we also find some space from observe that there are (on Europe, Asia and N.Africas) an amount of it's close genera or shrubs. ; I-O-W, the (genus) daphne contains 'any of several ornamental shrubs with shiny mostly evergreen leaves and clusters of small bell-shaped flowers.' On that basis, at least seems it also superficial assumptton the name of this particular plant to bear any reference for that antique myth about the river nymph, Dafne. – Since the tree or bush on that myth/tale – so it's said - could be any of the genera (and other versions of story, even refer to various other plant.). But, at least it is more interesting to notice, the word on latter part of the name (mezerin), seems then to trace it's orgins for an older word from Persian language (w. similar meaning). Anyway, this particular species of the Daphne, only and exceptionally among its genera has range reaching until the N.Europes too. (Luckily, considering that all parts from the plant are very toxic, appears it yet quite easily recognizable here due from the shape of it's leaf. Even though, the flowers actually appear before the leaf. )

'The Last Crusader' - From the Baneberry (Actae spicata) I've not noticed whether it has any characteristical smell, but anyway, in resemblance to Daphne it also is rather poisonic too. Another aspect sidepassing mentioned can be noted about that the Baneberry belongs for the (many, numerous) plants that during the Middle-ages were supposed contain almost magical quality from to serve as protection against the plague. The belief was of course completely erraneous, but it' quite descriptive to the era that plants w. such 'strong essence' (fx known for poisonic) were held as effective cures to that disease known for (very) incurable. In the desperate times people often choose to believe all kinds missmatch, and in the medieval era that kind of thinking also was far more argumentable as the prevailed worldview was full of fantastifications. 
 
Also, (fx) many strange plants or products made of them, were only known as rare imports (at the Europes, meaning) from elsewhere, while their origins always not were too well known. Not even were always believed originated of the natural plants but of some mystical sources. Sometimes those were believed to the creations of the devil, sometimes been formed in the begins of time. (Or, from to originate of some phantasified creatures, like fx the so called 'dragons blood', that actually was some mixture having contained, ao ingredeint, substances of the Dracaena-trees, unknown in the Medieval Europes.)    (I-O-W, basically the whole thinking and views from the Natures qualities held on to the complete different basis if compared to the present one). 
 

At the final paragraphs it is only noted that my actual reason from to select this enchanting-looking plant (see pic adjacent) was due from this photo, of a place of it growth at (semi-)natural spot, close by sunny forest roadside(/-path), where the plant occurs at it's most favorable conditions and environment. More usually in the natural environment one finds it of places where the light or terrain ain't so optimal, and it there not develops quite that luxurous blooming spikes. Sometimes is seen grown in the gardens, despite that likewise as the Daphne, whole plant appears toxic. ...But, what said mainly due because this, kind of, confirmed my belief about the plants growing at their best in the natural conditions, and on the undisturbed environment. One can possibly find similarly blossoming large spikes of the Baneberry specimen grown at the garden decoration, but I think those yet can't ever reach quite similar impressivity.

...In short, the plants relative common here, but such large flowerescense are rarer see in the Nature, for in the most places plants are either more enshadowed by other vegetation, or them not grow on so suitable soils. (During the early summer time it's also surprisingly easy not from identify it's growths (flower-spikes) early growth, I actually erred for to suppose some to completely different plant at first.)

 

; ...resembling the Daphne by somewhat at this respect too, the plants most usual to grow on the groves where the soil has adequate moisture (and also it tolerates/favores slight less sunshiny place comprared to it). Also, demands a (somewhat) more fertile soil, generally. Photo is of some smaller and younger plants, that happen grow in the shade (and not develop nearly similarly large spikes). The pic then also shows baneberry's leafs and berries. (Little kids are often warned not to confuse it's large berries for the blueberries). And, actually, the plants also named 'frog-bit' or smtgh like, due because frogs often like to hide and cover underside it's wide leaves.

 

; Finally it's then noted that these two plants, both - in the long run - are found somewhat declined here (ao) because of the disappearance of their most favored environment(s). In the past both also probably were been sometime purposefully eradicated of nearby the human villages, or urban settlements (because of their mentioned poisonity.) In spite of that both appear have quite wide ranges still and are of relative common. – Also, an interesting viewpoint opens from observance of the old times beliefs, 'cause in the same time when the people mostly relied for peculiar beliefs and supersition about plants qualities them also were rather well acquainted to some from their characteristics, etc. And, so esp. some renownly toxic plant - like the above presented some - were generally often associated for various beliefs and myth that then later also have passed in form of the folk-tales, fx. (One only needs to think for the many 'reincarnations' enflourished and developed from that river nymph-tale, and not to mention that belief in the medieval era from Baneberry held for a cure/remedy for the plague. I feel like...there's lot of reference to smtgh of resemblance to the plant in particular also on many old folk-stories. Esp. think of the frogs and witches, etc.).  

Much or some from those beliefs also probably had their 'roots', more or less, at the old medicinal practitions (ao the doctrine of signatures, origins of  it and the former systems-of-belief going as far as the antique). Those still had much influential role fx for the education of phycians well until the 19th century, until the emergence of an actual modern scientific medicinery. So, it's not very surprsing if that 'premodern knowledge' or acquintance from the plants many characteristics - while quite strange and often erranous acc. our modern knowledge, perhaps - persisted and found ways survive in form of the story and fairy-tale. In the transformed and allegorial form(s), but containing many references to the preceded 'ages'.


 (Relating to those origins and early modern study of plants medical qualities, or most renown and influential person concerning the Medieval/Renaissance early developments of medicine, was probably Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim (1493-1541), or, of his better known name Paracelsus. While Paracelsus is best known as physician, even the founder for the 'premodern' medicinery, it's quite descriptive that this mystical man also is mentioned been a practitioner of botany, alchemy, astrology, and even of occultism. (...Or of the natural magic, or for some of the wide reaching fields whose limits in between are rather difficult to outline by any precision by now, like was discussed on priorly.  At least the three first mentioned were all accepted forms of the sciences on the Renaissance-era.) It's then also notable his views been on his own times rather reformative. Supersitious only in the light of that that whole era of the Natural magic by our modern standard feels thoroughly filled w. the superstition. (The pages of Zurich Un. seem contain much about him on the Paracelsus-project.)
 ; (W-G.)

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