Soaking wet in the weeds

The second day of ethnobotany class included a tour of the plants lost in the weeds and invasive species behind the FSM-China Friendship Sports Center. The sea of Ischaemum polystachyum had completely engulfed the Ixora casei variant and the Jasminum sambac. The Cymbopogon citratus was also becoming engulfed. The Colocasia escuelenta was all struggling to survive. I had taken only one knife - the area was too tight to have a class all wielding machetes.

The rain came down, and the class learned that plants happen in the rain. Some thought we might take shelter, but not ethnobotany class. No lightning, no flood, no need for shelter.

Cleaning by pulling, using raw strength, with the one on the right shouting encouragement

 Cymbopogon citratus

Merremia peltata on Senna alata with Ischaemum polystachyum

Under the Ischaemum polystachyum, Colocasia escuelenta

Soft taro


A late afternoon rainbow

A class with rainbow selfies?

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