Overwhelmingly green, scented, and weird

 Almost as large as an Utz jar of cheese balls, this is one serious scary fungal form growing near Jupiter Road on the Rowlett Creek Trail.  Proof of my long-held belief that artificial "cheese" flavor and color came from outer space.

Green has taken over, filled in every gap, crowding the path. The leaves of the canopy form an umbrella, not letting the sprinkles bring relief from the closeness.

  

Gray sky. Gray teeth, many missing. Or shingles perhaps. A pair of shelves.

Scent of honeysuckle loaded with memory and emotion. Vision of vines in bloom everywhere in the forest in a powerful reminder of the aggressive behavior of non-native species.

Japanese Honeysuckle: Lonicera japonica. Introduced from Japan in the early 1800s for erosion control and as an ornamental. Semi-evergreen, woody vine with simple, opposite leaves and produces white to yellow (sometimes pink) fragrant flowers from April through September. Common invasive plants of Central Texas.

Small treats.

  

New flowers on the Bur Oak Trail. At least I have no recollection of them.

Beavers, those workaholics, do not go on the zip line.

 

Mystery for the day:

Treasure map:

© 2014-2017 Nancy L. Ruder