It's uncanny how often I read something on Substack and that same day or soon after I see the subject of the post. Or vice versa. Yesterday my mother showed me her verbascum covered in caterpillars. I wondered what species they were. Now I know! Thank you!
lol 😆 - this is PIE - Proto-Indo-European, 6,500-year-old language; the root of most European languages, spoken by the Kurgans who lived in the area which spread from the Black Sea to the Kaspian Sea, from 4,500BC. In 2,500BC they moved north, spreading their language into Europe.
I've been trying to look at our native plants as essential to our native bugs who are essential to other animals. It's taken some time to get my head around it but now I try to plant for the animals including bugs. That said, mullein here is not native and I don't think the moth immigrated with it. :-)
It's uncanny how often I read something on Substack and that same day or soon after I see the subject of the post. Or vice versa. Yesterday my mother showed me her verbascum covered in caterpillars. I wondered what species they were. Now I know! Thank you!
And it’s pretty amazing how quickly they munch through this enormous plant!
In Dutch Koningskaars (Kings Candle) = Verbascum Thapsus. That would be the kings beard 😊
De Koningskaars! Geweldig, zeer passend, die baard ook. We have 2 Great Mullein's in our garden and the leaves are really hairy and soft.
The human relationship with the natural world is a fascinating one! A rich history explored through flowers - thank you.
So pleased you like it, you've caught the spirit of Flowerolgy perfectly. Thank you!
PS I wonder if emollient came from that as well ?
Interesting thought, could well be. I’ll have to check my dictionary of etymology, written by mr C.T. Onions in the 1960’s. I’ll get back to you!
I keep meaning to ask you what PIE means ?
And thanks for reminding me not to cough when I have a bottom full of hog grease !
Thanks again.
lol 😆 - this is PIE - Proto-Indo-European, 6,500-year-old language; the root of most European languages, spoken by the Kurgans who lived in the area which spread from the Black Sea to the Kaspian Sea, from 4,500BC. In 2,500BC they moved north, spreading their language into Europe.
One of the most impressive plants. We have it here and it grows SOOO tall!
Ours gets enormous too (if it doesn't get eaten by the dreaded mullein moth...).
I've been trying to look at our native plants as essential to our native bugs who are essential to other animals. It's taken some time to get my head around it but now I try to plant for the animals including bugs. That said, mullein here is not native and I don't think the moth immigrated with it. :-)
What a lovely way to plant!
🌱