Monday, August 22, 2011

Burdock and Velcro


I found Burdock in the corner of a quiet lot.  
Now, I'm sure Burdock is not on your beloved plant list, 
as it is a biennial thistle and considered an invasive species in North America.  
But, Burdock does have some redeeming qualities......



It is a traditional medicinal herb, the seed is a known antibiotic, 
and its tap root is a popular root vegetable in Asia.



The most interesting fact about Burdock is its link to Velcro.
"After taking his dog for a walk in the early 1940's, George de Mestral, a Swiss inventor, 
became curious about the seeds of the burdock plant that had attached themselves to his clothes
 and to the dog's fur.  
Under a microscope, he looked closely at the hook-and-loop system that the seeds use 
to hitch hike on passing animals aiding seed dispersal, 
and he realized that the same approach could be used to join other things together. 
 The result was Velcro".


In the end, quite an inspiring plant!
(info and quote source: Wikipedia.org)


28 comments:

  1. Truly stunning pictures... back in the day when I was a little girl in Scotland we drank a soda called Dandelion and Burdock... it was delish!!

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  2. Oh my goodness, I never knew that about Velcro Anna, and I am one who does not see this beautiful plant as a weed. It is a wonderful plant to photograph as you have so beautifully shown here. These photographs are gorgeous!

    Thank you so much for sharing this today at The Creative Exchange.

    Have a wonderful day!

    lisa.

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  3. Gorgeous shots...very interesting! Thanks for sharing!!

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  4. these are lovely shots, you always hear about dandelion and burdock, makes for a great photography subject!

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  5. Hi!
    I love the purple flowers on this little plant. Great shots. Have a great day!

    Sherrie
    Food for Thought
    http://100sweets.blogspot.com/2011/08/macro-monday_22.html

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  6. What stunning photos and thanks for the info. about Velcro! Nice to meet you!

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  7. I'm really loving your photography and this is just stunning! Magnificent quality! Thank you!!!

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  8. Funny how some plants become classified as weeds, while others, wildflowers. The blooms on this plant are very pretty. Interesting fact about the origin of Velcro! :)

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  9. Your photos are lovely!

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  10. Thanks for helping me see the beauty in this "weed." Your macros are wonderful, and I learned a lot about this plant -- great post!

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  11. i always learn something interesting when i come here. great shots!

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  12. Gorgeously wonderful and fantastic focus!

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  13. Wow these are gorgeous shots and what an interesting information.

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  14. Gorgeous color and details in these macros.

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  15. Wonderful photos, nice colors and details from the flower and the bee.

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  16. nice work I have to say. It is strange about thistles. Just a quick look at them and tehy look nasty. But going close, they are really beautiful.

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  17. Fascinating little bits about this flowering plant. And - I guess all of today's great inventions originated themselves in nature. Wonderful images!!!

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  18. Great photography
    and educational, too!
    Can't ask for more than that.
    Thanks.
    [here via Shutter Sisters]

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  19. thanks for showing us the beautiful side of burdock. and it is. beautiful. aggravatingly beautiful. happy Tuesday to you Anna!

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  20. Thanks dear Anna for this beautiful moment magic when I came here!
    Have a great week!
    Monica

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  21. I do like the flowers on burdock, but not the stickers. Very informative piece. I had no idea dear old burdock was such an inspiration. Your photos are beauitful.

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  22. My little dog used to get into these ... what a mess they would make.

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  23. Beautiful pictures. I'm always amazed how nature finds a way to distribute itself.
    but these little seeds are so aggravating to remove!

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  24. Well, I actually DO like thistles and these are lovely photos, Anna! I did know the story about the inventor of velcro but not that it involved this exact plant. VELvet and CROchet was how he named it. Thank goodness he had that walk with his dog!

    Hope you're having a lovely day. xo – g

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  25. Wonderful macro work!

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  26. Ugh. Now I have serious Macro envy. :) Gorgeous photos.

    Thanks for visiting with me at Shutter Sisters. xo tam of www.blissandfolly.com

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  27. a lovely series in your blooming garden and Learned something as well !!

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