Brazilian vervain (Verbena brasiliensis)

Brazilian vervain (Verbena brasiliensis) is a species of plant in the Verbenaceae, an annual shrub with erect stems, up to 1 meter high, triangular or semi-circular with sharp angles, green, white hairs, lower branches in opposite arrangement, branches The top grows in an irregular formation.

V. brasiliensis has elongated leaves, pointed tips, deep serrated margins or flat, dark green, a major vein in the middle and whitish in color, several minor veins laterally, rough and stiff surface.

Inflorescences in panicles at the ends of long stalks. The petals are 3 mm long, 5 lobed and tubular. The corolla is formed from fused petals and spreads open at the tip, only slightly longer than the petals. Flowers have reproductive organs of both sexes. Superior and bicarpellar ovaries.

The fruit is a schizocarp or dried fruit that splits when ripe. Wrapped in petals. Nutlets are triangular in cross section and each has a length of 2 mm. Four common nuts are produced by each fruit with two nuts for each carpel.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Subphylum: Angiospermae
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Verbenaceae
Tribe: Verbeneae
Genus: Verbena
Species: Verbena brasiliensis

Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) manufacture bubble-nets as tools to increase prey intake

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Purhepecha oak (Quercus purhepecha), new species of shrub oak endemic to the state of Michoacán, Mexico

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Cempaki (Termitomyces microcarpus)

Cempaki ( Termitomyces microcarpus ) is a species of fungus in the Lyophyllaceae family. It grows wild in tropical Asian forests near termite nests. It is rarely reported in urban areas. It is edible and known for its deliciousness, high nutritional value, and difficulty in cultivating. In Indonesia, it is used as an alternative food ingredient. T. microcarpus is the smallest of the Termitomyces species, umbrella-shaped, plain white, measuring 5 cm tall and 2.5 cm wide. It grows in dense clusters on surfaces and forms a mutualistic relationship, requiring the metabolic activity of termites as a substrate for growth. This species is known for its deliciousness, rich in nutrients, and has potential bioactive properties, such as helping lower cholesterol and acting as a tonic. Currently, it is difficult to cultivate on a large scale, and people rely solely on wild harvests. This mushroom is highly favored for its savory, delicious flavor and soft, chewy texture. It is often stir-fried ...

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