Deep in the desert of Iran, there is a small town called Nashtifan. What makes this town unique is that it is home to some of the world’s oldest windmills, dating back over a thousand years. These vertical-axis windmills, also known as panemone windmills, have been used for centuries to grind grain and pump water in the arid region. Despite their age, the windmills in … [Read more...] about Nashtifan, Iran: The Ancient Windmills That Have Stood the Test of Time
Plants
Argyroxiphium: The Endangered Silversword Plant of Hawaii
Argyroxiphium, commonly known as the silversword plant, is a unique and endangered plant species found only in the Hawaiian Islands. With its striking silver foliage and impressive size, the silversword has become an iconic symbol of the Hawaiian islands. In this article, we will explore the characteristics, habitat, and conservation efforts of the Argyroxiphium … [Read more...] about Argyroxiphium: The Endangered Silversword Plant of Hawaii
Photos: Where the Sunflowers Shine
Ready for the harvest A field of yet to be harvested sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) becomes a common sight across the farmlands of the Northern Hemisphere as the warm days of summer give way to the cool winds of autumn. Sunflowers are native to North America. Evidence indicates that the tribes of Central Mexico were growing wild sunflowers as early as 3000 BC. Some … [Read more...] about Photos: Where the Sunflowers Shine
Cascade Volcanoes
The Cascade Volcanoes (also known as the Cascade Volcanic Arc or the Cascade Arc) are a number of volcanoes in a volcanic arc in western North America, extending from southwestern British Columbia through Washington and Oregon to Northern California, a distance of well over 700 miles … [Read more...] about Cascade Volcanoes
Can You Grow Flying Duck Orchid Plants? – Flying Duck Orchid Care
Native to the Australian wilderness, flying duck orchid plants (Caleana major) are amazing orchids that produce – you guessed it – distinctive, duck-like blooms. The red, purple, and green blooms, which appear in late spring and early summer, are tiny, measuring only ½ to ¾ inches (1 to 2 cm.) in length. Here are a few more interesting facts about flying duck orchids. Facts … [Read more...] about Can You Grow Flying Duck Orchid Plants? – Flying Duck Orchid Care