Does anyone have any idea what this is? My sister-in-law found it years ago on a Pacific beach in California. She loves new and interesting things from nature, so she had to collect it and bring it back to Pennsylvania in her suitcase.
She doesn't know what it is, and over the years we've discussed and researched it a lot, but haven't had any luck in identifying it. We've both asked "plant people" that we know and I showed the photo to folks at our Extension Services, but so far nobody has a clue. We've always assumed that it was some sort of plant or blossom growing upright on a stem that she is holding, but the last time we were together speculating (and enjoying lots of elderflower cordial mixed with St. Germain), John had an idea we had never considered.
He hypothesized that maybe it actually grew this way, and the parts now at the bottom might be roots with just one stem growing upwards. Either way, we still don't know.
It may be a long shot, but I'm hoping it looks familiar to someone (and I've got nothing else to write about today). Thanks in advance for any clues, or even creative or humorous guesses!
I don't know what it is but I think it's really cool looking!
ReplyDeleteditto what Carole said ... and also it seems like it could be a piece in one of those contemporary art shows that Kym and Vicki post about (maybe Kate can find a home for it in her gallery?!)
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool looking. I have no idea what it is - the whispy stuff reminds me a bit of Spanish Moss.
ReplyDeleteThat is SO COOL!!!! I have no idea what it is . . . at all . . . but I'd have LOVED to see it in bloom!!! (I'm thinking it's some sort of seed head rather than roots.)
ReplyDeleteI've got nothing. Not even a joke! I do like the look of it though.
ReplyDeleteThat is quite impressive! And, totally suitcase worthy! But, what it is? I am clueless!
ReplyDeleteI'm also thinking that it's a spent flower head, and would have LOVED to see it... man, it's HUGE! I was immediately reminded of a photo I took of Queen Anne's Lace a few years ago (on Flickr here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/knitorious/3062749456/) -- you can't see the whole flower head, but enough of the base to see a resemblance. So then I think of "cow parsnip," and wonder if it might be from that family. SO COOL!!
ReplyDeleteI love it! Have no idea what it might be, but I can ask one of the botanists at work.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope Bridget comes through with an answer. I have no idea either, none at all. It's very interesting looking!
ReplyDeleteI have high hopes for Bridget's botanists! Whatever it is, it's provided us with interesting beauty and plenty of fun speculation for 10-12 years. My sil might think that was the best Christmas gift ever if I could tell her what it is.
DeleteIt looks like natures artwork. She should put it on a pedestal and display its organic beauty.
ReplyDeleteMy first thought was dried giant hogweed, which looks like Queen Anne’s lace, but on steroids (it is quite noxious when growing), but I’m not sure as I couldn’t see anything online that looked like your picture. Very interesting!
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting! Vicki also suggested that it might be in the Queen Anne's lace/cow parsnip/hogweed family. I took a quick look at some giant hogweed info. and photos, and will check out more later, but I think you guys may be on to something. Thank you!
DeleteI haven't a clue as to what it could be. I hope the botanists can shed some light on the plant? weed? native vegetation?
ReplyDeleteCould it be an artichoke: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/back-view-dry-artichoke-flower-cynara-539942152?src=zV6x0A77cpqjscUY5yvstQ-1-17
ReplyDeleteOr a crinoid, though they are very fragile and yours doesn't seem to be falling to bits! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crinoid
The artichoke thistle looks like it could be a possibility, but I don't think the dried "thing" has as many spiky lobes under the bloom as the photos. It definitely has a crinoid shape, but it feels vegetative, almost like thick wicker. I'll pass these along to my sil the next time we're together pondering it further; thanks for your suggestions and links!
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