 EPOD - a service of USRA

The Earth Science Picture of the Day (EPOD) highlights the diverse processes
and phenomena which shape our planet and our lives. EPOD will collect and
archive photos, imagery, graphics, and artwork with short explanatory
captions and links exemplifying features within the Earth system. The
community is invited to contribute digital imagery, short captions and
relevant links.


 EPOD 20th - Flowering By Way of Parasitism

   September 12, 2020

    Flowering
   We’re celebrating 20 years of Earth Science Picture of the Day during
   the month of September! Today’s photo features a popular EPOD from the
   past. Thanks to all of our followers (on the blog, Facebook, Instagram
   and Twitter) for supporting us. Thanks also to all of you who’ve
   submitted your photos. We’re most appreciative. This EPOD was
   originally published December 7, 2012.

   Photographer:  Menashe Davidson
   Summary Author:  Menashe Davidson
   The  Negev Desert in Israel receives less than 8 inches (200 mm) of
   rain annually, most of this coming during the winter season. The center
   of the Negev is an especially desolate and  achromatic place -- even
   the few streambeds are dry for most of the year. Here bright colors
   immediately attract the eye. The spikes of the dazzling yellow flowers
   in this photo are  Desert hyacinth ( Cistanche tubulosa) from the
   family  Orobanchaceae. Cistanche is lacking in green leaves that
   contain  chlorophyll thus the process of  photosynthesis is
   absent. As a result, Cistannche must exist as a  parasite extracting
    nutrients from the roots of other desert plants. It essentially
   sucks the water,  carbohydrates and minerals it needs from a host
   plant, often  saltbush. Cistanche's blooming period occurs in March
   and April. Note the twigs and leaves of the host plant at top right.
   Photo taken on March 20, 2004.

   Photo Details: Camera: PENTAX Optio 330GS; Focal Length: 5.8mm;
   Aperture: f/4.8; Exposure Time: 0.0013 s (1/800); Software: ACD Systems
   Digital Imaging.
     * Negev Desert, Israel Coordinates:  30.5, 34.917
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   Earth Science Picture of the Day is a service of the  Universities
   Space Research Association.

https://epod.usra.edu
 
