Following Yonder Star
Day 47, Olax phyllanthi, a plant a day Lowlands Reserve, Thursday 10 December 2020
I chose Olax phyllanthi today on my walk, as I have been meaning to feature this root hemi-parasite ever since Day 36, when I chose Cassytha, the obligate stem parasite. Cassytha is such a cheeky plant, when it is mature it has no roots and latches on to other plants, even other hemiparasites such as Olax.
Olax has a Christmassy feel, as it has similar characteristics to the mistletoe, and, the Olax flower, is a 5 pointed star, like the Christmas star. It was very windy again today, which makes Olax doubly eye-catching as the folded leaves, shiver and sway in the wind
I notice that Olax does like to use Acacias as a host in the Lowlands Reserve. Good choice as Acacias can fix their own nitrogen. Olax is quite noticeable as it is an attractive light shade of Nile green. Perhaps it doesn’t have so much need for chlorophyll. Olax has “haustoria” on its roots which can cut into neighbouring plants roots to share their nutrients. After flowering it produces small fruits.
So today , I was following the 5 pointed stars of the mistletoe like plant in the Lowlands Reserve. One of our Christmas family traditions is a bit like a version of the new “Elf on the Shelf” tradition.
Instead of an elf, we have the three magi, from our nativity sets moving through the house, sometimes abseiling down the furniture, to get to the Nativity scene stable at the Christmas tree on Christmas Day. In the meantime,the baby Jesus figurine, is hidden behind the stable as he isnt born yet. In previous years, the three magi were more adventurous, which has resulted in considerable damage — one was partially eaten by the dog, and had to be replaced by a pipe cleaner person with a gumnut head, and a purple fur fabric cloak.
When the children were little, we had a cardboard nativity set, and had fun trying to balance Mary on the donkey. It is difficult I think to get up on a donkey when you are 9 months pregnant!
Although I have updated our nativity set, I still am most fond of our damaged set. We make sure there is a star hanging above the Nativity set stable. Its not a correct version of the story, as the 3 magi set off after Jesus is born, arriving on Twelfth Night, Epiphany, 6 January. Poetic licence allows me to have our magi arriving on Christmas Day in time for the birth.
Talking of Christmas and pressies, this parcel has just arrived for Pauly..The first time we’ve received mail with the Aboriginal place name: Menang Boodja (Menang Country)
Australia Post now encourages you to use dual naming of placenames to include the Aboriginal names, you can use this for your cards and pressies. “To make sure the item will be delivered correctly we recommend that the Traditional Place name is included below the recipient’s name but above the street address.”
Here is a link on how to make a 5 pointed star.
Writing this daily blog featuring a plant a day and walking daily is my fundraising effort for Bush Heritage #groundworkchallenge . To join my team or donate go to https://www.groundworkchallenge.org.au/fundraisers/sheilamurray/2020?fbclid=IwAR2HbNn0YsCCc3tiSK-_lbF5xLsssaD8wjGHaUwVYrRqYxM-kdJkijoj2N0
Lowlands Reserve is on Menang Noongar land.
I recognise and respect the Traditional Owners of this Country and their connection to the lands, waters and skies.
And here is the Christmas story, from the King James version:
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
