Flower for the Day Magnolia 6-12-24

Included with the blooms of our magnolia (Magnoliaceae) is the wonderful scent which lasts for weeks. Magnolia is an ancient genus that appeared before bees evolved. They are thought to have been pollinated by beetles instead. Fossils of plants belonging to the family date to 95 million years ago. The flower bud is enclosed in a bract. A bract is  a specialized leaf, different than a foliage leaf which surrounds the flower. Its parts are called tepals rather than distinct sepals or petals. They are 'right purty'.

   the sky I see

   seems full of 

 magnolia blossoms

  Natsume Soseki