Gorse, a closer look, caution advised.
John West John West

Gorse, a closer look, caution advised.

Gorse is all over the place like a weed. It is designated a weed in Aotearoa. This is a pity because the bright yellow flowers are very pretty. Most references deal with how to kill it. Gorse has its own defence and it will stab you with its bayonet shaped spines if you mess with it.

It was never a weed in Scotland however, it did get burned as a fuel.

Despite its very pretty flowers you rarely see it in supermarkets or garden centres. Apparently it’s in the same family as peas. I’ll have a closer look later.

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Impatiens Walleriana, gender fluid.
John West John West

Impatiens Walleriana, gender fluid.

The flowers are hermaphroditic when they emerge. Once pollen has been released the female side of the flower takes control and remaining male parts are dispensed with.

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