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My 125th - Nature at "Heart"


My 125th - Nature at
Photo Information
Copyright: Paras Bhalla (parasbhalla) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 254 W: 2 N: 914] (3634)
Genre: Plants
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009-11-08
Categories: Flowers
Camera: Sony Cybershot DSC P150
Exposure: f/2.8, 1/60 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2009-11-19 8:57
Viewed: 3823
Favorites: 2 [view]
Points: 36
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Hi Folks,

Since my childhood, I always wondered how beautiful the Nature is! Time to time, I came to confront the beauty of Nature and last week, it was no exception.

I saw this lovely fruit of 'Physalis' which was dried from outside (showing wonderful textures) and a red colored fruit inside, looks like the "heart" of this fruit. Therefore, I gave this picture the title: "Nature at Heart".

I must say that Nature is optically beautiful from outside but as my experiences say, Nature is gorgeous at its core too.

I think, you do agree with me on this account :)

Thank you for your comments/suggestions/critiques in advance.

best regards,
Paras


------------------------

Wikipedia information on Physalis:

"Physalis" is a genus of plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae), native to warm temperate and subtropical regions throughout the world. The genus is characterised by the small orange fruit similar in size, shape and structure to a small tomato, but partly or fully enclosed in a large papery husk derived from the calyx. Many Physalis species are called groundcherries. One name for Physalis peruviana is Cape gooseberry, not to be confused with the vast majority of gooseberries, which are of the genus Ribes.

They are herbaceous plants growing to 0.4–3 m tall, similar to the common tomato - a relative - but usually with a stiffer, more upright stem; they can be either annual or perennial. Most require full sun and fairly warm to hot temperatures. Some species are sensitive to frost, though others such as P. alkekengi (Chinese lantern) tolerate severe cold when dormant in winter.


Cultivation and uses

These plants grow in most soil types and do very well in poor soils and in pots. They need lots of water throughout the growing year, except towards fruit-ripening time. Plants are susceptible to many of the common tomato diseases and pests; other pests such as the false potato beetle (Leptinotarsa juncta) also attack them. Propagation is by seed.

The typical Physalis fruit is similar to a firm tomato (in texture), and like strawberries or other fruit in flavor; they have a mild, refreshing acidity. The flavor of the Cape gooseberry (P. peruviana) is a unique tomato/pineapple-like blend. Physalis fruit have around 53 kcal for 100 grams[2] , and are rich in cryptoxanthin.

Its uses are similar to the common tomato or to fruits with a refreshing taste. Once extracted from its husk, it may be eaten raw or used in salads, desserts, as a flavoring, and in jams and jellies. They can also be dried and eaten much like figs, apricots or grapes.

The Cape gooseberry is native to the Americas, but is commonly grown and feral in many subtropical areas, including South Africa (the "Cape" in the common name). Another important commercial type is the tomatillo (P. philadelphica). Physalis fruit are significant as an export product e.g. for Colombia.

Some species are grown as ornamental plants. For example, the hardy Physalis alkekengi is popular for its large, bright orange to red husks.

In Chinese medicine, the Physalis is used as a remedy for abscesses, coughs, fevers and sore throats, among others.[3] smooth groundcherry (P. subglabrata) is considered a hallucinogenic plant by some, and its cultivation for other than ornamental purposes is outlawed in Louisiana by State Act 159. However, its use as a hallucinogen does not appear widespread.

The extinct Dacian language has left little traces, but in De Materia Medica by Pedanius Dioscorides, a plant called Strychnos alikakabos (Στρύχνος άλικακάβος) is discussed, which was called kykolis (or cycolis) by the Dacians. Some have considered this plant to be Physalis alkekengi, but Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been proposed as an alternative candidate and indeed this widely-traded medical plant seems to be a better match.
nglen, Pitoncle, ramthakur, Mikolaj, jlinaresp, oscarromulus has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • joska Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 806 W: 0 N: 4092] (22535)
  • [2009-11-19 9:29]

Hi Paras,
Really it is a very nice and interesting Fruit, also the photo is very good, nice colors and details! Very good presentation too!

Hi Paras,

Lovely shot of this flower and fruit. Great natural colors and good details. Good blurred background as well.
Good capture and TFS

Sion

Hello Paras,

a good image from this fower.
good pov and sharp details.

Fine natural colours.

Gert

  • Great 
  • Mello Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 140 W: 34 N: 480] (2419)
  • [2009-11-19 10:58]

Very nice POV of this flower Paras. TFS.
Francisco

hello Paras
great sharpness composition
with good details and nice colours
great shot
greeting lou

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2883 W: 30 N: 9683] (36145)
  • [2009-11-19 11:58]

As you say this is a thing odf pure beauty. Taken with fine detail in the web like outside and the bright red colour of the fruit.Very well taken TFS.
Nick..

Bonjour Paras,
Très bonne vision et splendide restitution bien composée sous une belle lumière et avec une excellente profondeur de champ qui permet d'apprécier la finesse des détails.
A bientôt sur TN pour de nouvelles aventures.
Gérard

  • Great 
  • siggi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3097 W: 109 N: 12399] (52850)
  • [2009-11-19 13:41]

Hello MF Paras,
Very intersting macro of interesting Fruit superb shrpness, colours and details.TFS.
best regards Siggi

  • Great 
  • lousat Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 6595 W: 89 N: 15659] (65489)
  • [2009-11-19 16:12]

Hi Paras,this is a perfect macro! I know how are littles these fruits,you work very very well,excellent sharpness and colors and very interesting note too.Thanks for share,have a nice day,Luciano.

Very interesting subject, Paras.
You have captured it very deftly, bringing out its features in the best possible manner.
I appreciate your observant eye to find this specimen in a cold country whereas the note suggests it requires warm climes to grow and thrive.
Well done and TFS.
Ram

Hello Paras,
Beautiful fruit. Nature is a great artist. Gorgeous photo.
Regards
Lucja

Hello Paras! Amazing heart, very interesting note. Original picture. Fantastic effect. Good luck!

Hi Paras,

Very good friend !.... is a completely natural sculpture! a marvel of structure and magic, you brought us a very interesting picture. With this we can see things that Mother Nature can do. Good job, you are still doing fantastic things with the Sony!

TFS

Jesús

Preciosa y original forma natural de ese fruto...saludos

Bien vista y bien encuadrada. Buena luces y colores que plasman bien la belleza de este original vegetal.
Saludos: Josep Ignasi.

  • Great 
  • manyee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3089 W: 230 N: 6774] (23770)
  • [2009-11-22 11:33]

Nature IS amazing, Paras!
Who would have thought of crafting such a beautiful and delicate enclosure for a little red berry?
Sharp details showing the intricate pattern of the "cage".
Very unusual plant image.
TFS. : )

Paras,
EXCELLENT photo showing a lot of details.
The focusing is A1.
Superb clarity.
Loved your notes too. Very well presented.
Warm regards from COLD COLD Calgary, Canada.
Mario.
P.S. Am born in Goa, India... have seen this fruit growing in the wild in our backyard besides the well.

  • Great 
  • deud Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 438 W: 11 N: 534] (2540)
  • [2012-06-06 13:43]

I like this one!
it`s like in a heart-shaped cage!

tfs

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