Svaštara - Scrapbook: nature

четвртак, 4. август 2016.

Bamboo Grove, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

Bamboo shoots are the sprouts that spring out beside the bamboo plant. These sprouts or shoots are edible and they are the largest and tallest in the grass family. Bamboo is also known to be one of the fastest-growing plants in the world. The fastest-growing species of bamboo is the Chinese Moso. It reportedly grows up to 100 cm per day.

The health benefits of bamboo shoots include healthy weight loss, control of bad cholesterol, strengthening of the immune system, possible cancer-fighting properties and anti-inflammatory properties. It is heart-friendly, contains protein, a sufficient supply of vitamins and minerals and a negligible amount of fat. It also contains a significant amount of dietary fibre.

Every part of the bamboo plant is put to use by Asian cultures and various ethnic groups. Bamboo is used for various other purposes ranging from construction, support for buildings, simple housing, bamboo furniture, musical instruments such as flutes, dizi, xiao, shakuhachi, and paper production. Thus, bamboo is one of the most utilized and versatile plants on the planet.

среда, 3. август 2016.

Sugar Maple Trees in Fall Color, Connecticut

In cold climates, Maple trees store starch in their trunks and roots before the winter; the starch is then converted to sugar that rises in the sap in the spring. Maple trees can be tapped by boring holes into their trunks and collecting the exuded sap. The sap is processed by heating to evaporate much of the water, leaving the concentrated syrup.

Maple Tree, Japanese Garden, Portland, Oregon

Japanese Gardens are traditional gardens that create miniature idealized landscapes, often in a highly abstract and stylized way. The gardens of the Emperors and nobles were designed for recreation and aesthetic pleasure, while the gardens of Buddhist temples were designed for contemplation and meditation.