basterkobas

Cyphostemma juttae, also known as basterkobas, tree grape, Namibian grape, Droog-my-keel and bastard cobas. After I took this photo it was pointed out that it resembles a lower back with peeling skin. And yes, it really is part of the grape family. A surrealist plant if there ever was one.

a blob of a plant

The unusual Latin American succulent Abrometiella brevifolia, as seen at Seaside Gardens in Carpinteria, CA. When I learned it was a bromeliad it somehow made more sense.

puka tree

A fine specimen of puka tree - Meryta sinclairii - as seen at Seaside Gardens in Carpinteria, CA. Not sure if I've seen this New Zealand native before.

a seemingly decent piece of architecture

The new Pritzlaff Conservation Center at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - a seemingly decent and well-situated piece of architecture.

Andree Clark Bird Refuge

As seen from the zoo, from an angle one doesn't usually see it.

the giraffes of 4-27-17

This is probably the last time I can remember a giraffe walking up to me. Believe me, it doesn't happen every day. What's great is that the Santa Barbara Zoo is designed so that you can see eye-to-eye with these magnificent creatures.

a giraffe with a view

What struck me as one of the unique features of the Santa Barbara Zoo is that the giraffes here get a view of the ocean that most of us can only dream about.