PAST

September 18, 2000

NEXT

    This bright large orange plant here beside the wind sock is what is
known as a "Wind Blade".
    You may not find these in your encyclopedia as they are quite rare and
even unknown within the scientific and agricultural community.

    They seem to only sprout up around or near drop zones and skydivers.
There are actually many different phylum of these wind blades. They are all
very similar but can vary sometimes dramatically in bright colors and
patterns. It usually depends upon the location that these wind blades pop up
that determines the markings. This reason is uncertain but may be due to the
different types of soil in these areas. This one, pictured here, is located
in Orange, Virginia, which is known for its bright orange soil. This may be
why this particular blade is mostly orange.

    During special occasions, known as "Boogies", you can sometimes see
dozens of these pop up with all the different markings, colors and patterns.
They seem to attach themselves to skydivers and propagate from drop zone to
drop zone where they are temporarily transplanted.
    They are a very durable plant but can fade over time in sunlight, wind,
and other harsh elements that tend to break down their tight fibrous
structure.

    They are actually very beneficial at drop zones because they show which
GENERAL direction the wind blows and ALL the skydivers will know which way
to land. It actually eliminates ANY doubt and makes it very simple for
everybody to land in a consistent and orderly direction.
    (usually)

    Don't worry, tomorrow's biological picture will NOT be of the canopy
bird that is drawn to and tends to fly around these wind blades.