Some flowers, and butterflies

Hong Kong orchid tree flower

"In Hong Kong the leaf is known as the "clever leaf", and is considered as a symbol of wisdom." (Wikipedia: Bauhinia × blakeana). According to this source, the tree originated in Hong Kong. The flowers are red-purple, like orchids, and fragrant. It has the scientific name Bauhinia × blakeana. And this is its blossom in Aceh, Sumatra. Photo taken in October.

The plain tiger butterfly

It liked arid and open areas. These are the pictures I took of the seaside area where the flowery plant that grows a lot in that place is the crown flower, or better known in Malay as Biduri, Calotropis gigantea. The adult plain tiger butterfly feeds on nectar, and in addition, it also obtains alkaloids from the dead stems of various types of plants. That's why, perhaps, I saw it often perched on dry branches. It may also obtain alkaloids, one of the most potent plant poisons, from Calotropis gigantea. The male butterfly uses alkaloids to produce pheromones, which will help it to mate. And this is Danaus chrysippus mating in Aceh, Sumatra. These pictures were taken this October. When they were disturbed by me taking their picture, I saw that only one of them was flying, carrying their partner below.

Calotropis gigantea

Prickly pear flowers

It is referred to scientifically as Opuntia vulgaris, and has similarities with Opuntia monacantha, the drooping prickly pear. It is native to Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The flowers look like bowls with a charming yellow-red color. The buds also have a fun color and shape. I took these flower pictures in Aceh, in a sandy area on the coast, this October.