Botanicals I observed and photographed in Rennes, France while I was attending the 2009 International Ethological Conference.
Thabor Park, Rennes
As I explored Tabor Park, I realized there were many trees from many regions of the world - the US and Asia.
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A Magnolia tree, also in the US. It is the state tree of Mississippi and common throughout the south, but I have also seen them in the mid-west, though not as abundant.
Thabor Park, Rennes
Thabor Park, Rennes
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This trees's branches were so heavy that the understory felt like it was dark outside. The berries of the tree really stood out from the dark rich green evergreen needle-leaves. I tasted the berry. It was very juicy and very sweet. I didn't swallow it because I wasn't sure it was safe, but I liked the taste, almost like candy.
War Veterans Memorial Park, Rennes
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This was one ugly tree, and I don't normally like to call trees ugly. The fruits and branches were just unlike anything I had seen before. But it was impressive. I sat underneath this tree for a while.
War Veterans Memorial Park, Rennes
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I was pleasantly surprised to see this tree species - the Mimosa, known by it's fluffy light pink flowers and pinnate shaped leaves. Fallen, decaying flowers on the ground
War Veterans Memorial Park, Rennes
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Tall pine tree with up-right fruits - pine cones.
Tall pine tree with up-right fruits - pine cones.
Close-up of this pine cone. Notice the clear sticky sap dripping from it.
Thabor Park, Rennes
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near Saint Anne, Rennes
near Saint Anne, Rennes
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This was an odd-growing tree. It seemed to be all brambles and then you look up and notice a very tall and straight trunk in the middle of all of that.