Buffalo's, Bees, and a Beavers Bum

This is an interesting combination of plants. The border at Savill Gardens where I took this image, was almost 50 yards long and seriously dramatic.

At the rear is Eupatorium cannabinum purpureum (Joe-pye-Weed) a plant almost narcotic to bees, they adore it and mass on the long lasting flowerheads throughout the latter weeks of summer.

In the middle is Ricinus communis purpureum (Caster Oil Plant) probably more notable for its part in the making of ricin gas and its toxic properties, however its use in horticulture and agriculture as an insecticide has yet to be fully researched, though I know it is going on still, and perhaps one day will prove to be as groundbreaking as the synthesising of Pyrethroides was.

The name Ricinus is a Latin word for tick; the seed is so named because it has markings and a bump at the end which resemble certain ticks. The common name "castor oil" probably comes from its use as a replacement for castoreum, a perfume base made from the dried perineal glands of the beaver (castor in Latin). It has another common name, palm of Christ, or Palma Christi, that derives from castor oil's reputed ability to heal wounds and cure ailments. Perineal glands are in a rather difficult to access place and I would imagine the beaver would be none to pleased at any attempt.

In the front is Coleus (Painted Nettle) of which one or two varieties were used as hallucinogenics in ancient times. I am not sure of the varieties here, at a guess I'd say "Crimson Velvet" and "Juliet Quartermain" but can't be sure. I once went out with a girl called Quartermain, lovely girl, built like a buffalo in hot-pants, busting at the seams.