Posted by: Posted On:18 Feb 2026
Northern Dusky Salamander Taxonomy Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: AmphibiaOrder: Caudata (Urodela)Family: Plethodontidae (Lungless Salamanders)Genus: DesmognathusSpecies: Desmognathus fuscus (Rafinesque, 1820) Common Names by Region General: Dusky Salamander, Northern Dusky SalamanderCanada: Northern Dusky Salamander (common in parts of the east; noted as widespread
Posted by: Posted On:17 Feb 2026
Elephant’s Foot Taxonomy Kingdom: PlantaeClade: AngiospermsClade: EudicotsOrder: GentianalesFamily: ApocynaceaeGenus: PachypodiumSpecies: Pachypodium rosulatum Baker Common Names by Region General: Elephant’s Foot, Bottle TreeMadagascar: Local regional names vary; often referenced simply as a pachypodiumHorticulture: Elephant Foot Pachypodium, Rosette PachypodiumCollector Trade: Caudiciform Pachypodium
Posted by: Posted On:16 Feb 2026
Black Swan Taxonomy Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: AvesOrder: AnseriformesFamily: AnatidaeGenus: CygnusSpecies: Cygnus atratus (Latham, 1790) Common Names by Region General / English: Black SwanAustralia: Black Swan (widely used nationally)Scientific / Hobby Use: Cygnus atratusRegional Reference: Native to Australia; introduced populations in
Posted by: Posted On:16 Feb 2026
American White Water Lily Taxonomy Kingdom: PlantaeClade: TracheophytesClade: AngiospermsClade: EudicotsOrder: NymphaealesFamily: NymphaeaceaeGenus: NymphaeaSpecies: Nymphaea odorata Common Names by Region Description General Appearance A perennial aquatic plant with floating leaves and showy white flowers that rise slightly above the water surface.
Posted by: Posted On:15 Feb 2026
Zabulon Skipper Taxonomy Common Names by Region Description General Appearance The Zabulon Skipper is a small, fast-flying butterfly in the skipper family. As with most skippers, the body is stout and moth-like, with rapid, darting flight and a resting posture
Posted by: Posted On:14 Feb 2026
Salsa Red Echinacea (Commonly sold as Sombrero® Salsa Red Coneflower) Taxonomy Common Names by Region Description Overall Form Salsa Red Echinacea is a compact, herbaceous perennial selected for vivid saturated red blooms and strong garden performance. Plants form upright clumps
Posted by: Posted On:14 Feb 2026
Yellow-bellied Slider Taxonomy Common Names by Region Description General Appearance The Yellow-bellied Slider is a medium-to-large freshwater turtle recognized by its smooth, slightly domed carapace marked with olive to dark brown tones and thin yellow striping. The plastron (underside) is
Posted by: Posted On:13 Feb 2026
Bitter Candytuft Taxonomy Common Names by Region Description Overall Form An upright, branching annual (sometimes short-lived biennial depending on climate) that produces tight clusters of small, four-petaled flowers typical of the mustard family. Flowers Flower clusters are white to pale
Posted by: Posted On:13 Feb 2026
Desjardin’s Sailfin Tang Taxonomy Common Names by Region Description Quick ID A laterally compressed tang with a very tall “sail” dorsal fin, a spotted/peppered head, and a body pattern that often shows vertical striping with scattered dots. The tail fin
Posted by: Posted On:12 Feb 2026
Perennial Flax Taxonomy Common Names by Region Description Quick ID A delicate-looking but tough perennial with clear blue, five-petaled flowers and fine, grasslike leaves on slender stems. Blooms often open in sun and can be short-lived day-to-day, but the plant