From a single plant that struggled away and bore raspberry-sized fruit, I now have lush greenery, lots of flowers and large berries, like this one. Problem - you'll see - and what's the connection between this strawberry, Portugal, Japan and South Korea? Sorry about that - I was mildly traumatised too - and rather disappointed. The seemingly unstoppable Portuguese millipedes were first detected in Port Lincoln, South Australia, in 1953 and are now present in most states and territories throughout Australia. They are unpalatable to most other creatures (apparently ducks will eat them) dues to their secretion of a pungent yellowish fluid containing hydrogen cyanide. They can be poisoned, but won't be here. While researching natural controls I came across some interesting facts - for example strawberries aren't berries at all, botanically speaking, but bananas are - and strawberries don't ripen once picked but can be made to go red by storing in the dark. Now for the South Korea/Japan connection - Australia exports strawberries there and will soon be importing strawberries from both countries too, with the approval of a 34.7 million dollar hydroponic strawberry growing facility (near here, as it happens) Local growers, understandably, are not pleased. Strawberries anyone?
1 Comment
Angel Beigesang
1/1/2018 09:18:22 am
That queen strawberry is a rather cruel tease. I wouldn't put it past you to translate that into a gustatory hit for your dedicated readers. Oh, thank you!
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