We got this African basil plant when the usual kind we grow was not available. It was an OK substitute, but when the other kind returned this one got planted in the garden. It’s thrived in its new location, producing these lovely stalks of purple flowers.
This mango flower beetle wasn’t on a mango flower, but on a basil plant. It wasn’t exactly lost though. A giant mango tree looms over the deck where the basil plant is growing.
I suppose I should have a series about things found on my basil plants since they are many and varied. This praying mantis won’t harm the plant and it might eat some harmful bugs, but it’s equally likely to devour beneficial insects. Still, I think they’re fascinating creatures and I always enjoy seeing them.
Normally I take a dim view of anything found on the basil plants, but this little gold dust day gecko was inordinately cute. It wasn’t doing the plant any harm and might even have helped by snapping up a bug or two.
When I first saw this bug, I thought it was a Japanese beetle. Later, I realized I was wrong and it was a stink bug. They get their name because they can emit a foul-smelling substance when disturbed. Luckily, I didn’t disturb it enough to provoke that response, though there was no way I was going to leave it be on the basil plant where I found it. Most mornings see the plant with new holes or bite marks. Seems to be a favorite of just about every bug around.
Graham's Island 