#halophyte plants | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

rjzimmerman · 8 months ago

Text

Excerpt from this story from National Geographic:

These days, the village of Karauzyak in western Uzbekistan is a dusty place. Surrounded by an arid landscape of dry scrub grasses and salt-crusted soils, it’s hard to believe the village was once along the banks of a swollen river, 30 miles from the shore of the world’s fourth-largest lake. Over the last 50 years, that lake, the Aral Sea, has dried up almost entirely, in what is often called the “world’s worst environmental disaster.” Now, it’s hard to farm much of anything in Karauzyak—except for atriplex, or saltbush.

In a 3.5-hectare plot of land near the village, a team of Japanese researchers is growing this salt-loving plant, known scientifically as a halophyte, to see if it can be a viable crop for farmers in the region and even nurture a small dairy industry. They’ve fed it to cows at a nearby farm and found that it helps lock scarce moisture into the thirsty soil, and it can be grown without extensive fertilizer use.

As she holds up a dusty green twig of atriplex, Kristina Toderich, a halophyte expert from Tottori University in Japan, explains why the salt-loving plant excites scientists like her: “This doesn’t need water. It doesn’t need anything.”

Toderich is one of the lead researchers on a project using the former seabed and nearby river delta as a living laboratory. It’s part of a larger Japanese foreign aid and scientific collaboration initiative called SATREPS. Working with Uzbekistan’s hydrometeorological service, UZGIP, the researchers are collecting real-time climate data and satellite imagery to better understand the conditions in the Aral Sea area: how much water is left, how fast it’s disappearing, and what kind of crops are being farmed there.

Based on the results, they’re drafting a model for sustainable agriculture in the region, recommending that farmers adopt new irrigation methods and plant crops that are more salt- and drought-tolerant, says Kenji Tanaka, a hydrologist who studies the effects of climate change on water resources and the head of the SATREPS project.

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification has warned that an area of land the size of Central Asia has become degraded from drought, salinization, and overuse since 2015. By learning what can grow in the Aral Sea, SATREPS could provide solutions for other parts of the world that are facing similar problems, from the Lake Chad basin in Western Africa to the Great Salt Lake in Utah.

It's unclear whether the Uzbeki government will adopt the recommendations made by the SATREPS team. But so far, the country seems open to change; President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who promised to loosen the rigid Soviet-era policies of his predecessor, Islam Karimov, ended the requirement that all Uzbek citizens pick cotton if called upon, and has spoken at the United Nations about the effects of desertification and land degradation on his country.

Climate change makes these adaptations even more urgent. Average temperatures in the Aral basin have increased by around 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit since 1968. And the shrinking of the Aral Sea itself has affected the climate; as the water disappeared, the air became drier and lost the cooling effect of the nearby lake, creating a feedback loop that resulted in hotter and drier weather. Sandstorms now spread dust and toxic heavy metals to nearby villages, while retreating water has caused a build-up of salts in the soil.

Tanaka’s project has several components. Aside from atriplex, SATREPS researchers are planting crops like sorghum, mung bean, and amaranth in test plots to learn which can best survive in dry, saline soil. So far, they’ve developed promising varieties of winter wheat and barley.

#Aral Sea #agriculture #climate adaptation

5 notes · View notes

dynamicsmassive8 · 8 months ago

Text

Preserving Paradise: Sustainable Travel Practices in Sundarbans.

## Index

1. Introduction

2. Understanding the Sundarbans Ecosystem

3. The Importance of Sustainable Travel

4. Planning Your Sustainable Trip

- Choosing Eco-Friendly Accommodations

- Selecting Responsible Tour Operators

5. Minimizing Environmental Impact

- Reducing Plastic Use

- Waste Management

- Water Conservation

6. Responsible Wildlife Viewing

- Guidelines for Safe Wildlife Interactions

- Importance of Ethical Photography

7. Supporting Local Communities

- Engaging with Local Culture

- Purchasing Local Products

8. Sustainable Activities in the Sundarbans

- Eco-Tours and Wildlife Safaris

- Birdwatching

- Mangrove Planting Projects

9. Conclusion

## 1. Introduction

The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most unique and biodiverse regions on the planet. Home to the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger and an intricate network of mangrove forests, this paradise requires our utmost respect and care. Sustainable travel practices are essential to preserve the Sundarbans' delicate ecosystem and support the local communities. This blog will guide you through the best practices for sustainable travel in the Sundarbans.

## 2. Understanding the Sundarbans Ecosystem

The Sundarbans is the largest tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world, spanning India and Bangladesh. It supports a wide array of flora and fauna, including endangered species like the Royal Bengal Tiger, estuarine crocodiles, and the Indian python. The mangroves play a crucial role in protecting the coastline from erosion and storms, making their conservation vital for the environment and the livelihoods of the people who live there.

## 3. The Importance of Sustainable Travel

Sustainable travel ensures that tourism does not negatively impact the environment or local communities. By adopting eco-friendly practices, travelers can help preserve natural habitats, reduce pollution, and support the socio-economic development of local communities. This responsible approach to tourism ensures that the Sundarbans can be enjoyed by future generations.

## 4. Planning Your Sustainable Trip

### Choosing Eco-Friendly Accommodations

Select accommodations that prioritize sustainability. Look for eco-resorts and lodges that use renewable energy, have waste management systems in place, and support local conservation efforts. These establishments often provide a more immersive experience and contribute directly to preserving the Sundarbans.

### Selecting Responsible Tour Operators

Choose tour operators committed to sustainable practices. Ensure they follow guidelines for wildlife interaction, use eco-friendly boats, and employ local guides. Responsible operators will prioritize the well-being of the environment and the communities over profit.

## 5. Minimizing Environmental Impact

### Reducing Plastic Use

Single-use plastics are a significant threat to the Sundarbans' ecosystem. Travelers should bring reusable water bottles, bags, and containers to minimize plastic waste. Many eco-friendly accommodations and tour operators provide refill stations to encourage this practice.

### Waste Management

Dispose of waste responsibly by following the principle of "Leave No Trace." Carry a small bag for collecting personal trash and dispose of it properly at designated locations. Avoid littering in the forest and waterways.

### Water Conservation

Water is a precious resource in the Sundarbans. Conserve water by taking shorter showers, reusing towels, and turning off taps when not in use. Eco-friendly accommodations often implement water-saving measures, and travelers should adhere to their guidelines.

## 6. Responsible Wildlife Viewing

### Guidelines for Safe Wildlife Interactions

Respect wildlife by maintaining a safe distance and not disturbing their natural behavior. Follow the guidance of your tour guide and avoid making loud noises or sudden movements. Feeding animals or attempting to touch them can harm both you and the wildlife.

### Importance of Ethical Photography

Wildlife photography should be conducted ethically. Use long lenses to avoid disturbing animals and never bait them for a better shot. Ethical photography ensures that wildlife remains safe and undisturbed, allowing them to thrive in their natural habitat.

## 7. Supporting Local Communities

### Engaging with Local Culture

Immerse yourself in the local culture by participating in community-based activities. Attend traditional dance and music performances, visit local markets, and learn about the way of life in the Sundarbans. This engagement helps preserve cultural heritage and provides economic benefits to the community.

### Purchasing Local Products

Support local artisans by purchasing handmade crafts and products. This not only provides a source of income for the community but also encourages the continuation of traditional skills and crafts. Avoid buying products made from endangered species or materials that harm the environment.

## 8. Sustainable Activities in the Sundarbans

### Eco-Tours and Wildlife Safaris

Participate in eco-tours and wildlife safaris that prioritize sustainability. These tours use eco-friendly boats, limit the number of visitors, and follow strict guidelines to minimize impact on the environment. They offer a chance to see the Sundarbans' wildlife up close while ensuring their protection.

### Birdwatching

The Sundarbans is a haven for birdwatchers. With over 300 bird species, including many migratory birds, birdwatching is a low-impact activity that can be enjoyed year-round. Use binoculars and maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the birds.

### Mangrove Planting Projects

Get involved in conservation efforts by participating in mangrove planting projects. These initiatives help restore degraded areas, support wildlife habitats, and protect the coastline. Many local organizations offer opportunities for tourists to contribute to these projects.

## 9. Conclusion

Preserving the Sundarbans' unique ecosystem and cultural heritage requires collective effort from both tourists and local communities. By adopting sustainable travel practices, such as choosing eco-friendly accommodations, minimizing environmental impact, engaging in responsible wildlife viewing, and supporting local communities, we can ensure that this paradise remains a vibrant and thriving destination. Sustainable travel not only protects the environment but also enriches the travel experience, allowing visitors to connect deeply with the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Sundarbans. Let's commit to preserving this paradise for future generations to enjoy.

https://sundarbanecotrip.com

#sundarbanecotrip #tour #tourism #travel

0 notes

life-around-me-yura15cbx · 1 year ago

Text

Salicornia quinqueflora, synonym Sarcocornia quinqueflora, commonly known as beaded samphire, bead weed, beaded glasswort or glasswort, Бусинная стеклодувная, The Maori name is ureure, is a species of succulent halophytic coastal shrub.

Clade:Eudicots

Order:Caryophyllales

Family:Amaranthaceae

Genus:Salicornia

Historically, people used to burn glassworts to collect the ashes. The ashes contained a high amount of soda in them, which was used to make soap and glass. This is thought to be how glasswort received its name. salt tolerant plant. It occurs in wetter coastal areas of Australia and New Zealand.

Листья выглядят как крошечные лопасти, обвитые вокруг стебля.

Стеклянница съедобна и вкусна, поэтому, как известно, употреблялась как животными, так и людьми. Рекомендуется есть свежие, молодые, верхние части стеблей сырыми, так как они нежные и более ароматные. Люди могут есть в салате, также можно использовать в качестве гарнира с морепродуктами, хорошо в супах или тушеным для дополнительного вкуса или может быть подано в качестве горячего овоща, можно мариновать.

Он богат витаминами С, А и комплекса В, а также был описан как помогающий метеоризму и пищеварению, был упомянут, как возможное средство для лечения рака.

Te Araroa Trail, Auckland 0622, 6QFG+2GH Auckland

-36.7774360, 174.7763470

наземные цветковые растения травы съедобные прибрежные

0 notes

instantebookmart · 1 year ago

Link

Biology and Ecology of Pharmaceutical Marine Plants, ISBN-13: 978-0815393870 [PDF eBook eTextbook] Series: Biology and Ecology of Marine Life 504 pages Publisher: CRC Press; 1 edition (June 12, 2018) Language: English ISBN-13: 978-0815393870 ISBN-10: 0815393873 Marine plants such as algae (blue-green algae and seaweeds), seagrasses, mangrove plants, salt-tolerant or salt-loving plants (halophytes) and coastal sand dune plants are known to generate approximately 70% of oxygen on earth, and help regulate oxygen in the atmosphere. These plants are potential sources of nutrients and are also considered valuable for the development of new drugs owing to their unique bioactive compounds. This book provides the taxonomy, common name, global distribution, habitat, diagnostic features and pharmaceutical compounds (along with their activities) of 400 species of marine plants, accompanied by high quality illustrations. Biology and Ecology of Pharmaceutical Marine Plants is the first comprehensive book of its kind written by scientists from both the Marine Biology and Pharmacy disciplines to fill the long-felt need for a marine natural products book devoted exclusively to plants. It should be a standard reference for students, researchers and teachers of disciplines such as Pharmacy, Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biochemistry, as well as a valuable guide for pharmaceutical companies involved in the development of new drugs from marine plants. Key features: – A standard reference for researchers, teachers and students of Marine Biology, Fisheries Science, Botany/Plant Science, Biotechnology, Natural Products, and Pharmacy, their libraries – A valuable guide for pharmaceutical companies involved in the development of new drugs from marine plants – Presents the taxonomy, common name, global distribution, and habitat of 400 species of marine plants – Provides the diagnostic features and pharmaceutical compounds (along with their chemical structure and activities) of 400 species of marine plants – Includes more than 600 detailed illustrations – Covers blue-green algae, green algae, brown algae, and red algae What makes us different? • Instant Download • Always Competitive Pricing • 100% Privacy • FREE Sample Available • 24-7 LIVE Customer Support

0 notes

grasslandpuddles · 4 months ago

Text

We have a very similar plant in the Canadian prairie provinces that I see all the time. I believe the scientific name is Salicorna Rubra , but most people just call it “ the red plant “ or “ the slough plant “. It’s interesting how a number of halophyte plants seem to have red adaptations.

So many colors! I’m starting to love fall on the marsh. The red spot is red saltwort or Rocky Mountain saltwort. It’s a really special species to see as it’s only found in high elevations or latitudes and has to be in soils with high salinity. It’s considered extinct in a few states and is protected in others. The photo doesn’t even capture how vividly red it is. This is a relatively small patch compared to others I’ve seen around, but I thought it was especially beautiful with the turning bulrush and mountains.

598 notes · View notes

greatebookstoreblog · 1 year ago

Link

0 notes

eduebookstore · 1 year ago

Link

0 notes

drhoz · 8 months ago

Text

#2191 - Suaeda australis - Austral Seablite

AKA Redweed.

After we'd moved to a much better hotel immeadiately adjacent to the airport, I walked across the freeway to investigate a few parks I saw on the map. They were dissapointing - large trees, certainly, but lawn underneath, and not even any gardens to investigate. I did find a few halophytes in low, damp, presumably salty area of reclaimed land next to the sports ovals and tennis courts, though. Not immeadiately adjacent to the estuary, but probably very close to the water table.

Suaeda australis is an Amaranth native to Australia, growing to about 90cm tall, wth succulent green or pinkish-red foliage.It grows in coastal, estuarine, and salt marsh areas in all Australian States, where it grows in irrigated areas it's a good indicator of salinity problems.

Mascot, Sydney, New South Wales

#suaeda #seablite #amaranthaceae #halophyte #mascot #sydney #australian plant

1 note · View note

botanyone · 2 years ago

Text

The Silent Facilitator of Plant Invaders in Northern Chile

The Silent Facilitator of Plant Invaders in Northern Chile https://ift.tt/AF8PBLi Invading a habitat is easier when you have a friend to help. De La Cruz and colleagues have investigated an intriguing mechanism of plant interaction among exotic species in central-northern Chile. Their research focuses on two exotic halophyte species, Mesembryanthemum crystallinum and Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum, investigating how the former may indirectly support the establishment of the latter by increasing soil salinity to suppress native competitors. Their work, published in Biological Invasions, has implications for understanding how these exotic species may unintentionally promote each other’s proliferation, leading to biodiversity loss and the displacement of native species. Mesembryanthemum crystallinum in Fuerteventura. Image: Canva. De La Cruz’s team found that Mesembryanthemum crystallinum increases soil salinity, suppressing the growth of salt-susceptible native competitors, such as Helenium urmenetae. This increased salinity did not hinder but instead seemingly favoured Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum, allowing it to flourish alongside Mesembryanthemum crystallinum. The researchers also observed that a salt-tolerant native plant, Amblyopappus pusillus, could endure this change in soil conditions. These findings open up a new understanding of how certain exotic species could indirectly facilitate the establishment of other exotic species. This process could lead to significant biodiversity loss if unchecked. The concept of indirect facilitation among exotic species is not new. It’s a phenomenon that has been observed in different forms, such as increased light availability, increased canopy shade cover, or modification of soil microorganisms. What’s new about De La Cruz’s research is the experimental evidence on how increased soil salinity can promote this kind of interaction among halophytic, or salt-tolerant, exotic species. To arrive at these findings, the researchers carried out field co-occurrence surveys at Quebrada El Romeral coupled with greenhouse germination and competition experiments. They found all four of their study plants in the Chilean desert, but not happily side-by-side. They found that both Mesembryanthemum crystallinum and Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum tend to co-occur, suggesting a form of mutual facilitation. One native plant, the salt-tolerant Amblyopappus pusillus, could grow next to Mesembryanthemum patches. However, another native plant, Helenium urmenetae, could not. A study of the soil in the Mesembryanthemum patches found it was more saline under Mesembryanthemum crystallinum than elsewhere. Germination experiments confirmed that the Mesembryanthemum plants had a strong advantage in saline soils. This demonstrated that if Mesembryanthemum crystallinum can increase the salinity of soils, then other halophytes, salt-tolerant plants, can invade and establish, say De La Cruz and colleagues in their paper. The present study, set in the framework of the invasional meltdown (Simberloff and Von Holle 1999; Simberloff 2006), supports the notion that the global, progressive accumulation of exotic plants cannot be explained solely by the ecological responses of single exotic species to environmental factors (MacDougall and Turkington 2005). Exotic species may facilitate the establishment of other exotic species, promoting their high co-occurrence, and likely resulting in a greater impact on native species diversity (Braga et al. 2018; Stotz et al. 2020). De La Criuz et al. 2023. READ THE ARTICLE De La Cruz, H.J., Salgado-Luarte, C., Stotz, G.C. and Gianoli, E. (2023) “An exotic plant species indirectly facilitates a secondary exotic plant through increased soil salinity,” Biological invasions. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-023-03061-z. ReadCube: https://rdcu.be/ddpEu The post The Silent Facilitator of Plant Invaders in Northern Chile appeared first on Botany One. via Botany One https://botany.one/ June 01, 2023 at 09:00AM

#Botany #Plant Science #Botany One

0 notes

atravelfreak · 2 years ago

Text

Sundarban National Park: A World Network of Biosphere Reserve

The natural biosphere reserve, the Sundarban Delta, has significance in various ways. Sundarban has an important environmental role to play, whether it is the World's Network of Biosphere Reserves, the home of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, or the world's biggest mangrove forest.

The abode to a huge variety of saltwater plants and trees, the Sundarban vegetation is a sight to see. The wet and damp canal banks, the salty air, and the natural air conditioning system make it memorable in a different way. The morning starts with vibrant, colorful birds flying over and singing melodious songs. The boats sail through the middle of the canals while the Gangetic crocodiles sunbathe on the muddy banks. Or a hungry crocodile is sailing close to the boat, toward its prey on the side. Everything about Sundarban is so raw and pure that it became a tourist attraction from all over the world. But what is the origin story of Sundarban?

Origin of Sundarban

“Where is Sundarban National Park located?”

It is the most sought question, and the query is not restricted to India. People from all over the world look for this reserve forest. So, it has some value-added significance in the environment.

Sundarban National Park is located at the confluence of India and Bangladesh. The Gulf of Bengal borders the Sundarbans to the south. Sundarban has evolved throughout the years of natural deposition from the rivers. Coming from a higher altitude, the upstream sedimentation gets deposited in the plains. Those sedimentations are accompanied by intertidal segregation, along with changes due to urban construction, etc. In short, the origin of Sundarban is due to the deposition of sediments carried by the rivers to the sea. At the meeting point, the coastal tides hit the river flow. As a result, the sediments lose their speed and cannot move anywhere.

Similar to the mechanism, there are various rivers all over the world that meet the sea. But no island has significance like the Sundarban. And the reasons are justified.

Importance of Sundarban National Park

The Ganges Delta and Sundarban have complex ecosystems that no forest has. This one has three tracts of mangrove forest with a huge collection of flora and fauna. Some of the plants are rare and tagged as endangered as well. The entire forest belonged to India. But, with the split, Bangladesh received a large portion of it. According to the debate, the term "Sundarban" is derived from Sundari (Heritiera fomes), a mangrove tree species that grows across the area. Some people also say that the name came from Sundar Ban, which means Beautiful Forest.

Aside from Sundari, halophytic plants such as gewa, goran, and keora are common in the Sundarban. The mangrove forest is also the home of various animals, and some of them are endangered as well. Among those endangered animals is the Royal Bengal Tiger, which is rare but abundant in Sundarban. But, there are several animals such as spotted deer, wild boars, Gangetic dolphins, otters, wild cats, crocodiles, and monkeys that are also available here. However, some species, such as the guar, one-horned rhinoceros, water buffalo, and several birds, are not seen anymore. Forest officials consider them extinct now.

The data shows that nearly 250 bird species, including migratory birds, have been spotted in Sundarban. In Subndarban alone, five types of kingfishers can be seen. Apart from that, white ibises, raptors, waders, hornbills, and storks are abundant here. A huge number of amphibians and reptiles. The marine Olive Ridley turtles are well-known among them. During the breeding season, the beach becomes full of turtle eggs and new hatchlings.

The Sundarban, with its unique fauna and flora, is critical to maintaining ecological equilibrium. Also, the mangrove forest protects the land from natural calamities. So, it is necessary to maintain the mangrove forest. Based upon that, tourists from all over the globe come to Sundarban. Its entire economy of it is dependent upon tourism. Locals take the tourists on boats for the Sundarban safari. For the same reason, in 1875, a large portion of the forest was designated as a "reserved forest" under the Forest Act of 1865. The dense forest was classified as the main area of the Sundarban Tiger Reserve in 1973 and as a sanctuary in 1977. In 1984, it was described as a national park.

#travel #sundarban #sundarban national park #tourism #nature #travelling #wildlife #royal bengal tiger #sundarban tiger reserve #sundarban safari

0 notes

lovecraftsgarden · 7 years ago

Photo

Salicornia brachiata

Umari Keerai

(via)

#Salicornia brachiata #Salicornia #succulent #halophyte #salt water plant #Umari Keerai #yellow #extremophile #edible #salty

72 notes · View notes

o-craven-canto · 3 years ago

Photo

Gods of Salt, or the “““real””” origins of humankind

Might as well post it here directly. (original link, full text under the cut)

« Certainly Nature, when she left the making ⁠Of animals like these, did well indeed, ⁠By taking such executors from Mars; And if of elephants and whales she doth not ⁠Repent her, whosoever looketh subtly ⁠More just and more discreet will hold her for it; For where the argument of intellect ⁠Is added unto evil will and power, ⁠No rampart can the people make against it. » – Inferno, Canto XXXI, 49-57

Consider the following facts:

#1: The Mediterranean Sea loses more water to evaporation than it receives from rivers: it only maintains its level thanks to influx from the Atlantic. Between 6.0 and 5.3 million years ago, in the late Miocene epoch, the closure of the Gibraltar Strait caused the Mediterranean to dry out. This is known as the Messinian Salinity Crisis, and it left vast deposits of gypsum and rock salt. At its apex, this event would have reduced the sea to a few puddles of hypersaline water, similar to today's Dead Sea, surrounded by scorching desert - with temperatures possibly reaching over 40°C due to high pressure. Its islands and peninsulas would have turned to massive mountain ranges up to 5 km tall ([1]). This event ended with the so-called Zanclean Flood, when the Atlantic waters rushed back into the basin, through not one but a series of waterfalls. The overall drop was more than a km, and the discharge of water has been estimated at a thousand time that of the Amazon River ([2]). That's enough to refill the whole Mediterranean in less than 20 years. A sumberged barrier, known as Camarinal Sill, forms the shallowest part of the strait, at only 280 meters below sea level ([3]).

#2: Nevertheless, despite its terrible conditions, the Mediterranean Basin still had enough hospitable land to allow animals to move from Africa to Europe, and vice versa. In fact, the climate, flora, and fauna of Africa and Europe were very similar in the Miocene. Dwarf species of hippopotami and elephants have been found in Cyprus, Crete, Malta, Sicily, Sardinia, the Balearics: all the main islands of the Mediterranean. The lowland-dwellers could have lived along rivers like Po, Rhone, and Nile, which would have cut much deeper valleys.

#3: The Miocene was also a time of great diversity of mammals. In particular, it was the golden age of elephants (which existed in every continent but Australia) and apes (which were even abundant in Europe). European apes included the swamp-dwelling Italian Oreopithecus, 9-7 million years old, which had a pelvis suited for an almost bipedal locomotion ([4]), and hands more capable of precision gripping than those of any living non-human ape ([5]). As for elephants, Primelephas, the likely common ancestor of mammoths and all living elephants, lived in Africa at the end of the Miocene.

#4: Molecular studies place the separation between the lineages of humans and chimpanzees between 7 and 5 million years ago, later than Oreopithecus, and corresponding with the Messinian event. Recent estimates push the divergence backward, even to 10-12 million years ago; however, controversial studies suggest that the two lineages exchanged genes as recently as 4 million years ago ([6]). Clearly the process of separation was more complex than we realized at first, and involved some degree of hybridization between the recent lineages.

#5: The Mediterranean region contains a vast diversity of halophytes, plants than can grow despite high concentrations of salt. Many of these are suitable for human consumption: the oil-rich salicornia (Salicornia sp., eaten both fresh and pickled), the cabbage-like sea kale (Crambe maritima, which grows spontaneously on sandy beaches), the spinach-like sea orach (Atriplex halimus, a close relative of which is grown in India as vegetable and livestock fodder). The argan tree (Argania spinosa) is extremely resistant to both salt and drought, and is prized in Europe and North Africa for its wood and oil. ([7])

#6: The list of Mediterranean halophyte species is actually much wider, but many plants that grow in these conditions are not useful to humans: for example, the Mediterranean beard-grass (Polypogon maritimus), a close relative of oat and wheat, much less nutritious than either. Note, however, that elephants (much more common and diverse in this region in the Miocene) have very low nutritional requirements, and can feed on almost any type of vegetable matter. Now, a key characteristic of the Miocene epoch is a wide spreading of grasslands, replacing the forests that earlier covered most of the globe, triggering a wave of adaptation and diversification among mammals. In fact, between 10 and 5 million years ago, the diet of elephants has switched from leaves to tall grass, a change that can be seen in the shape of their teeth ([8]). Only in the last million years elephants have reverted to eating leaves ([9]).

#7: Until recently, the divergence between humans and chimpanzees had been linked to this event: the ancestors of chimpanzees would have remained in the thick rainforests of West Africa, while humans evolved in the new savannas of the east. This places human evolution entirely in eastern and southern Africa until the last million years or so. This view has been challenged by recent finds. In 2002, the 7-6 million years-old Sahelanthropus tchadensis, a serious contender as common ancestor of humans and chimpanzees, was discovered in Chad, in North Africa. Its foramen magnum suggests an already bipedal pace, as with Oreopithecus ([10]). In 2017, curiously human-like teeth, 7.2 million years old, were attributed to Graecopithecus, in Greece ([11]). Finally, in the same year, 5.6 million years old footprints that clearly show bipedal locomotion were found in Crete ([12]). All of this suggests that the earliest human evolution occurred at first in the Mediterranean region.

#8: The intelligence of elephants is well known. Their brain, over 5 kg heavy, has more cortical gyres than any primate or cetacean, and they might rank in intelligence besides chimps and dolphins ([13]). They form matriarchal herds with extremely strong interindividual bonds and great capacity for cooperation and reciprocal help. They are the only known non-human animals that seem to have ritual behavior related to death ([14]). Pregnant elephants have been observed chewing on leaves of a Boraginacean tree, used to induce labor or miscarriage by Kenyan women ([15]). They can use branches as simple tools, cover water pools to prevent evaporation, and use logs to disable electric fences ([16]). They can recognize themselves in the mirror ([17]), and seem to have artistic inclinations ([18]). Such abilities are especially astonishing in view of such an energy-poor diet. Yet we have seen that their diet was very different in the latest Miocene - that there are plants that grow in the Mediterranean region, could be eaten by ancient elephants, increased in diversity at that time, and are closely related to our food crops.

#9: The elephants' trunk is a dexterous organ of manipulation, capable of handling single seeds and inspecting delicate bodyparts like eyes. Nevertheless, having only one grasping organ could be a handicap for an active tool user (the two fingerlike tips are unique to the African species, and probably didn't exist in Miocene elephants). The trunk can lift loads of hundreds of kilograms, but it's poor at grasping large objects, and can only wrap around them. In comparison, the hands of apes are much more versatile, especially after the innovation we have seen in Oreopithecus. In addition, the same amount of food that sustains an elephant with its single trunk can support not two, but several ape hands - especially since high-energy primate food can pack nourishment in a much smaller mass, even when inedible to elephants. #10: African elephants in reserves readily initiate contact with humans, often forming long-lasting individual bonds, and often prefer to interact with humans than with other animals of their environment. Many of these elephants appear more relaxed and at ease near humans than near even other elephants. This effect has been documented in species with a long history of domestication by humans, such as dogs and horses. ([19]).

Let's place everything together. Six million years ago, near the end of the Miocene epoch, the natural closure of the Gibraltar Strait turned the Mediterranean Sea into a salty desert. The few inhabitable spaces provided a safe passage between Africa and Europe for many species; elephants and apes, which had been increasing in diversity for all the Miocene, were among them.

The depths of the new Mediterranean basin, on the other hand, were a hellish environment that must have forced many species into desperate adaptations. Many plants learned to grow in sand, long before the Sahara became a desert, with concentrations of salt that would kill most others. Elephants, we've seen, are good at finding and storing water, using tools to prevent evaporation from reserves. They must have evolved their characteristic intelligence to deal with the unique challenges of the Mediterranean Basin. Like the Khoisan hunter-gatherers of the Kalahari desert (or for that matter the earliest Homo sapiens) they needed advanced problem-solving skill, good memory, and the ability to cooperate and trust each other. Their eventual solution to ensure themselves a food supply in the great basin was agriculture. Many Mediterranean halophytes are edible even in the seed- and fruit-focused human diet; but the sapient elephants of the Miocene could feed even on simple grass. Cereals like Polypogon - which are, after all, nothing more than especially nutritious grass - must have been a blessing. Perhaps they were even selected artificially to tolerate more saline soils, as could have been the precious argan tree.

Still, the burgeoning elephantine civilization was slowed down by their sluggish reproduction and by their limited capacity for manipulation. The trunk was very effective, but every elephant could only hold one thing at a time. They must have experimented with many forms of animal labor (as well as hydraulic, etc.), but none of the many animals of their region could help them handle objects, make cheap craftwork, or operate machines. Eventually, they started working with apes. Maybe they took a sample of Oreopithecus descendants or Graecopithecus from the northern highlands. They were clever animals, forged by the same cruel environment, capable of understanding gestures and executing simple orders. They wouldn't take away the hard leaves and grass of their masters, but they would eat almost anything else (to the elephants, the ability to digest meat must have seemed extremely precious). They had hands: two hands to grasp a broad object without handles, to scatter seeds on a field, or to hold hammer and chisel in the making of a triumphal arch. So the elephants found themselves ruling over a vast caste of small, nimble, infinitely versatile slaves. Surely they must have tried to enhance them through selective breeding, as humans did with dogs and horses, creating features similar to the short jaws and small teeth of humans, or the peaceful countenance of bonobos. Their genes still bear traces of closely related lineages being interbred. They certainly encouraged a bipedal gait, so that the precious hands remained always free. With ape-servants so common and useful, crawling all around like living robots, elephants must have had little incentive to improve their technology further.

Remember the air at the bottom of the Basin was very thick: it's likely the elephants were specially adapted to breathe it, and would feel much discomfort outside of their cradle. They never ventured beyond what today is the coastline of the Mediterranean, which must have looked like impassable mountains to them. However, they could have sent their servants in exploration on the great islands: leaving, for example, the mysterious footprints of Crete. The proboscidean rulers probably didn't have much more concern for their primate slaves than humans have for cows in a slaughterhouse. Even though they couldn't eat them, they could still fashion their skins and bones into precious objects; sacrifice them to elephantine gods atop of a ziggurat raised by their work; make them fight in blood games or proxy battles; use them for carnal gratification or for medical experiments. The different proclivities of humans, bonobos, and chimpanzees can be understood as specialization for such tasks. We can only wonder what the apes could understand of their condition.

The civilization of elephants had 600,000 years to develop between the Messinian Crisis and the Zanclean Flood: thrice the age of our own species. Certainly they studied in depth their secluded world. As the sea level started to increase on the Gibraltar Strait, they would have probably predicted the danger, and built a massive dam to block the way of the Atlantic waters. Maintaining this dam must have been the highest priority. But there were certainly those who didn't believe this looming danger. And in the end the central sin of the elephantine empire must have caught up to them. What could have distracted the elephants from preserving the Mediterranean Basin as they found it? Probably action from those who had nothing to lose from utter destruction - such as ape-slaves who had finally crossed the threshold of self-awareness. Or rather a preemptive action from those who feared a revolt more than their own annihilation? Some kind of sabotage action, perhaps, that ended a millennia-spanning history by breaking down the great dam, letting the ocean pour into the Basin with an unimaginable catastrophe, and turn it back into a sea.

Some survived, both apes and elephants. They must have been few, perhaps outcasts that had fled, or had been exiled, to the outer highlands. Gradually they accustomed themselves again to the thin air (maybe this didn't even require evolutionary adaptation, just individual assuefaction; but the lords below were used to comfort...). Some were stranded on the new islands, and became the dwarfs of Cyprus, Crete, Sicily. The others scattered into the wilderness of Africa and Europe. Without the infrastructures of the submerged empire, unprepared for the different environment outside, they were unable to rebuilt their civilization. Most of them had been poorly inserted in society, and their intellective faculties weren't the highest, either as a cause or a consequence of their isolation. Alone, they reverted to wild animals, and became gentler than they ever had been when they were civilized beings. They still retain the vestigial skills of artists and doctors; they still mourn the death of their kin. The surviving apes, now free, wandered back into the heart of Africa, passing through Chad. Some found shelter in the jungles of Congo and Nigeria, others in the savannas of Kenya and South Africa, that perhaps reminded them of the flat lands where they were bred into their new shape.

Five million years after that unimaginable disaster, silt has covered all the ruins on the Mediterranean seafloor, and the "domesticated apes" have left Africa in three waves of migration. Now they control the world, from coastlines to mountains, they remake its land into cities and farms, and they hold in their power the fate of the distant descendants of their ancient masters. It remains to be seen whether they will choose to be merciful or vindictive. Aren't five million years enough to expiate any sin?

#fake antiquities #alternate history #prehistory #my work

60 notes · View notes

harpygon · 3 years ago

Text

Ocean Empire Crop Calendar

[Grimlands] [House Blossom] [Gilded Helianthia]

detailed thoughts (and information about crops depicted) under the cut

Jute Mallow isalso known as „bitter melon“ „bitter apple“ „bitter squash“ and bcountries specified as lying in the tropical zone (dependent on the list there might be more or less), I chose to look at the south-east Asian countries of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, the last being my main point of comparison.

The problem with the ocean empire is that it seems to have extremely limited planting ground (not taking into account soil under the ocean), meaning that most crops aren't really plantable.

In the beginning, I thought this was it, the ocean empire would have to live off fish, seafood and seaweed, but then I found hope.

This article talked about salt water rice, and while this example is made through human gene mutation, I'll assume that it naturally exists in the ocean empire.

Furthermore, we see lily pads being used a lot in the ocean empire, which his helpful, as (almost) the entirety of it is edible. Not only that, but the seeds can be ground into flour, meaning we have more options for filling foods such as bread. (There are no regular planting or harvesting seasons, as they just die back to their roots and then regrow later and different harvestable parts get harvested at different points in the year, so I just made a rough estimate based on the flowering time of the lilies) (out of context but one can make silk out of lotus flowers meaning that silk clothing made out of lotus flowers would be worn)

Seaweed itself would be growable almost everywhere where a water height of ca. 6 metres is present, and they are harvestable every 45-60 days (sources differ). The main harvest season spans January June.

Halophytes or salt-loving plants, form another big category of plants that could be planted. There are 3 sorts of halopythes, but we will only focus on Aqua-halines and then the subgroups of Hydro-halophytes (whole or almost whole plant remains under water) and Emerged Halophytes (most of the stem remains above the water level).

Most plants with the prefix „sea“ don‘t actually grow in the sea, as I sadly had to learn. But they are more salt tolerant than other plants which is why I will include some of them.

One of the best known ones is Salicornia. Salicornia europaea (underwater asparagus or sea pickles) is completely edible raw and cooked. Salicornia bigelovii is an oil crop, reaching about 60cm In height. Salicornia brachiata can be made into a culinary salt (substitute). They grow year round, but are planted in the “colder“ months of the year, meaning the cold dry period between December/November and February/March.

Now I thought the crop calendar looked pretty sad wit’s just those few plants, so I looked at foods commonly grown in The Philippines and picked some examples as things that could be grown on the little overwater soil they have.

I believe that on the shorelines of the little land they do have, people would plant sugarcane. It can be used as both a sweetener and just an ingredient for normal cooking. The harvest and planting seasons do overlap, which is why the crop calendar shows two rows instead of one.

Ampalaya, also known as „bitter melon“ „bitter apple“ „bitter squash“ and “balsam pear“ is a vine that produces a fruit, that is pretty bitter. It takes between 80 and 120 days to grow (differs based on sunlight sensitivity)

Kangkong or “water spinach“ is a form of spinach. It grows extremely quickly (just thirty days) and starts flowering in October. It is technically plantable year round, but as the seeds only mature by end of April and the plants are uprooted at the end of harvesting season, I assumed that they could only be planted after April (this could of course be altered by saving seeds or planting Kangkong off season)

Jute Mallow is a leafy plant with a slimy texture (similair to that of okra).

Pechay or „Chinese cabbbage“ is a cabbage. It has two main harvest seasons, one set in the “ideal“ season meaning the hot wet season and one in the cold dry off season.

String beans are a type of green bean.

Conclusion: The majority of the Ocean‘s empires cuisine would be based around rice, seaweed, various halophytes, and water lilies. However, the little overwater soil they do have allows for them to have a wide selection of vegetables, fruits and spices.

#empires smp #empires #esmp #ldshadowlady #empires lizzie #ocean empire #the ocean empire #empires hc

19 notes · View notes