Some cool animal plant images:
Spotted Knapweed
Image by BlueRidgeKitties
Another invasive species along the Blue Ridge Parkway - these were introduced from Europe in the 1800s, probably accidentally through contaminated seed. The plants actually produce a toxin that can inhibit other plants around it from growing, a process referred to as allelopathy. Each plant can produce over 1000 seeds that are spread by wind, birds, and other animals and can remain viable for at least five years before germinating. These features allow the plant to quickly crowd out the native species where it takes hold, thus leading to its USDA classification as an invasive plant.
Spines
Image by BlueRidgeKitties
This cactus has clothed itself into an almost impenetrable armor of spines and hairs to protect its succulent stem from thirsty desert animals. There is one time in its life though when it utterly depends on animals: You can see the hint of pink at the bottom left corner and some other places where a flower bud is about to poke through its needle dress. Cacti typically produce very showy flowers to attract their pollinators.
Epiphyllum - Maiden's Prayer
Image by epiforums
At the Wild Animal Park, San Diego.
desc: Azalea pink with darker midstripe. Medium. Hybridizer: Leo M. Daly.
