Salmonberry (Rosaceae Rubus spectabilis Pursh)

The same morning when we did the cleanup in Annacis Island last few Sundays, I took few minutes to study the physical of this magnificent native plant.

The Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis) of the family Rosaceae is an erect shrub with orange to reddish-orange berries. It is related to the raspberry and blackberry.

Salmonberries are found in moist forests and stream margins from Alaska to Northern California, especially in the coastal forests. They often form large thickets, and thrive in the open spaces under stands of Red Alder (Alnus rubra).

Leaf: Alternate, pinnately compound (3 leaflets), deciduous; leaflets are ovate, 1 to 3 inches long, green above and below, margins are doubly serrate or lobed and serrate; the opposing lateral leaflets often have a single lobe and together resemble a butterfly. Leaflets are armed below and have a wrinkled surface above.

Flower: Monoecious; perfect, complete; large (about 1 1/2 inches in diameter), bright pink to dark red (often magenta), occur either singly or in clusters of 2 to 4, appearing in late spring to early sumer.

Fruit: Yellow to red (often salmon colored), mushy raspberries (aggregate of drupelets); edible, but taste varies. Pull free from the torus (central core), leaving a thimble-like appearance. (I didn't see any fruit at that time)

Twig: New stems are green and armed; older stems have orange bark that is thin, papery, exfoliates, and has fine prickles that exfoliate.

Form: An erect, spindly shrub that commonly grows 3 to 10 feet tall; often forms dense thickets.

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Rosales

Family: Rosaceae

Subfamily: Rosoideae

Genus: Rubus

Species: R. spectabilis

Binomial name: Rubus spectabilis Pursh

Credit; wikipedia.org

What is ‘Malaysia Boleh’?

We keep on hearing the shouts of ‘Malaysia Boleh’; Malaysia can do this and Malaysia can do that, a Malaysian can sleep with venomous scorpions, a Malaysian can climb staircase backwards (2,058 steps), having the largest tea bag, weaving the largest flag, Malaysian first to do this or that.

What is this? I am not denying the fact that these great men and women have given their undying effort to carve their name as in the book of records. I wonder, whether is this the actual ‘Malaysia Boleh’ meant for?

Do you still remember the fun and excitement when shouting ‘Malaysia Boleh!’ in 1998 Commonwealth’s Games in Kuala Lumpur? I was there! I had so much fun. For me, that was the most appropriate moment for us to use that slogan. But not today, we are cheering on the wrong game.

I think on of the most ridiculous attempt was trying to drive our proudly national car, proton, on ice-caps. Do tell me if I’m wrong when I say the country have wasted her money, time and resources. Let say the result was not only just few seconds ignition, maybe the car had cruised for 200km non-stop, what do you think we got from it? Maybe to prove that proton’s cars capable to drive on both artic and Antarctica? Frankly, even that was not their main agenda. The attempt was just to fill the ‘unnecessary’ blanks in the world’s records (for fame); sadly, it wasn’t meant to actually be studied or improve the research and development sides.

The essence of saying or using Malaysia Boleh is to encourage us making a difference (in a positive way) for ourselves and others. Not just placing our names in the records or lifting Malaysia in the world’s map. We have been in map since even before 1511 when Portuguese invaded Malacca.

Maybe we think that it’s going to encourage tourism or economy; but what it is got to do with a girl living with a bunch of venomous scorpions? or having the biggest ‘Roti Canai’?


Why can’t we do at least some charities while we are at it? Like for instance, a record breaking attempt to swim from Kuantan to Labuan to raise money for leukemia patients? If the sponsors are ‘charitable’ enough to sponsor your brave attempt, it won’t be that difficult for you to raise extra bucks in the name of social-contribution.

When was the last time we see a Malaysian carved his or her name as someone that made a technological breakthrough? anything beneficial to mankind? or at least an attempt? Ops, one of Malaysian bad habits, we never acknowledged attempts. We usually criticize on failures, not to learn from them. Maybe there are, but not as many as for Malaysian Book of Records.

I am recently so astonished and proud to hear that our universities won quite a number of medals in Geneva for outstanding outcomes. But sadly, the news was only placed among the tiniest section in the media. Even for me, I personally have no clue what we had won.

I am not saying it is wrong for any record breaking attempt, please do so! But you have to remember one thing, is it worth-doing? All the money you are going to spend (regardless from your own or not), all time you are going to use and all the resources you are going to consume? Hopefully the answer is YES!

More than Words…..

I am speaking herein after is from my personal point of view; with having neither political agenda nor personal interest. All of these expression act as personal advices to me by me. Nevertheless, I do hope readers will find the content of my expressions are useful for one self-development or improvement.

Thank you, wish me luck........

-May we create a better world-

CHANGE OF BLOG

Dear All,

I am moving my daily blog to http://howtotrackmedown.blogspot.com/ . I will still be using this 'blog'site for more serious expression views.

Thank you. Have a nice day!

Again, here's the new link.
http://howtotrackmedown.blogspot.com/