One of the most interesting looking flowers that grows in this area is the Dutchman’s pipe or calico flower (Aristolochia littoralis), which is the flower of the pipevine. When in full bloom, the flower looks amazingly like a brightly colored large mouthed pipe. As it goes by, the flower closes up and ultimately becomes this equally interesting looking seed pod. If you pull the pod off the vine you will find about a dozen small seeds in the bottom. If left alone, those seeds will eventually be blown or spilled out of the pod by the wind and the seeds distributed. If the light hits these seed pods just right, they are not simply unusual looking, but downright pretty. I was fortunate enough to be out in the yard one afternoon and caught this pod picking up the afternoon light. I thought it would make a very striking image, and I was not disappointed.