One of the fun facts about tumbleweeds is that they are not native to the US despite their iconic image (ok, maybe some plants that do detach and blow around for seed dispersal are native). The iconic "western" tumble weed is the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salsola_kali which is an invasive species.
Russian thistle, also known as tumbleweed, is in the goosefoot family (Chenopodiaceae). Its scientific name is Salsola tragus, but it also has been known as Salsola iberica, Salsola kali, and Salsola australis. It is a summer annual native to southeastern Russia and western Siberia and was first introduced into the United States in 1873 by Russian immigrants as a contaminant in flax seed in South Dakota. -UC Davis
It would be interesting to see how many Hollywood movies show anachronistis tumbleweeds.
I especially like the tumbleweeds rolling through non-western settings. At about 2:00, we step onto the set of the fantastic 90s English comedy program "Shooting Stars," where the tumbleweed blew through to punish those whose jokes fell flat. They even have a shot of "The Dove from Above." Man, I miss that show. Here's a classic example of that gag.
One of the fun facts about tumbleweeds is that they are not native to the US despite their iconic image (ok, maybe some plants that do detach and blow around for seed dispersal are native). The iconic "western" tumble weed is the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salsola_kali which is an invasive species.
ReplyDeleteRussian thistle, also known as tumbleweed, is in the goosefoot family (Chenopodiaceae). Its scientific name is Salsola tragus, but it also has been known as Salsola iberica, Salsola kali, and Salsola australis. It is a summer annual native to southeastern Russia and western Siberia and was first introduced into the United States in 1873 by Russian immigrants as a contaminant in flax seed in South Dakota. -UC Davis
ReplyDeleteIt would be interesting to see how many Hollywood movies show anachronistis tumbleweeds.
Anachronistic.
ReplyDeleteDid you notice that at 1:06 a tumbleweed hits a grave marker and reveals it to be quite fake. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, you have good eyes. My wife and I love finding movie mistakes. A hat tip for seeing this one.
ReplyDeleteI especially like the tumbleweeds rolling through non-western settings. At about 2:00, we step onto the set of the fantastic 90s English comedy program "Shooting Stars," where the tumbleweed blew through to punish those whose jokes fell flat. They even have a shot of "The Dove from Above." Man, I miss that show. Here's a classic example of that gag.
ReplyDelete