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Banksia blechnifolia is a species of flowering plant that was first described by Victorian state botanist Ferdinand von Mueller in 1864. Its leaves are reminiscent of the fern genus Blechnum. B. blechnifolia is one of several closely related species that grow as prostrate shrubs, with horizontal stems and thick, leathery upright leaves. The red-brown flower spikes are up to 20 centimetres (8 in) high and appear from September to November. As the spikes age, they turn grey and develop as many as 25 woody seed pods. Insects such as bees, wasps, ants and flies pollinate the flowers. Found in sandy soils in the south coastal region of Western Australia in the vicinity of Lake King, B. blechnifolia is non-lignotuberous, regenerating by seed after bushfire. The plant adapts readily to cultivation, growing in well-drained sandy soils in sunny locations. It is suitable for rockeries and as a groundcover. (Full article...)

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Phyllium bilobatum

... that the leaf insect Phyllium bilobatum (pictured) can defend itself by spraying a foul-smelling liquid?
... that The New York Times named Forbes magazine editor Randall Lane one of the 922 most powerful people in America?
... that after the Greek Civil War, 20,000 leftists were exiled to the island of Gyaros, dubbed the "Dachau of the Mediterranean"?
... that Robert Utter resigned from the Washington Supreme Court in protest of the death penalty?
... that Nerotalanlagen, a park along a creek in Wiesbaden, was built in the late 19th century to enhance the town's spa quality?
... that the Bennett Building, once one of New York's most prominent buildings, is probably the world's tallest building with a cast-iron facade?
... that anime musician Kano's Virtual YouTuber 3D model is based on an avatar she uses in official artwork?
... that the 1932 Detroit Wolves won the pennant with an outfielder, first baseman, shortstop, and two pitchers who were all inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame?

In the news

COVID-19 pandemic: Disease; Virus; By location; Impact; Portal

Cyclone Ianos

Bah Ndaw takes office as Mali's transitional President following a coup d'état the previous month.
Cyclone Ianos (satellite image shown) stalls over Greece, killing four people and flooding several cities.
At the Primetime Emmy Awards, Schitt's Creek wins in seven comedy categories and Succession wins in four drama categories.
In golf, Bryson DeChambeau wins the U.S. Open.

On this day

September 26

Golden Hind replica

1580 – Explorer Francis Drake's galleon Golden Hind (replica pictured) sailed into Plymouth, England, completing his circumnavigation of the globe.
1687 – The Parthenon in Athens was partly destroyed in an explosion while being used as a gunpowder magazine by Ottoman forces during an armed conflict against the Venetians.
1944 – World War II: The Soviet Army completed the Tallinn Offensive, driving German forces out of Estonia.
2010 – Scottish aid worker Linda Norgrove and three Afghan colleagues were kidnapped by members of the Taliban in Kunar Province, Afghanistan.

Daniel Boone (d. 1820)
Bertha De Vriese (b. 1877)
Vladimir Voinovich (b. 1932)

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Today's featured picture

Bessie Smith (April 15, 1894 – September 26, 1937) was an American blues singer widely renowned during the Jazz Age. She is often regarded as one of the greatest singers of her era and was a major influence on fellow blues singers, as well as jazz vocalists.

Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, her parents died when Smith was young, and she and her sister survived by performing on the streets of Chattanooga, Tennessee. She began touring and performed in a group that included Ma Rainey, and then went out on her own. Her successful recording career began in the 1920s, until an automobile accident ended her life at age 43.

Photograph credit: Carl Van Vechten; restored by Adam Cuerden

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