★Flower viewing location: Suiyang Hongguoshu Scenic Spot, Zunyi, Guizhou
In fact, this kind of plant is not uncommon, but because it blooms too humblely, it is too inconspicuous in the spring when cherry blossoms are full of branches, peaches and plums are blooming, pear blossoms are snowing, and begonias are covered with brocade.
Popona is a one-year to biennial herbaceous plant of the genus Popona in the family Scrophulariaceae. Theoretically, this genus can be as high as 50 cm. The mother-in-law that we usually see is basically almost prostrate on the ground.
When I heard its name for the first time, I felt very novel. Basically, people who have heard its name rarely fail to remember it. Because it also has a longer and more foreign name, called "Arab mother-in-law". Some people also say that these are two plants that are not exactly the same, but they look very similar, and it is estimated that it is difficult for non-professionals to distinguish them.
What I still don't understand is that it is such a tender little flower, why is it called "Grandma" with a bit of vicissitudes and a bit of name? This pink-blue color, blooming on the tender stems and branches, is clearly a playful child! So, for a long time, I couldn't believe it was really called Po Po Na. I have also looked it up on the Internet and in physical books before I have to admit that it is still called this name that is not worthy of the name.
Under the papaya forest where we are, there are large areas of Popona growing. They have heart-shaped or ovate-shaped leaves, the length of which can only be measured in millimeters. There are 2-4 deep cogs on each side, and the leaves have soft white fine hairs, which feel good to the touch and make people jump out the word "gentle".
Even more beautiful are its flowers, although the length of the petals can only be measured in millimeters, about 4-5mm. The flowers are blue, and because there are too many blooms, it still looks a little amazing. They are like stars all over the sky. Although each flower is very small, when they are gathered together, they are still very eye-catching.
The origin of this small flower is western Asia and Europe. I think it may have been discovered in Arab countries at the beginning, so one of its branches is called "Arabian mother-in-law". But now they have been driven to the north and south of the motherland, and they are weak but stubborn in almost every province.
It is said to be soft because of its posture. Small flowers, small stems and branches, look as if they will be messed up when the wind blows. But in fact, it is very tough, as long as there is a little sunlight and water, it can grow into a sea of blue stars. On the hillside, under the big tree, on the edge of the field...
For the casual people who love them, they will use many praises to praise its beauty, but for the farmer uncle, it is precisely because its vitality is too tough that it absorbs the fertility of the crops, which will cause serious damage to the crops. hazards. It can be seen that from the eyes of different people, different scenes will be seen.
Perhaps people take this name because of the gentleness and simplicity of this little flower, just like the kind eyes of a mother-in-law. They do not compete with the colorful spring flowers for spring, but quietly open against the land. In the sunshine of spring, it blooms beautifully and peacefully.
It is said that the mother-in-law is not only blue, but also white, pink and purple. However, as far as the mother-in-law I have seen, there is only this pure and beautiful blue. We can only sigh with emotion, it seems that when hiking in the future, we still need to bow our heads to see these low-key beauties.