Frida was ON FIRE today. She practically burnt my retinas with her branches of vibrant orange and yellow ombré...all jazz-hands-ing at me for attention. Well, you got my attention, Frida. When I stepped in closer for a better look she said loudly- “I’M CORAL OF THE LAND, BITCH!!” I could not deny that she appeared to be coral of the land. The sky was obviously her sea. I stood in awe, feeling as if I was watching my own private Discovery Channel show about the Great Barrier Reef...but on land. I needed to know more. So the internet encyclopedia informed me that colloquial names for her include “Fire Stick Plant” and “Indian Tree Spurge” and that this plant “produces a poisonous latex which can, with little effort, be converted to the equivalent of gasoline. This led chemist Melvin Calvin to propose the exploitation of E. tirucalli for producing oil.” Oh great, another conspiracy must be taking place that’s hiding a perfect, renewable energy alternative to gasoline. Why aren’t we driving around in Frida-powered cars? Well, today didn’t answer questions, it only raised them. Many mysteries are unfolding as I get to know the succulents and cacti of Los Angeles...stay tuned. #cactuschronicles #plantlover #losangelesplantlife