Pitch Apple, Swallows

What's Bloonin'-Native
The Pitch Apple(Clusia rosea) goes by a couple common names including Balsam Aplle and Autograph Tree. If you carve your name in the thick leathery leaves they will stay on the tree for many months to come. It is said that the pirates of old used the leaves as playing cards.

The seed pod contains small red seeds and is surrounded by a black resinous substance that was at one time used to caulk the seams of boats hence the name Pitch Apple

The bud opens with white and pink petals that later turn brown.

The seed pod is a tough poisonous applelike structure.

What's Flyin'

Barn swallows have stopped in in the beginnig of the annual migration. They can be seen wheeling about the sky in seach of insect meals each morning and evening.