A broad, fertile flat between gorge walls supports a dense growth of invasive creeping myrtle. Springtime there is a sprinkling of small blue flowers, this may be the source of another name, periwinkle, or lesser periwinkle.
Click photograph for a larger view. To do this from WordPress Reader, you need to first click the title of this post to open a new page.
Beneath the Cliff Stairs I
Periwinkle is an evergreen and in early times vinca vine (another name we call it, from the scientific name Vinca Minor) was planted in graveyards and cemeteries. The isolated growth of vinca vine in this section of the gorge maybe from such a planting on a lost grave.
Beneath the Cliff Stairs II
Today, the park practices leaving fallen trees in place, here they are covered in years of moss, a memory of headstones. Lesser Perriwinkle is significant for the living as the source of vincamine, from the leaves. A synthetic form of this compound is a potent vasodilator, a therapeutic treatment for stroke and other brain disorders.
These shots were hand held. I used a Sony Alpha 700 dslr with a variable “zoom” lens, great for framing compositions.
Robert H. Treman New York State Park.
Source: Wikipedia, “Vinca Minor.”
Click for a slideshow of this Fertile Flats sequence.
Beneath the Cliff Stairs I Beneath the Cliff Stairs II 
Vernal Pool with Vinca Vine
Paradise is here, seeing your pics!. Lovely Mother Nature
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gee, that is a lovely compliment, weedjee. Thank You.
LikeLiked by 1 person
wonderful post…thanks for share
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, Map, compliments are always appreciated.
LikeLike
Great images Michael! I walk at a nearby nature park where fallen trees lie where they fall, unless they impede the walking trail. Many are covered with layers of moss.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wise practice, Ohio.
LikeLiked by 1 person