Teasel

I found this "Teasel" on roadside and was immediately attracted to its prickly stem

since it offered a good test to measure sharpness in my image using a macro lens.

I learnt that there are about 15 different teasel species (genus: Dipsacus), native to

Europe, Northern Africa and Asia. Their name is derived from "thirst' - since the

leaves merge near the stem to form a cup to collect rain water. This is an interesting

adaptation perhaps to prevent insects from climbing the stem.

I used a macro lens with the right depth of focus to get a sharp image and a

completely out of focus background. This was difficult due to the unique location on

the roadside. It required being in a precarious position with my tripod but I finally

managed to get the composition I wanted.

wonderful contrast, texture and composition Chandra!  It's speaks to me as a specimen raising its arms in triumph!