Welcome to Lake Tekapo, on New Zealand"s South Island, where the colorful spikes of flowering Russell lupines transform the landscape each November and December. The plants" blooming heads, made up of clusters of pea-like flowers, can reach up to 60 inches. While photographers flock here to capture the varied hues of purple, blue, and yellow, these striking plants are controversial. Native to North America, they are considered an invasive species here, growing in dense stands and boxing out other flora. While these plants might be appealing to tourists, they can create a negative imbalance in the region"s ecosystem.
Russell lupines, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Today in History
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Modica, Sicily, Italy
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Serra de Tramuntana, Majorca, Spain
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World Rivers Day
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International Lighthouse Weekend
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Bluespotted ribbontail ray
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Holidays in the Venetian Lagoon
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A star is borne by seaweed
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Frozen beauty
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Forward-thinking women of history
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Happy Thanksgiving!
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Time for brass bands and beer
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It’s Penguin Awareness Day
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Happy Hobbit Day
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It s fair season
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Polar bear season in Manitoba
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Autumn comes to Old Town
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National Hispanic Heritage Month
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National Park Service anniversary
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Chapel on the rock
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Rockin with the rockhoppers
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Bringing together history and technology
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Mangrove Conservation Day
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Sleep tight, little hedgehog
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Happy Mothers Day!