Today"s photo brings us to the banks of Caño Cristales, the "liquid rainbow" that cuts a prismatic path through the heart of Colombia. From June through November, when the clear water is low, the abundant underwater plants that cover the riverbed show off their red, yellow, green, and blue hues. The star of the show—especially in this photo—is Macarenia clavigera, a riverweed that ranges from bright red to deep crimson or purple depending on its intake of sun rays. In August and September, when the florid flora is at its peak, the river"s a coveted nature excursion: Because the ecosystem is so fragile, visits are limited to guided tours.
Go with the rainbow flow
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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The Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic
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World Penguin Day
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Fall for birding
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Happy Syttende Mai!
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Groundhog Day
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Protect your neck
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The buzz about bees
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The tortoise and the finch
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Behold the blood moon
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Veterans Day
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An opulent backdrop for a historic event
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An underwater rainbow
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Time for brass bands and beer
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Heri es-Swani in Meknes, Morocco
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Let the holiday shopping commence
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It’s National Dolphin Day!
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The Colosseum of Rome, Italy
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It’s surströmming time
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World Oceans Day
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Happy Cinco de Mayo!
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World Migratory Bird Day
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Miravet, Catalonia, Spain
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The migrating monarchs of Michoacán
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Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in Costa Rica
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Diwali
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Happy Star Wars Day!
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Santorini through the clouds
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Chicagohenge
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An uncommon look at an American icon
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The old guard at Old San Juan