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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On the wings of the Wright brothers
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A river on the tundra
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National Panda Day
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Walk the line
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The Wave at Coyote Buttes
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Bioluminescence at Trwyn Du Lighthouse in Wales
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Norway s Kjeragbolten boulder
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Joan charges Riverside Park
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Everglades National Park marks 90 years
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San Blas Islands, Panama
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World Children s Day
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New York City Marathon
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Penguin Awareness Day
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In celebration of cats
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Saksun, Faroe Islands, Denmark
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Winter in the Finnish wilds
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Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve, Estonia
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The Tour de France begins
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It’s oh so quiet
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Churún Merú waterfall in Venezuela
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Mute swans
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Nesting season for the leatherbacks
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Ring of fire
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Aw shucks, It s Oyster Day
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High trekking season in Upper Mustang
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World Population Day
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The crossroads of empires
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A bridge too Fawr
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What kind of bird laid these eggs?
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St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland