She still loves maroon and gold

This image of Thunbergia mysorensis was taken by University Relations photographer Patrick O'Leary.

Published on October 18, 2005

The Even Mother Nature Loves Maroon and Gold series returns for a sixth straight year. The image for this year's poster and note cards features Thunbergia mysorensis, a large woody vine from the tropical mountains of southern India. Its pendulous maroon and gold flowers produce lots of nectar and attract hummingbirds. A rambunctious grower, the vine needs to be tamed by heavy pruning.

The image was taken by University Relations photographer Patrick O'Leary in the College of Biological Sciences greenhouse on the Twin Cities campus in St. Paul.

The Mother Nature posters and cards have grown in popularity since their introduction in 2000. Approximately 25,000 posters were distributed and 40,000 note cards sold featuring last year's design--a photo of Big Bluestem, the tallest of the prairie grasses native to Minnesota, photographed by Tom Foley, former University Relations photographer. Of those posters, 5,000 were given to schools around the state.

If you're on campus, you may consider giving posters and note cards to employees, prospective students or faculty members, alumni, donors, or others. Some departments order note cards in 15-card sets as gifts; some order in bulk and repackage with ribbons; others use the note cards as holiday cards (they can be run through a laser printer with your message); and still others use them for invitations to award ceremonies, etc.

You can place an order online or pick up a free poster at the University Relations office in 3 Morrill Hall on the Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis. For more information, see Mother Nature or call 612-624-6868.