Spathe and spadix

 

Pulpit and Jack

 

A close-up view of a Jack in the Pulpit.  From its colors and striping, this may be the Arisaema triphyllum.  The spathe (the "pulpit") surrounds the spadix (the "Jack"). As the fruit ripens, the red berries appear.

 

Stray seed

Thriving in a crack

A wayward seed found its way into a crack in the sidewalk.  Unmolested by passers-by, it grew to flower.  Note:  that may be a red spiked amaranthus.

This sidewalk survivor was seen, as a youngster, in Grow in a crack :

By a fence

Grow in a crack

The street beneath our feet is riddled with cracks and crevices.  These sidewalk shelters can provide a safe haven for wayward seeds.    

In a sidewalk expansion joint 

The shape of the air conditioner drip mirrors the spread of the plant.

By a fence 

The steps are color coordinated with the plant leaves.

Curbside 

Left undisturbed, their growth can enliven the cityscape.

Aloe green

Aloe centrice 

The curves and spikelettes at the center of the aloe plant have their own shades of green.

Sidewalk oasis

Life in the deep crack

This wide and deep sidewalk crack provides shelter for plants and grasses that would otherwise get worn away by passing footsteps.