Bizarre Plants's topics - tribe.net

Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities

2009-05-11T01:57:15Z

I just might have to get this soon-to-be-released book!

Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities, by Amy Stewart

Product Description
A tree that sheds poison daggers; a glistening red seed that stops the heart; a shrub that causes paralysis; a vine that strangles; and a leaf that triggered a war. In Wicked Plants, Stewart takes on over two hundred of Mother Nature’s most appalling creations. It’s an A to Z of plants that kill, maim, intoxicate, and otherwise offend. You’ll learn which plants to avoid (like exploding shrubs), which plants make themselves exceedingly unwelcome (like the vine that ate the South), and which ones have been killing for centuries (like the weed that killed Abraham Lincoln's mother).

Menacing botanical illustrations and splendidly ghastly drawings create a fascinating portrait of the evildoers that may be lurking in your own backyard. Drawing on history, medicine, science, and legend, this compendium of bloodcurdling botany will entertain, alarm, and enlighten even the most intrepid gardeners and nature lovers.

http://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Plants-Lincolns-Botanical-Atrocities/dp/1565126831/ref=pe_24390_12017980_as_txt_5/

posted in Bizarre Plants - 1 reply

Foma

2009-05-03T17:35:04Z

FREE sample of this amazing seeded, plantable paper that grows.
http://www.freakyfreddies.com/outdoor.htm

posted in Bizarre Plants - 0 replies

Jatropha curcas

2008-11-17T19:39:56Z

Anyone in California growing this plant? Love to hear experiences.

Thanks,
Andrew

posted in Bizarre Plants - 30 replies

Strange Orchids

2008-06-26T03:56:23Z

The orchid family is unique and fascinating on it's own, but here is an interesting article I discovered, quoted from http://orchidlady.com/pages/orchidGarden/strangeOrchids.html

"Western Australia has some of the strangest orchids in the world. Epiblema grandiflorum ssp. cyanea, also known as the "Blue-Babe-in-a-cradle" spends most of it's life submerged underwater.
Drakaea elastica one of the "Warty Hammer Orchids" grows under Kunzea ericifloia bushes. One of the most bizarre-looking orchid in this genus is Drakaea glyptodon. The labellum is large and it is very hard to tell it is an orchid. It is the color of raw meat and the fragrance it produces smells like raw meat. All species in this genus have 4 pollinia and are pollinated by male wasps.
Diuris purdei nicknamed "Purdie's Donkey Orchid" or "Double Tails" as it is called in Australia, both flower only after summer bush fires.

Now this one would be fun to grow! How would any one know if you really had an orchid in that pot or not?

It is Rhizanthella gardneri, one of the most fascinating species of orchids and the only species in this genus.

It is indeed one of the very extraordinary subterranean orchids. The entire plant grows underground. The inflorescence finds cracks in the dry surface and appears long enough for flies and other insects to pollinate it.
Rhizanthella gardneri
There are other strange orchids in the world like the terrestrials Cybidiella humblotii, which only grows on the trunks of Raphia palms in the lowlands of E. Madagascar and Cybidiella rhodochila which only grows in Stag Horn Ferns. Dendrobium crumenatum, nicknamed "The Pigeon Orchid," found in India, Thailand, China, and Malaysia flowers 7 days after a shower of rain or a drop in temperature. You must be quick if you want to see the blooms, however, they open all at the same time and they last only one day.
Do you believe in Ghosts? Dendrophylax (Polyrrhiza) species are known as the "Ghost orchids." They have been one of the most sought after orchids in the Florida Swamps. There are four species of this strange genus and they are native to the West Indies. These are the "leafless orchids." When you look for this orchid all you see is a tangled mess of grayish roots clinging on to a tree in the swamps. Instead of leaves performing the processes of photosynthesis it is the roots that accomplishes this process. Another nickname for Dendrophylax is the "Frog Orchid" because they have one very large white flower that looks like a frog.
There are several non-chlorphylluous orchids in this fascinating family. The genus Limodorum has some very strange species that will grow over two feet tall and produce beautiful violet-purple flowers. They are found in central and southern Europe.

Corallorhiza species are native to North America and Mexico, some can be found in Northern Asia and Europe. The have very small underdeveloped leaves but with very showy flowers.
Melaleuca uncinata is completely leafless so it requires a plant to grow on. The plant it chooses is the Broombrush. The Epipogium species found in Europe, Asia, Africa, Malaya and Australia. They have leafless stems and the flowers are produced on coral-like rhizomes.
There are even orchids that beyond the Arctic Circle -- Cypripedium passerinum, Cypripedium guttatum and Coeloglossum viride. The world's southern most orchid Is Corybas macranthus. It grows on the Macquarie Island, which is located very close to Antarctica. One of the smallest flowering plants is Platystele stenostachya. They grow in Mexico, Bolivia, and Brazil. The blooms are less than 1 mm in size.
The largest orchid is Grammatophyllum papuanum or Grammatophyllum speciosum. It seems no one can agree which of these two huge monsters is the largest. They can be several meters tall and weigh over a ton! The pseudobulbs can be 25 feet tall with flower spikes reaching heights over 6 feet tall! They are nicknamed the "Giant Orchid" or "Queen Orchid."
I will leave you with this thought. How would you like an orchid that smells like, well lets say it puts out a "Very Objectionable" odour? If not then stay away from the Venezuela species Cattleya percivaliana, Because it does smell!"

posted in Bizarre Plants - 0 replies

http://plantaholics.tribe.net/photos/467f4c75-0b0f-495f-bc98-12849df8fb7c

2008-04-24T03:42:54Z

http://plantaholics.tribe.net/photos/467f4c75-0b0f-495f-bc98-12849df8fb7c

posted in Bizarre Plants - 11 replies

help

2007-08-15T21:22:55Z

I inherited a very large Opuntia of some sort about a year ago, i have drug this thing around with me for almost a year through 3 moves and i still dont know what it is called, the lady i got it from planted it in a coffe can as a cutting from a neighbor about 30 years ago and now its in a 35 gallon pot in my kitchen,its 8 feet tall i had to trim it to fit ,it was 10 feet tall, my giant cactus. i know its tropical and has to come in each winter,she's no longer able to move it about and she entrusted me with .
It has enlongated segments , tear drop shaped,(upside down),and i am told little red flowers.
pics coming soon

posted in Bizarre Plants - 8 replies

Titan Arum blooms again!

2007-05-07T16:25:20Z

titanarum.uconn.edu/

Plants geeks in CT/MA/RI area may be interested to know that the University of Connecticut Titan Arum is blooming again! Last time (first time for this particular plant) was in 2004 and the darn thing never opened. This time it is expected to be much bigger! Weather is definitely not cooperating with a frost last night. Hopefully it opens fully this time.

Here is a picture of the Titan Arum's progress to date. I don't know these people but they look awfully pleased to be standing next to the largest and stinkiest flower in the world!

posted in Bizarre Plants - 0 replies

Debt Cancellation to Costa Rica

2007-04-04T22:09:49Z

Roy, you probably already know this........

Mar 20 - The United States has canceled $12 million in debt owed by the Central American country Costa Rica if they continue conservation.

Costa Rican President Oscar Arias, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for his part in brokering peace agreements that ended civil wars in Central America, has frequently spoken out against spending on arms in countries with widespread social needs. He said his proposal would move away from a practice where debt is only forgiven for countries with the lowest per capita income.

Link to a video: http://www.reuters.com/news/video/videoStory?videoId=45270

posted in Bizarre Plants - 2 replies

durian

2007-03-10T05:04:13Z

i have read so much about this 'fruit' and seen things about it on ngc (taboo foods)....i am dying to try it.....but i live in a small tennessee town where i don't really think there is a possibility of ever getting my hands (or mouth) on one.....if anyone here has tasted durian, please share your thoughts/experience...........and if anyone does know where i might possibly be able to acquire one, please let me know....

posted in Bizarre Plants - 24 replies

Welwitschia mirabilis

2007-02-26T21:24:53Z

Anyone grow this plant? I would like to know if there was any methods for speeding up the growth of the plant.

posted in Bizarre Plants - 7 replies

topics where are they? and staghorns

2007-02-15T01:04:48Z

All the current topics but 4 have disappeared and they are old.
Any way I was responding to the staghorn question. All good advice. Half a Banana, peel and all, makes excellent fertilizer for stags. Tuck behind the leaf shields. For those of us that grow them in colder climates they are not frost tolerant, mine spend the winter in the greenhouse and summer outdoors.

posted in Bizarre Plants - 4 replies

staghorn ferns.

2007-02-11T19:01:15Z

what do you know about staghorns roy, i just bought one in a pot of soil? should it be in there, it is a younger one, tell me all you know i am having my annual pre-spring plant craze.

posted in Bizarre Plants - 3 replies

bark!!

2007-02-04T20:37:04Z

whats yourfavorite, right now mine is the honey locust (pic posted from a tree here in nashville)

posted in Bizarre Plants - 8 replies

Tree houses in a different sense

2007-01-22T02:32:50Z

On my A Post Progress tribe an intertesting thread has started. It fits this tribe too so I link to it here.

http://tribes.tribe.net/postprogress/thread/14fbd3b5-4f87-4b63-9ae2-911e8f337d39

posted in Bizarre Plants - 0 replies

Largest Living Organism

2007-01-12T13:21:33Z

The Biggest Living Thing on Earth

Did you say the blue whale? That's a good guess. After all, the average blue whale measures about 75-80 feet long (23-24.5 meters) and weighs about 110 tons (99,800 kilograms). The blue whale is the largest living animal on earth. But there is another living thing that's bigger. Much, much bigger. It stretches 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) across and covers an area larger than 1,600 football fields. Most of it is hidden underground.

It's..... a fungus. Yes, a fungus with the scientific name Armillaria ostoyae <are-mill-are-ee-uh ah-stoy-ee>. Known more commonly as the honey mushroom, this giant fungus was found in the Malheur National Forest in eastern Oregon.

Mycorrhizae (red) on root hairs (vague green and yellow)

You might be wondering how something as huge as this fungus belongs on a web site all about microbes. Aren't microbes supposed to be, well, microscopic? Yes. Fungi straddle the realms of microbiology and macrobiology. Some fungi, such as the yeast used in baking bread and the fungus that causes athlete's foot, are microscopic. Other fungal species can grow into very large, multicellular mats or form the large, visible structures we commonly call mushrooms. Isn't it fascinating to think that this enormous Armillaria, which kills tall trees by infecting their roots, is related to the microscopic mycorrhizae <my-core-rye-zee>, symbiotic fungi that live on the roots of most plants help them absorb nutrients?

Example of fungal hyphae

The bulk of the Armillaria fungus is made up of what's called the mycelium <my-see-lee-um>. The mycelium is a tangled mass of long strings of cell-like units joined together. These strings are called hyphae <hi-fee>. The cells in fungal hyphae are similar to, but not quite like the cells that make up our bodies. The hyphae cells contain nuclei, like ours. But unlike our cells, the hyphae cells usually are not completely walled off from each other. They may be separated by a cross-walls called septa, but usually the septa have holes in them allowing the cell fluid, or cytoplasm <sigh-toe-plazm>, of neighboring cells to mingle. In some fungal species the hyphae contain no septa; they appear as long, continuous cells with multiple nuclei.

Most of the visible part of Armillaria is its golden mushrooms. Mushrooms are big masses of hyphae. They are reproductive structures. They contain spores, which are like seeds. When released, they germinate and produce hyphae.

posted in Bizarre Plants - 6 replies

Aloes

2006-12-21T01:20:24Z

I've been researching the medicinal aloes a bit and thought I'd put my observations here:

__________________________________

The common Aloe vera is actually Aloe Barbadensis. It is the aloe of choice in the Americas. The name "Aloe vera" is an old scientific name no longer used but it has become the common name. It has a weakly branched inflorescence with cream colored flowers. A. vera does not usually become tall because the stem reclines. On very young plants thev leaves are weakly spotted but become plain gray-green in adulthood.

Aloe arboresense is a smaller leafed aloe used in the orient, mainly Japan. It is often called Aloe vera in Costa Rica and other areas in error. The leaves are spotted through out its life. It is harder to process correctly than A. vera because its leaves are much smaller and it has different properties. A. arborescense is easier to reproduce than A. vera. It can become a small tree and flowers commonly, with orange flowers.

In China Aloe Yuan-jiangensis and Aloe Chinensis are the preferred medicinal aloes.

In South Africa, Aloe ferox is commonly used medicinally, looking like and being prepared similar to A. vera. It has a many branching red flowered inflorescence, can reach 5 meters tall and the old, dried leaves are persistent.

posted in Bizarre Plants - 0 replies

a first

2006-09-25T03:09:04Z

just saw my first dutchmans pipe in bloom, beautiful. also posted a pic of my home grown variation of Impatiens biflora, with trumped up orange-red.

posted in Bizarre Plants - 12 replies

philodendron scandens flowers?

2006-09-02T15:33:24Z

probably not very strange to some of you. has anyone even ever seen one? i havent. do they even flower? i suppose they have to.....would love a pic. google wont retrieve one.

posted in Bizarre Plants - 2 replies

What is this?

2006-06-29T01:43:07Z

I went to Maui last weekend. I saw this growing in the backyard of a friend's house. It may or may not be native to Hawaii, unfortunately. Any ideas on ID?

posted in Bizarre Plants - 3 replies

Off Topic - Soil Question

2006-06-14T01:06:51Z

Does anyone here know how to measure soil for nitrogen, salinity, etc? And what is considered good soil vs bad soil for planting?

Thanks,
Andrew

posted in Bizarre Plants - 3 replies

Good bye and Thank You all!

2006-06-09T06:07:52Z

Fellow Tribe members and bizarre plant lovers, I find myself on Tribe less and less. I have always tried to be a large part of this tribe, to add content, redirect threads, ensure members are interested in the topic, and to keep up interest and enthusiasm.

However, as I said, I am just logging in less and less. I have not added new and interesting content in quite awhile, although many of my amazing members have helped by doing that on their own.

I have had a really wonderful time talking with all of you, comparing stories, sharing information, and discovering so many incredible species and families of just plain strange plants. I want to thank each and every one of you for being here, for sharing your interests with the rest of us, for shouting out when I asked you too. I hope that you will all continue to enjoy Bizarre Plants as much as I have.

To this end, I have approached and requested permission from one of my founding members, Roy, to take over Moderator duties. He has graciously agreed. You should know him from ihis incredible Costa Rica restoration project, and, lately, his Jatropha project as well. He is friendly, helpful and almost an encyclopedia of plant information. I know you will all treat him with the same respect and interest you have always shown not only me, but any other member who speaks up. I feel great knowing that although I have to leave, the Tribe is in the best hands I could ever hope to find.

Good luck to you all, have fun, and keep on growing!

-eris

posted in Bizarre Plants - 2 replies

Bizarre Plant Animation

2006-06-09T01:11:15Z

http://www.1st-ave-machine.com/video/anime_final.htm

posted in Bizarre Plants - 6 replies

Welcome!

2006-06-01T19:04:08Z

Please welcome Pax to the tribe!

posted in Bizarre Plants - 0 replies

Sustainable Cooperative

2006-06-01T19:01:57Z

http://tinyurl.com/n7mqw

I thought of the Costa Rican project spoken of in another thread when I read this article.

posted in Bizarre Plants - 0 replies

RIP Shatter

2006-04-30T17:11:34Z

IN MEMORY OF SHATTER
PLEASE REPOST THIS TO EVERYWHERE YOU SEE FIT ON TRIBE

On 04/28/2006 Shatter (AKA Robert Paulson) suffered from Fatal Tribe Death.

This Profile shall be a Memorial to the life he lead here on Tribe, his contributions, and the lives of all those he affected. He will be missed greatly. No other person on tribe made such an impact on the daily lives of those around him, and those that read his words and wisdom he freely shared with all that knew him.

There will be a Memorial service for him on Wednesday, May 3rd, 2006 at the Glas Kat, 520 4th Street @ Bryant from 9:30pm - 2:30 am. This will be a time of rememeberance for all his friends and family.

Friends of Shatter are encouraged to befriend this profile, and leave their feelings, their words, and testamonials about the man Shatter was.

Even though you are gone, it feels like you are still with us.

Rest in Peace.

For more information about this please visit: http://people.tribe.net/pluvius

Tribe should not be allowed to make these choices. They should be held responsible for their own TOU. Please, read and support. This is my friend.

posted in Bizarre Plants - 0 replies

Mandragora officinarum

2006-04-08T22:12:02Z

Has anyone here ever grown European Mandrake roots?

I am considering this.

Thanks!

posted in Bizarre Plants - 7 replies

SOUND OFF

2006-03-31T06:31:49Z

Ok, while I dont mind people that have an interest in the subject of the tribe but may not like to fully express themselves being here, I do want to make sure everyone who is here is here for help/assistance/information/education/interaction.

Sometime in the next week or so I may attempt a pruning. If you like this tribe, and find it fun and informative, give me a hollah back on this thread. You dont have to say anything special, but some kind of response would be nice.

posted in Bizarre Plants - 31 replies

What is the "PC" term for Wandering JEW?

2006-03-29T21:03:27Z

Anybody?

posted in Bizarre Plants - 15 replies

Hello All

2006-03-23T17:02:00Z

I'm new here and joined because I am trying to identify a plant that grows in Southern Mexico.

It's supposed to produce a lot of oil that can be used in biodiesel.

The picture is in in the photos section. It isn't very good, but if you can help me, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks,

Andrew

posted in Bizarre Plants - 0 replies

Snow Lotus

2006-03-07T21:28:23Z

on the endangerment of the snow lotus
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5222650

posted in Bizarre Plants - 1 reply

Rarest of the rare

2006-03-05T16:13:49Z

I just uploaded a photo of a tree, Plinia puricalensis, endemic to the area of Puriscal in Costa Rica. This is a very deforested area and there are probably not more than 200 of these trees in existence. The fruit are about the size of a large grapefruit and is reported to be edible and quite aromatic. A number of us who are into this sort of thing are starting a small nursery in Puriscal, mostly to reproduce native forest plants and trees of the area in order to attempt reconstruction of the original native forest in certain spots. Luckily there is a brand new but small, national park there, La Cangreja, where most the Plinias are found. This will be the source of most our seed and propagations for our nursery. One of the first trees to be reproduced there will be this Plinia since it is so close to extinction.

posted in Bizarre Plants - 13 replies

iso Huperzia squarrosum

2006-03-03T15:37:39Z

in or around nashville tennessee.....

posted in Bizarre Plants - 16 replies

the reptar mystery...

2006-02-03T20:46:06Z

So, my husband got this plant and we have no idea what it is. It's got a thick, tall stalk *about a foot and a half now* with jagged leaves that feels thick and waxy like an aloe. however, it just has a single stalk AND the really weird part is how it "breeds"...

little cup-like things with tiny roots grow on the tip of each leaf and then drop off and dig in to the soil... they germinate like crazy too!

we've taken to calling them the "Reptar Plant"... take a look:

http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/607/f74/607f7464-5126-4dcc-b15b-3e5391e6913a

posted in Bizarre Plants - 11 replies

New folks

2006-02-02T21:50:49Z

Since we are now a moderated tribe, if you are feeling friendly, let us know who you are! Take a look at the pics, browse some of the older threads, dont be afraid to ask any questions. Someone here always seems to know or have a good idea! We have some wonderful members!

Please welcome Monkey and Brooke, newest members today! Have fun here!

posted in Bizarre Plants - 0 replies

Looking for Damiana (Turnera diffusa) Source

2006-01-23T03:15:47Z

I'm trying to find a Damiana plant for our greenhouse. We grow medicinal herbs and although it wouldn't be commercially viable to grow it ourselves, we like having examples of some of the plants used in our products. From what I hear, the seeds have almost nil germination rate so no one offers them. Richters used to have plants from what I hear, but they only offer dried herb of it now.

Does anyone have any ideas on where I could find one of these?

posted in Bizarre Plants - 5 replies

Moderated Tribe

2006-01-21T18:44:23Z

In an effort to stem the tsunami of tribe spam of unrelated events, listings and threads I just had to clean out, I have made this tribe Moderated instead of Public. What this means is that a person must be invited to join this tribe. However, it does not ahve to be ME that invites, each one of you have the power as well.

Please, help me keep the threads on this tribe ABOUT plants and not about "Landscaper available" or other such unrelated junk.

If any of you have any problems or concerns regarding this change please feel free to pm me. Thanks!

posted in Bizarre Plants - 0 replies

any body know where seeds can be obtained

2006-01-04T20:07:18Z

Sea Onion (Bowiea volubilis) thanks rick picture is in gallery for this group

posted in Bizarre Plants - 1 reply

Another strange unknown

2005-12-16T12:12:10Z

Here's an unknown that I need help with. Flowers look like Bignoneacea but the plant doesn't!

posted in Bizarre Plants - 5 replies

Orchid is derived from the greek work orchis, or testicle

2005-12-16T02:56:48Z

Speaking of sexual images, the pink Lady-Slipper in the gallery may bring other images to mind. However, I believe the name "orchid" (from greek orchis) actually referrs to the plant's roots - not the flower....
Check out the 19th century illustration of a European terrestrial orchid I've added to the gallery. In England the common name for many terrestrial orchids was "dog's stones." See why?

posted in Bizarre Plants - 1 reply

electromechanically modified plants

2005-12-06T01:35:56Z

http://www.we-make-money-not-art.com/archives/007590.php

posted in Bizarre Plants - 0 replies

New Tribe: "Botanical Conservation and Research"

2005-12-04T21:16:12Z

Hi, check out this new tribe if you are interested in protecting plant biodiversity, participate in rare plant propagation or restoration, scientific research, or grassroots conservation efforts.

Thanks,

Cynorkis

-----------------------------------------------------------
Botanical Conservation and Research

This is a forum for individuals interested in understanding and protecting the Earth's botanical diversity. Discuss scientific research, conservation efforts or organizations, rare plant or ecosystem restoration, systematics, funding resources, conferences, and academic institutions.

Keywords: Botany, plants, mycology, bryology, ecology, conservation biology, evolution, horticulture, flowers, pollination, seeds, soil, forests, wetlands, deserts, montane, tropical, temperate, earth.

posted in Bizarre Plants - 1 reply

Have you seen me before. PLEASE TELL ME!!

2005-10-31T11:56:06Z

I posted a pic in this tribe of a plant I have no idea what it is?
Has anyone seen something similar?

posted in Bizarre Plants - 5 replies

FLYS!

2005-10-28T03:36:12Z

My yard is literally covered in flys. I have pets, and I do clean up after them daily, but still the flys.

Any plants that detract flys?

posted in Bizarre Plants - 1 reply

Beautiful, but STINKY!

2005-10-25T02:40:46Z

Have you ever grown a purple fuzzy passion vine? They are as beautiful as can be, all fuzzy and pruple and so seemingly innocent....But........

Ohhh, those orange blossoms, aren't they georgous, especially in contrast to the dark purple fuzzy foliage? Oh, wait a minute? Who forgot to wash their feet, for like two thousand years? That smell, it is rotting stinky parmesean feet! Where is it coming from? Oh, those beautiful flowers!

Needless to say, we cut them off and sent them to the compost before I could take a picture!

posted in Bizarre Plants - 5 replies

Voodoo Lily

2005-10-21T22:13:11Z

I made the main photo of this tribe the beautiful image of the Voodoo Lily that was posted. It looks lovely, but is one of the smelly ones.

Amazing how I had never heard of the corpse flower before last year, only to find out so many other species smell like rotten meat as well!

Thanks for these photos as well!

posted in Bizarre Plants - 2 replies

Carnivorous plant show and sale today in Oakland

2005-09-12T19:47:20Z

BAY AREA CARNIVOROUS PLANT SOCIETY ANNUAL SHOW & SALE

Noon to 4 p.m.
SUNDAY September 11, 2005
Lakeside Park Garden Center Oakland Inside Lakeside Park (Lake Merritt)
666 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland, California 94610

To enter plants, go to www.bacps.org for entry information
For more information: www.bacps.org

posted in Bizarre Plants - 1 reply

cumflowers

2005-09-06T21:06:30Z

now that its summer the cumflowers are releasing their scent. does anyone know what plant or bush this is?

posted in Bizarre Plants - 20 replies

Night-blooming Cereus

2005-08-09T13:48:20Z

Howdy Folks
posted pic of a Night-blooming Cereus blossom. Got turned onto this plant at friends house when it was in bloom one evening. It is intensely fragrant!Seems it only blooms in the evening about once a year or so i'm told. Some native varieties in the Sonoran desert i understand. Wanna know more.

posted in Bizarre Plants - 14 replies

the impossible happened!

2005-07-05T18:58:43Z

I do realize that you cant root orchids form stem cuttings but, a few weeks ago I trimmed a few branches off one of my phalaenopsis and decided that they were too attractive to throw away so I put them in water and set them amoung some other plants, (not orchids) so the other night my husband was looking for buds on the Queen of the night and he said hey your orchids are growing. Well I said impossible and went to see what he was talking about and what did I find but a baby plantlet growing on the side of one of the stems!

The plantlet is about 1 1/2 in tall and has three roots taht are about 1 in long. Now the problem is what do I do next! I don't want to kill it! Do I move it to a pot or keep it in water or what? I hope someone has had this experiance and can tell me what to do next because I have two books on orchids and they just say that you can't start orchids in water!

posted in Bizarre Plants - 4 replies

Corpse flower

2005-07-04T01:31:29Z

Tonight we went to see the blooming corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum) at the SF Conservatory of Flowers. I posted a photo I took.

It was pretty stinky, but not as putrid as I imagined. Apparently we missed the peak stench. When they first open, they emit a horrible stench to attract the beetles which pollinate them.

See details at www.conservatory

posted in Bizarre Plants - 5 replies

dog vomit slime mold

2005-07-01T00:06:53Z

just found a strange looking thing in the woodchips...
anyone know about this...it's interesting..slime molds are fun!

http://botit.botany.wisc.edu/toms_fungi/june99.html

posted in Bizarre Plants - 1 reply

Neem Tree

2005-06-21T22:59:19Z

Anyone know that Neem oil could be used as a sun screen?

I used it in sun all day at river, and my white skin didn't get RED!

THis is an amazing tree, or rather, the oil from it! I have found it to be the BEST spray on sheen for houseplants, and BEST for fighting pests!

Know of any other good uses? Or interesting facts?

posted in Bizarre Plants - 9 replies

Manchineel tree

2005-06-10T23:58:45Z

Ok...not a plant...but a tree I find very fascinating. I've never personally encountered one myself, but was wondering if maybe anyone here might have...

posted in Bizarre Plants - 3 replies

500 yr old Tea

2005-04-29T21:35:12Z

At a loveable little local tea shop, the owner happily waxes poetic as he shares interesting tea lore. Yesterday, I learned that the Tea plant, though usually raised and kept at the stature of a bush, is indeed quite capable of becoming a full grown tree. I just had a few delightful mini-cups of a brew made from a tree estimated to be 500 yrs old. As every cup of tea is different, and every pot of tea one brews is different, I am still searching for words of distinction for this particular tea. It is wonderful and robust but neither bitter nor timid. A pu-erh with a strong yang you can "feel" as you lift the cup to your lips.

posted in Bizarre Plants - 1 reply

Adventures with Hens & Chickens

2005-03-22T21:05:08Z

I have several conies I've started up in the back year, trying out different way to grow them, etc. They are one of the most resiliant plants I've worked with. I've actually tried to kill some of them through various forms of neglect and torture.

Leaving the out of dirt doesn't kill them. They will still manage sto survive if dead. I took a stalk, left it layaround around for a few months in no dirt or water. When teh weather changed and it started getting moist, I saw new growth forming. Tossing chunks of stalk on top of dirt resulted in teh same but faster.

They REALLY take off in potting soil, but so far they've managed to grow on everything from adobe, sand, and even sitting on rock.

I've also found several methods they use to propigate.

First off, they naturally bud. As the grow, new ones will form on the stalk, pushing each othe rout of the way. In a post they will actually crush themselves as much as possible, lookingf or any room.

Second, they send out stalks of really neat colored flowers. What I hadn't seen before, was teh center of the plant suddend thart rapid growth, going straight up instead of out (with leaves) into a really long cone shape, then sending out flower stalks. The flowers contain micro seeds that will spread out, starting new plants.

Thirs way... my most recent dicovery. As one of teh buds pushes out, getting farther and farther from teh main plant, the stalk will die. I found this while cleaning up a group and saw an otherwise healthing looking plant with no roots, sttache dto the main witha VERY dead stalk. I cut it to discover just a small trace of soft tissue still in the middle, but for all practicle purposes, it was dead. When I picked it up to figure out why it was so alive and well, with no visible connection, I saw TINY red hairs on the underside that are the initial devolpment of a root system.

In other words, these succulents actually act like iceplant or ivy in this respect. Getting further and further away from the origin. The idea of this plant branching away from the main root, to form a completely seperate plant is really amazing.

Oh, I also found in a large planter, with a lot of miracle grow, you can get the plant to the size in diameter of a dinner plate.

--S

posted in Bizarre Plants - 8 replies

hamamelis anomaly...

2005-02-20T07:57:22Z

have been growing Hamamelis x intermedia 'Jelena' (witch hazel)
in ideal conditions for 6 years...it flowers with salmon/orange flowers like it is "supposed to" in winter...
and yet it also flowers on the same wood, from the same buds with YELLOW flowers NOW and again IN THE SUMMER!! hunh??!!??
whazzup wit dat?
anyone have any ideas???

I am familiar with the botany of reversions, and deal with them a lot in my gardens, and in clients gardens (especially with variegated hybrids)...but...
flowers of different colors (yellow is the parent stock flower color btw) on the same wood from the same buds and at completely different times of the year? my garden is wack.

---(((not that I'm complaining about 3 flowering seasons on a plant that should get 1...but I just worry that we have really just fucked the planet and here is some more proof! ack!)))---

posted in Bizarre Plants - 6 replies

What the heck are these?

2005-02-03T13:31:08Z

A seed pod found on the east shore of the Hudson in Westchester County, New York. I posted the picture in the tribe photo gallery, labeled "what the heck are these?

Sooo--Anybody know what in the heck they are??

posted in Bizarre Plants - 3 replies

Chocolate Lover?

2005-02-01T00:43:39Z

Attention Chocolate Lovers! Here is a very interesting vine that is hardy to -22°F and evergreen in zones 8 - 9. Red-purple flowers in spring followed by purple, edible sausage-shaped fruits. It's 5" fleshy fruit pods split open when ripe revealing a white gelatinous pulp with a unique tapioca-like flavor.
Chocolate vine grows well on a trellis and smells of white chocolate when the flowers are in bloom. A fun gift for the chocolate lover who can’t get enough of all things chocolate or for the chocolate lover who for whatever sad reasons is not presently eating chocolate and needs this sweet-smelling reminder.

Picture posted in the album. Available at Seedrack.com

posted in Bizarre Plants - 7 replies

The horrid Sea Onion

2005-02-01T00:42:16Z

Here's another weird one, the Sea Onion: http://www.bihrmann.com/caudiciforms/subs/bow-vol-sub.asp

Pics in the gallery.

I have this funny old book called "Fun with growing odd and curious house plants" (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0517516535/qid=1107135082/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/102-7192705-7597768?v=glance&s=books&n=507846) that tipped me off to the Sea Onion, and some of the Stapelias (carrion flowers) which I have a couple of (the less stinky variety). They're beautiful, but do stink!

posted in Bizarre Plants - 1 reply

Parasitic Vine:Chapparral Dodder

2005-02-01T00:39:56Z

As mentioned and pictured in the thread about Elephant tree, the Chapparral Dodder, one of many kinds of parasitic dodders is native to the Western US.
It lacks chlorophyt and subsists on food and water they steal from the host plant. The dodder has yellow-orange stems, that twine around a host branch and attach themselves with small rootlike structures, penetrating the host stem tissue.
As it grows it takes over teh host plant entirely, visually becoming a cloud of orangy-red stems only.

http://elib.cs.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?stat=BROWSE&query_src=photos_flora_com&where-genre=Plant&where-namesoup=Chaparral+Dodder&rel-namesoup=matchphrase

posted in Bizarre Plants - 0 replies

Elephant Tree

2005-02-01T00:33:05Z

Bursera microphylla
Native to Sonoran Desert of the Southwestern US and Mexico, also Islands of the Gulf of California.
Small species with oddly shaped grayish-brown trunk that resembles an elephant's foot, thus the common name.
The base of the trunk is distended due to pressure from its internal canals, which are filled with oils and resins, as well as stored water. The tree has red fruit and glossy, aromatic leaves.

If an animan tries to take and eat one of the leaves, the tree shoots a spray of foul-smelling oil taht can reach over two feet! The scent is extremely hard to remove.

http://helios.bto.ed.ac.uk/bto/desertecology/elephant.htm

Also, see "chapparral dodder", pictured on same link, separate thread.

posted in Bizarre Plants - 1 reply

Where?

2005-01-06T06:04:54Z

What are some good sources for the strange and unusual plant? What are some good catalogs?

Thanks?

posted in Bizarre Plants - 7 replies

Gothic Garden

2004-12-16T01:58:34Z

Knew a friend a few years ago that was working on putting together a "Gothic Garden" meaning every flower in the space needed to be black. Of course the Bat Plant comes to mind, but anybody else have ideas for this type of an adventure? With links and photos!

-P

posted in Bizarre Plants - 2 replies

Corpse Flower

2004-11-24T19:01:37Z

I am fascinated by the Amorphophallus titanum. Has anyone ever seen one in person??? Or should I say, SMELLED one in person...

posted in Bizarre Plants - 20 replies

Links, please add

2004-11-06T16:53:53Z

http://www.weirdandwonderfulplant.co.uk/

http://www.killerplants.com/

http://www.seedman.com/limited.htm

http://www.ethnogens.com/

http://www.mazatecgarden.com/products_directory.htm

http://www.theseedrack.com

posted in Bizarre Plants - 0 replies

cat's claw

2004-11-04T22:40:17Z

Can Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) be grown as a house plant?

posted in Bizarre Plants - 2 replies

Sausage Tree

2004-11-04T21:06:34Z

Sorry, I have not meant to neglect this tribe!

The sausage tree (Kigelia africana (Lamarck) Bentham) of sub-Saharan Africa is beautiful in flower. The blood-red to maroon flowers hang in long panicles. The fragrance of the flower is not pleasing to humans but attracts the dwarf epauleted bat (Micropteropus pusillus), its pollinator. As the flowers drop from the tree, animals come to feed on the nectar-rich blooms: impala, duiker, baboons, bush pigs, and lovebirds.

The common name of the tree is for the startling woody seed pods. Dangling from the tree are sausage-shaped fruits up to a meter in length and weighing 5 to 12 kilograms (39 inches and 11 to 26 pounds). Safari organizers warn people not to park or camp under the trees in March and April when the fruit begins to drop.

The rind of the fruit is used to aid the fermentation of the local brews. The pods are kept as religious charms and fetishes, and produce a red dye when boiled. Ointment made from the fruit is used to treat skin conditions. And Meyer's parrots are fond of the seeds.

Mekoro are dug-outs made of the trunks and large roots of the sausage trees. These canoes have been used for thousands of years as transportation in the Okavango River delta in Botswana.

photo posted!

posted in Bizarre Plants - 5 replies

Snail Vine

2004-10-17T15:28:13Z

I ran across this blooming on a neigbor's fence and got a chance to ask him what it was. Very pretty, and it sounds like the cream variety smells wonderful! Pretty obvious why it is called a snail vine.

Photos in album, too.

http://plantsdatabase.com/go/53274/

posted in Bizarre Plants - 3 replies

Hello?

2004-10-06T22:59:21Z

I have been neglecting my Tribe in general. I do check in. Anyone got anything interesting?

Blame online computer games....

posted in Bizarre Plants - 13 replies

Naturally black blooms

2004-06-30T00:13:44Z

Ok, there are not too many of these, really and truly naturally black flowers. I have quite a few pictures of some species in the album.

Can anyone add to this, description, name, or pics?

posted in Bizarre Plants - 2 replies

In The News

2004-06-27T15:37:07Z

BRAZZAVILLE (Reuters) - A giant three-tiered mushroom which measures a meter (yard) across and was found in the tropical forests of the Republic of Congo has left experts in the capital Brazzaville scratching their heads.

"It's the first time we've ever seen a mushroom like this so it's difficult for us to classify. But we are going to determine what it is scientifically," Pierre Botaba, head of Congo's veterinary and zoology center, told reporters on Thursday.

The giant fungi stands 18 inches high and has three tiered caps on top of a broad stem. The bottom cap measures one meter across, the second one 60 cm and the top one is 24 cm wide, Botaba said.

The bizarre-looking mushroom was found in the village of Mvoula about 38 miles from Brazzaville and transported carefully to the capital by the local chief.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=573&ncid=757&e=8&u=/nm/20040528/od_nm/congo_mushroom_dc

posted in Bizarre Plants - 6 replies

Hawaiian Baby Woodrose

2004-06-03T05:13:51Z

If anybody is familiar with Hawaiian Baby Woodrose you know that it is an amazing plant.

I have found a reliable distributer of untreated seeds and will be placing an order next week.

You can read much about this fine plant at http://www.erowid.org/plants/hbw/hbw.shtml

If you are interested in going in on this order of seeds, message me by the end of June 6.

I will be ordering the following varieties:

Ghana - 25 cents each, 100 seed minimum
(approx 35% germination)

Pacific - 50 cents each, 50 seed minimum
(approx 70% germination)

Hawaii - 1 dollar each, 50 seed minimum
(above 70% germination)

These seeds are untreated and viable.

Cheers,

Justa

ps. not for human consumption /disclaimer

posted in Bizarre Plants - 7 replies

I wanna go to the SF flower conservatory

2004-05-30T01:31:05Z

Uhmmm anyone want to start a little field trip thingy or just go with me. I love just looking at interesting plants and taking pictures of them. I also just recently bought David Attenborough's "The Private Life Of Plants". I loved the book. It's so full of interesting facts. If anyone else another good please link it. thank you mike

posted in Bizarre Plants - 14 replies

http://www.salviasupply.com/

2004-05-29T03:10:51Z

http://www.salviasupply.com

ok I just placed an order with these people the link goes to and I will be giving a full review of their service and products as soon as my shipment gets to me next week sometime.
B-

posted in Bizarre Plants - 12 replies

Indian Almond (Edible)

2004-05-02T17:51:16Z

But who would want to??! Photo posted in the album.

12. Putrid Flowers Of The Indian Almond
Stinking flowers are by no means limited to herbaceous perennials. In fact, a large rain forest tree of the Old World tropics called Indian almond (Sterculia foetida) produces masses of small, reddish-orange flowers with a disagreeable putrid stench. It belongs to the chocolate family (Sterculiaceae) and produces edible seeds inside large, woody pods called follicles. The oily seeds are eaten raw, roasted or fried; however, if consumed in excessive quantities the seeds may have a purgative effect. The smelly blossoms leave a long-lasting, putrid scent in your carrying case or pack. A Costa Rican tree in the custard-apple family (Annonaceae) called "palanco" (Sapranthus palanga) bears cauliflorous blossoms on the main trunk. The flowers are purplish-black when mature and have a strong musky odor resembling a rotting carcass. They are presumedly pollinated by flies or beetles which are attracted to the scent.

Flowers and a seed pod (follicle) of the Indian almond (Sterculia foetida). The species name foetida is derived from the putrid odor of the blossoms. This species is also called "Java almond" and the seeds are eaten raw, roasted or fried.

Flower "scent mimics" that lure carrion insects into their putrid blossoms are some of nature's most fascinating (and successful) experiments in evolution. They certainly represent some of the most fantastic examples of floral diversity. Although they include some of the largest and showiest blossoms in the world, they will probably never be used in a floral arrangement on your dining room table.

posted in Bizarre Plants - 0 replies

Fungus Of : MEGOLAPONERA FOETENS

2004-04-22T02:10:49Z

In the rain forest of the Cameroon in West Central Africa lives a floor dwelling ant known as Megaloponera foetens, or more commonly, the stink ant. This large ant - one of the very few to produce a cry audible to the human ear - lives by foraging for food among the fallen leaves and undergrowth of the extraordinarily rich rain forest floor.

On occasion one of these ants, while looking for food is infected by inhaling a microscopic spore from a fungus of the genus Tomentella. After being inhaled, the spore seats in the ant's tiny brain and begins to grow, causing changes in the ant's patterns of behavior. The Ant appears troubled and confused; for the first time in its life the ant leaves the forest floor and begins to climb.

Driven on by the growth of the fungus, the ant embarks on a long and exhaustive climb. Completely spent and having reached a prescribed height, the ant impales the plant with its mandibles. Thus affixed, the ant waits to die. Ants that have met their ends in this fashion are quite common in some sections of the forest.

The fungus continues to consume first the nerve cells and finally all the soft tissue that remains of the ant. After approximately two weeks a spike appears from what had been the head of the ant. This spike is about an inch and a half in length and has a bright orange tip heavy with spores which rain down onto the rain forest floor for other unsuspecting ants to inhale. http://www.mjt.org/exhibits/stinkant.htm

posted in Bizarre Plants - 6 replies

Calico Flower vine

2004-04-21T17:54:01Z

This plant is native to Brazil, but also grows in Australia and can be propagated much like an orchid it sounds like.

http://www.plantoftheweek.org/week024.shtml

Somehow, it looks like a big, wet mouth, to me, with a tongue that is waiting to smooch you if you get too close!

Two pictures in the album.

posted in Bizarre Plants - 4 replies

Passionflower (passiflora incarnata)

2004-04-04T05:06:00Z

I have a picture of this beautiful item in the photo album. I am posting about it because I happened to notice it is flowering in a neighbors yard. Interesting stuff for ethnobotanists, and pretty too!

The information below is from www.erowid.org

"PASSIONFLOWER
Passiflora incarnata L.;
Passionflower family (Passifloraceae)

A strong perennial vine becoming 20 to 30 feet long. The leaves are three-lobed and deeply toothed. Its flowers are about 2 inches across, white with a purple or pink band around the center. The fruit is yellow when ripe, 1.5 to 2 inches long, edible. Native from Virginia south and west to Florida and Texas.

Cultivation and Propagation: This is the hardiest passionflower. If the roots are protected it will survive as far north as the Pennsylvania border. It prefers a light, rich soil, and does well in dry areas. Passiflora grows readily from the seed, but takes several weeks to sprout. It is best sown on the surface of light soil or peat moss with bottom heat. The young plants may be planted in the open after 6 months. It may be propagated easily by cuttings of half-ripened growth. These should be about 6 inches long; they will root easily in sand and do not require bottom heat. The vines may eventually overgrow and tangle themselves. Thin them out by cutting branches back to their beginnings. Passionflower dies back at the first frost.

Harvesting: The leaves, stems and flowers may be harvested at any time. This is a good way to keep the plant from crowding itself. Each year before the frost kills it, the entire vine may be cut back to the ground, yielding great quantities of herb. It may be dried in the sun or at a low heat. "

Anyone here from the south or have these in their area? I am interested in any personal experience with the effects of it....

posted in Bizarre Plants - 1 reply

Bat Flower

2004-04-04T00:00:35Z

Some of you may have been wondering about the flower that is usually my main photo. No one has asked, but if you are like me, and I assume if you are a member of this tribe, you are like me, then you must have been wondering! :)

Anyway, here is some basic botanical information. The website URL has some gorgeous, big pictures of it in varying stages from someone's personal site.

"Family: Taccaceae. There is only 1 genus in this unique family.
Tacca Chantrieri. Bat Flower. Bat Plant. Ten perennial terrestrial largely rhizomatous herbs.
Leaves to 55 X 22 centimetres. Inflorescence to 25 flowers, scapes (flower stem from base of plant to where the flower actually is) to 63 centimetres Bracts four, green to violet black in color, bracteoles (whiskers, filaments) to 25 centimetres. Thailand, warmer tropical to subtropical Asia, other species inhabit Hawaiian Islands, Polynesia, the Congo & Madagascar."

http://www.sleepyoaks.com/tacca_chantrieri_bat_plant.htm

posted in Bizarre Plants - 0 replies

"Made-to-Order" flowers?

2004-04-03T22:25:51Z

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/05/000512083513.htm

Nature's weirdness isn't enough. :)

posted in Bizarre Plants - 0 replies

dull morning to undull morning

2004-04-03T01:30:37Z

watcha got in those little capsules anyway? :)

I am so irritated, I have been searching ethnobotany sites for a few days for fungal spores and no one will ship to the states.

I like mushroom soup damnit!

posted in Bizarre Plants - 4 replies

Can you ID??

2004-04-02T08:36:12Z

Mystery plant is on page 11. It grows in partial shade in north west Minnesota.

posted in Bizarre Plants - 2 replies

This tribe is cool...

2004-04-02T03:08:19Z

I especially like all the work that has been put in to it to give it content... really nice!
B-

posted in Bizarre Plants - 1 reply

Southern America's Weed

2004-04-01T02:32:38Z

Kudzu. It takes over everything. It grows at an measured rate of 1 foot per minute. It is a Japanes import, planted as a way to fix the earth destroyed by overfarming from the tabacco and cotton industries. It seeds easily, in any dirt, in any location, grows quickly and actually creates nitrogen as a byproduct, thus enriching the soil it is in. I did NOT know that it is considered a cash crop in Japan, as it's roots (tubers, same as potatos) are edible, make a starch that can be used to thicken soups and gravys, it shoots and leaves are edible as salad, and it can be rendered down for a medicinal, milky colored fluid, used to treat hangovers! And in the South, it is so out of control, and unused, it is destroying buildings and publics works faster than they can kill it! Wow.

posted in Bizarre Plants - 5 replies

Indian Pipe, Eyebright, Corpse Flower

2004-03-31T05:50:12Z

Time for a new one folks! Photo in the album of course, labeled "Indian Pipe"

The following is an excerpt from a web page I found with a great description.

http://www.paghat.com/ghostflower.html

Monotropa uniflora is a tiny terribly fragile plant, called Dutchman's Pipe or sometimes Indian Pipe, though my favorite name of many that it possesses is Ghost Flower. It is completely devoid of chlorophyll & grows in the deepest darkest shade of damp forest floors in temperate regions of the Northern hemisphere, including here in the Pacific Northwest. It is found in temperate zones of North America, Japan, the Himalayas, & Europe.

The strangeness of the flower has lent it to legendry. Some thought it looked like a corpse's knotted fist reaching out of a grave, though given its size, it would have to be the fist of an elf or fetus. The little pallid blossoms had a reputation for being clammy to the touch. If prodded in any manner they produce a gelatinous ooze, showing instant bruising, then swiftly turn black, hence that other common name, Corpse Plant."

posted in Bizarre Plants - 1 reply

Can your yard kill you?

2004-03-27T22:00:29Z

Some Common Landscape Plants and
Their Toxic Parts

Yew Taxus seeds
Privet Ligustrum leaves and berries
Sunflower Helianthus annuus all parts, if ingested in excess
Burning Bush Euonymous berries
Jack-in-the-Pulpit Arisaema triphyllum fruits
Bittersweet Celastrus orbiculata, C. scandens fruits
Daphne Daphne mezereum berries
Pokeberry Phytolacca americana berries
Chokecherry Prunus virginiana seeds
Black Nightshade Solanum nigrum berries
May Apple Podophyllum peltatum fruit
Poison Ivy Rhus radicans berries
Oleander Nerium oleander all parts
Rhododendron, Azalea Rhododendron spp. leaves
Castor Bean Plant Ricinus communis seeds
(Originally published as "Learning from Poisonous Plants," by Diane Relf, Extension Specialist, Consumer Horticulture, and
Sheri Dorn, Horticulture Extension Technician, Virginia Tech, in The Virginia Gardener Newsletter, Volume 13, Number 8.)
August 1996

The excerpt above is from a document published by the Center for Disease Control, and is a small example of some of the commonly used poisonous plants in America's yards. Some you may know this, some you may not, but think on this. As with most helpful information, the majority of the people rasing kids, owning cats or dogs, and shopping the garden center of the local Home Depot have no idea.

Remember, in nature, if it has spikes, goo,amazingly showy blooms or really attractive fruit, it is probably not good for you! Nature is a bitch, and will kill you to save herself.

posted in Bizarre Plants - 5 replies

I love the web!

2004-03-20T22:29:04Z

http://www.ethnogens.com/

posted in Bizarre Plants - 1 reply

Oroxylum indicum

2004-03-20T17:12:10Z

Approaching the tree in twilight could be startling - the sight of its long four-foot seed pods curved downward appear to be the wings of a resting vulture. This is a night blooming tropical tree from India, growing to 40' in height. Also known as the Bat Tree because the flowers are pollinated by bats. Highly unusual.

Research is now being conducted on possible anti-cancer compounds found in the plant.

posted in Bizarre Plants - 0 replies

Anyone tried these?

2004-03-20T17:05:14Z

When peeled and cooked, this distinctive carrot is a dark blood-red with great taste and flavor. Very high in Lycopene content (the cancer anti-oxidant) and highly recommended for its nutritional values. A vigorous grower with strong, 12-inch tops, carrots grow to about 9 inches long and 1 1/2 inches in diameter at the shoulders. Turns deeper red, sweeter and milder flavor when cooked.

Photo in album of course.

posted in Bizarre Plants - 0 replies

Natural Black Plants

2004-03-09T05:24:07Z

A Garden as Black as Your Cloak!
by mAlice
article
We reprint the following, with permission, from mAlice's World Wide Web site: http://www.arches.uga.edu/~maliced/gothga../home.html
Check out her site for further gardening lore in the same vein.

The Somber Garden

This is the original theme that gave me the idea for Gothic Gardening and will obviously discuss black (or near-black, since in nature black is a fairly rare color) plants. It seems that about once a month on rec.gardens someone asks the question "Are there any black flowers I can grow?" This list is not all-inclusive, but it's as complete as possible.

Note: I've included many plants in this list that I have no earthly idea of where to find them.

Flowers

Roses: I'm sorry to say, there's just no such thing as a black rose. I could probably write an entire column on near-black roses alone, since this seems to be the black flower everyone wants (but not me... I'd rather have true-black tulips). "Taboo" claims to be the nearest yet, but I found the flowers to be fairly red. The Taboo rose came from Germany, which does earn it some goth points, but it's still not dark enough for me. In Germany, it's known as Barkarole. The experts on rec.gardens.roses recently discussed the question of black roses, and the list of cultivars I have is derived mainly from them. I haven't personally seen many of these roses, so I can't vouch for just how dark they are, and I am most certainly not a rose expert....

(Note: Many people have e-mailed me to tell me many of these roses are nowhere near black. Caveat emptor.)

"Ink Spots": supposed to be slightly darker than "Taboo" and also supposed to be better able to withstand heat. One description was "sooty black over fiery red."
"Ingrid Bergman": dark red rose, highly recommended.
"Oklahoma": dark red buds, a dark, purplish red bloom, hybrid tea rose, also highly recommended.
"Sympathie": a climbing rose with dark red buds.
"Black Jade": a miniature rose that is dark red, reportedly about the same shade as "Ink Spots."
"Brian Donne": another miniature, slightly lighter than "Black Jade."
"Love's Promise": a black/red rose with a raspberry scent.
"Tuscany" and "Tuscany Superb": antique roses, deep red with blackish overtones and lots of fragrance.
"The Squire": a David Austin rose with near-black buds and dark red blooms.
"Souvenir du Dr. Jamain": a Hybrid Perpetual, deep burgundy, with some purple.
"Nuits de Young": a purple-black moss rose.
"The Prince": a dark red-purple English rose.
"Papa Meilland": dark red-black in colder climates.
"Kentucky Derby": similar to Papa Meilland.
"Onyx": a Hybrid Tea, dark red-black.
"Black Tea": not really black, but brown.
"Deep Secret": red-black buds, dark red flower, fragrant.
"Black Lady": again, near-black buds and dark red blooms.
"Cardinal de Richelieu": a dark purple Gallica rose.
"Deuil de Paul Fontaine": a dusky purple-red moss rose. Goth points for the name - it translates to "mourning for Paul Fontaine."
Hollyhocks: Found labeled as Althaea rosea nigra, A. nigra or "The Watchman," these are single saucer-shaped blooms that are a deep, chocolate maroon. This was grown by Thomas Jefferson. I wonder if he was secretly a goth....

Snapdragon: The "Black Prince" cultivar has foliage that is dark green with dark reddish maroon overlay. When it flowers, the blooms are very dark, velvety crimson.

Gladiolus: Cultivars I've seen listed that all seem to be dark black-red, rather than a true black, are "Morocco," "Black Stallion," "Black Swan," and "Bewitched."

Canna lily: The "Black Knight" canna lily doesn't look that dark to me. It's supposed to be deep red with burgundy foliage.

Sunflowers: There isn't any such thing as a black sunflower, but there are several options for dark colored ones... which are a dramatic change from the big, bright yellow ones people are used to. Deep-hued "Evening Sun" sunflowers have deep, rich, earthen tones (mahogany-red, rusty bronze, deep gold, burgundy and bicolored combinations all with dark center disks). Two other dark cultivars I've seen are "Floristan" and "Velvet Queen."

Salvia: Andean Silverleaf or Peruvian Sage, Salvia discolor, has spikes of dark purple-black flowers and silvery foliage. The scent is a combination of fruit, eucalyptus and resin.

Tulips: "Queen of Night" dwarf tulips are a deep velvety maroon, as is "Black Diamond." Supposedly, when tulip breeding was an art several centuries ago, there were black tulips. This is the closest I've seen commercially available. There's also a "Black" Parrot tulip, which is deep purple and has "whipped" petals, and a "Black Hero" double tulip, which is derived from "Queen of Night" and has flowers resembling a peony. I've also seen a listing for the "Black Swan Tulip," Tulipa gesneriana, but I don't know how black it is, or if you can buy it.

Bachelor's Buttons: Also know as cornflowers, there is a deep maroon variety, known as "Black Ball" or "Black Boy."

Columbine: Aquilegia vulgaris has a deep maroon and white spurred variety, which is known as "Magpie" or "William Guiness." A. atrata is the black columbine and has purple-black flowers. A. viridiflora has jade green and black flowers.

Cosmos: The chocolate cosmos has burgundy-black flowers and a slight chocolate scent.

Kangaroo paws: This flower is native to Australia. The black kangaroo paw has flowers and stems that are covered by black hairs - the green barely peeks through.

Fritillaria: F. camschatcensis, also known as the black rice root lily, black lily, chocolate lily, or Black Sarana, has bell-like flowers that are ruby-black. F. davisii has deep-green bell flowers that are heavily tessellated with purplish-brown so they appear black. F. persica has spikes of very dark plum flowers.

Daylilies: The darkest daylily cultivar I've seen is "Smoking Gun," which is a maroon-brown-black color with yellow star points. There are lots deep red-black and purple-black daylilies, including "Eleventh Hour," "Night Raider," "Cairo Night," "Vintage Bordeaux," "Dominic," "Ed Murray," "Khans Knight," "Midnight Magic," "Night Wings," "Super Babe" and "Troubled Waters."

Scabiosa: Also known as the pincushion flower, the "Satchmo" variety is a deep maroon. These are excellent cut flowers.

Hyacinth: "Distinction" isn't that close to black but is deep cherry with a maroonish-black stripe down the center of each petal. Simply gorgeous.

Dianthus: Dianthus includes pinks, carnations and sweet william. Dianthus nigricans has very dark flowers, and there is a cultivar known as "King of Black," which I haven't seen, but I suspect is dark. There is also a cultivar that is deep purple-black with white edging, which I've seen named "Velvet and Lace" or "Black and White Minstrel." I've seen mention of a black carnation, but the closest I've found is a deep crimson variety, "Douglas Phu." Sweet william, Dianthus barbatus, has a variety called "Sooty," which is near black and has green-black leaves.

Dahlia: The pompom form of this flower has several deep purple-black varieties available, including "Glenplace," "Moorplace," and "Black Tuber."

Nemophilia: This is a very short plant with penny sized blooms. "Penny Black" has flowers black flowers edged with white, and "Freckles" has white flowers covered with tiny black spots.

Poppy: The peony-flowered poppy has a black cultivar, sometimes listed as "Black Cloud." These are a deep purple-black.

Iris: Unlike other flowers, black varieties seem to plentiful in the iris family. Bearded iris varieties include "Superstition," "Study in Black," "Licorice Stick," "Swazi Princess," "Night Ruler," "Hello Darkness," "Paint It Black," "Night Owl," "Black Tie Affair," and "Before the Storm." There's the "Black Gamecock" Louisiana iris. And the Chinese iris, Iris chrysographes, has a black, non-frilly flower.

Butterfly Bush: The "Black Knight" cultivar has blue-black flowers.

Hellebores: Hellebores are one of those flowers that have a range of colors from white to near-black. They are prized by many because they are in bloom in late winter, when not much else is growing, let alone blooming. The H. orientalis hybrid "Atrorubens" is fairly easy to find and has plum colored flowers. However, there are blacker varieties out there; they're just more difficult to find. Some blackish-purple strains I've seen listed include "Alberich," "Andromeda," "Ballard's Black," "Black Knight," "Castor," "Pollux" and "Sorcerer." "Nigricans" is indigo blue-black, and "Philip Ballard" is a very dark blue-black. I've also seen some stunning pictures of H. torquatus, which grows wild in (the former) Yugoslavia. The flower color is variable, with dark plum, violet-black, grey (!), and green inside/black outside all seen. This is often the species used to hybridize H. orientalis to get the darker colored flowers.

Geraneum: Geraneum phaeum has very dark purple flowers. It was once known as Mourning Widow because its flowers are so dark.

Sweet Peas: Grown for the blooms, not a vegetable. "Pageantry" is a beautiful deep red-purple. Sweet peas are found most commonly in mixes, though, and almost all the mixes will include a deep maroon or deep purple one.

Primrose: There are very deep purple primroses that look almost black available at most nurseries. There is also a gold-laced primrose, "Black and Gold," which has a yellow eye at the center of the flower, nearly black petals and a rim of yellow on each petal (the "lacing"). There are show auriculas that have white centers and black petals, although the color of the petals is obscured by either a grey-green or green color, so that there's only a ring of black around the center.

Heather: The darkest colored heather I've seen mentioned is a cultivar of Erica cinerea known as "Velvet Night." The blooms are supposed to be purple-black.

Rudbeckia: An unusual daisy, "Green Wizard" has only green sepals (no petals), and a prominent black cone. Very odd.

Viola or pansy: Violas and pansies are not the same flowers but are often listed interchangeably. The black pansy really looks black, although you can see the slightest hint or purple around the yellow eye. I've seen it listed as "Bowles Black," "Black Prince," "Molly Sanderson," and "Black Magic."

The Gothic Gardening "Black Thumb" award goes to Clive Lundquist for sending all of the following suggestions for black flowers:

Arum conophalloides var. caudatum: Gorgeous, deep purplish black arum.
Eminium rauwolfii: As above but very black. Needs dryness.
Trillium sessile: Commoner, blacky/purplish "flower."
Calochortus nigrescens: Black hairy flowers but needs warmth and likes it dry in winter.
Roscoea scillifolia: Very black, very small, short-lived flowers
Gladiolus atroviolaceus: Needs dry summer, black flowers in spring.
Arisaema ringens / triphyllum: Black, gorgeously gothy.
A. speciosum / griffithii: Brownish but still very gothy aroids.
Bellevalia pycnantha: Deep browny-black grape hyacinth.
Muscari commutatum: As above.
Iris nicolai: Black and white flowers in midwinter (often called I. rosenbachiana black and white).
Ornamentals

Clover: Black four-leaf clover, Trifolium repens "Purpurascens," is actually chocolate brown with light green edges.

Tiarella: False Miterwort has a new cultivar known as "Inkblot," which has glossy leaves that are green on the edges, but blackish in the center. It has light pink flowers in the spring (cut 'em off!).

Heuchera: The "Pewter Moon" variety of this plant has purplish black leaves with a silver gloss.

Pussy willow: The black pussy willow comes from Japan. The catkins are so dark that they appear black against the red twigs.

Black Mondo Grass: Ophiopogon planiscapus "Nigrescens" is not actually a grass (it's really a member of the lily family). It has purple-black leaves and small pink flowers that are followed by glossy black berries.

Bamboo: Phylostachys nigra has pitch black stems. Warning: Bamboo is usually invasive. Grow it in a pot.

Ornamental Sweet Potato: Ipomoea batatas "Blackie" has black leaves and stems.

Taro: The "Jet Black" ornamental taro is actually deep burgundy.

Fountain grass: Black fountain grass, Pennisetum alope "Moudry," has ribbon foliage with ebony seed plumes. P. staceum "Rubrum" has bronze-purple leaves and flower spikes.

Smoke Bush: The "Royal Purple" cultivar has foliage that opens red but matures to a deep purple. The flowers are feathery purple plumes.

Carpet Bugle: Ajuga "Royalty" has midnight purple leaves. This is used as a ground cover and can be walked on!

Ornamental Pepper: Capsicum annuum "Black Prince" has black-purple foliage. The young fruit is red but turns black as it matures.

Durum (ornamental wheat): "Black Bearded" durum has cream-colored heads that splay out into 4- to 6-inch stiff bristles, which turn dark black when mature. "Black Eagle" has glumes that are partially black and continue onto the awns.

Broomcorn (sorghum): Two varieties are of interest: "Black Kafir" has black club-shaped heads. "Black Amber" has amber seeds covered with a shiny black coating.

Oats: Yet another ornamental grain, the "French Black" cultivar has jet black heads. All of the ornamental grains work well for unusual flower arrangements.

Vegetables

Everyone knows eggplants are nearly black, but here are a few unusual black vegetables....

Tomato: "Black Krim," "Black Prince" and "Southern Nights" are all varieties that produce black tomatoes, which are really a dark brown-red or garnet. All of these varieties are heirlooms from Russia. The reason these tomatoes are black is that they retain their green pigment even as they develop the red pigment... other tomatoes lose the green.

Lettuce: The "Ibis Hybrid" variety is such a dark red that it appears black. Another "greens" alternative is Tatsoi, which is an oriental green with black-green spoon shaped leaves.

Bell pepper: There are chocolate peppers, which are really dark brown, but closer to black is the "Purple Beauty" cultivar, which as you may have guessed is very dark purple.

Black Spanish radish: One of the oldest of heirloom vegetables, black Spanish radish has been cultivated since the sixteenth century. The skin of the roots is deep, deep, purple, almost black, with white flesh. Of course, you can't see the roots while it's growing, but you could always prepare a gothic salad of black lettuce, black tomato, black bell pepper and black radish.

Black Aztec corn: A sweet corn that should be eaten when the kernels are white but will turn black when fully mature. This was apparently the first corn noted by the Europeans in 1493.

Basil: This is an herb, not a vegetable. The "Dark Opal" variety has very dark purple leaves. It is excellent for flavoring vinegars and oils.

Snap Beans: The "Royal Burgundy" or "Purple Tepee" varieties have beans that are almost black - but unfortunately turn green when cooked.

Fruit: This is a fairly common province of black in nature, including black cherries, black raspberries, blackberries and black plums. These are all really common, so look them up yourself.

I HAVE POSTED A PICTURE IN THE PHOTO ALBUM OF RUDBECKIA, AKA GREEN WIZARD

posted in Bizarre Plants - 2 replies

Plants that eat Meat

2004-03-09T04:28:27Z

I am sure you have all heard of the venus flytrap, and maybe even the pitcher plant, but have you seen the Sundew? Beautiful. Bizarre. Deadly.

Check out the photo album for two pictures of this gorgeous thing.

posted in Bizarre Plants - 0 replies

Purely drug uses

2004-03-09T04:19:06Z

If this is all you want to know about psychoactive plants, fine. Go here.

http://www.erowid.org/psychoactives/psychoactives.shtml

posted in Bizarre Plants - 0 replies

Great place to buy seeds

2004-03-09T04:15:31Z

http://seedrack.com/

Buy direct or check out his Ebay listings. Really unusual stuff, great sowing information, nice pictures!

Tell him eris1 sent you.

posted in Bizarre Plants - 0 replies