Plants to that can give you nightmares

[Daren]

I found this info on Aristolochia salvador platensis........but thought worth the read

“You are going to have to go a long way to find a flower more sinister than the amazing
Aristolochia salvador platensis. Looking like a Halloween death mask, or Darth Vader's full-face helmet, this species is so rare that hardly anything is known about it.
It is a member of the Aristolochiaceae family which includes over 500 species. Its members are commonly known as birthworts, pipevines or Dutchman’s pipes and are widespread and occur in the most of the world’s diverse climates.
Native to Brazil, this large woody climber can be found in open flood plains. In fact its descriptive name ‘platensis’ means wet sedge meadows.
It has a smooth bark and its distinctive mask shaped flowers are produced from April until June. Each flower has distinctive cream-coloured ‘eye sockets’ fringed with succulent purple hairs.
There is good reason behind the conspicuousshape and purple patterning of the flowers. This because they are intended to both look and smell like rotting flesh, something they achieve with nauseating excellence. This mimicry has evolved in order to attract its insect pollinators.
The membrane at the back of the ‘eye sockets’ is extremely thin and allows light through. These act like a tiny windows and attracts pollinating insects which fly towards this creamy light.
This area houses the sexual parts of the flower, and once inside the insect is imprisoned by specialist downward facing hairs.
When the insect has been trapped for long enough it will become covered in pollen. The imprisoning hairs wither and the insect is free to go and pollinate another flower.”

 

[alp]

Lovely article .. fun to read as well. Well found, Daren.. Bet you must have just recovered from your hang over!

 

[Daren]

Lovely article .. fun to read as well. Well found, Daren.. Bet you must have just recovered from your hang over!

Took the day off lol .....Looked out the window & see rain then popped my head out the door when it had stopped & found it cold add that to being a little drained & missing a few brain cells and decided better not drive today or work at all. Should of had the sense to say no to some of the pints lined up on the pub bar

 

[alp]

That will teach you not to be so greedy .. We have had no rain here in Essex. Just freezing cold.. What is wrong with the weather this year. The weather and the dry air frustrate me no end.

 

[DeborahJane]

View attachment 20026

I found this info on Aristolochia salvador platensis........but thought worth the read

“You are going to have to go a long way to find a flower more sinister than the amazing
Aristolochia salvador platensis. Looking like a Halloween death mask, or Darth Vader's full-face helmet, this species is so rare that hardly anything is known about it.
It is a member of the Aristolochiaceae family which includes over 500 species. Its members are commonly known as birthworts, pipevines or Dutchman’s pipes and are widespread and occur in the most of the world’s diverse climates.
Native to Brazil, this large woody climber can be found in open flood plains. In fact its descriptive name ‘platensis’ means wet sedge meadows.
It has a smooth bark and its distinctive mask shaped flowers are produced from April until June. Each flower has distinctive cream-coloured ‘eye sockets’ fringed with succulent purple hairs.
There is good reason behind the conspicuousshape and purple patterning of the flowers. This because they are intended to both look and smell like rotting flesh, something they achieve with nauseating excellence. This mimicry has evolved in order to attract its insect pollinators.
The membrane at the back of the ‘eye sockets’ is extremely thin and allows light through. These act like a tiny windows and attracts pollinating insects which fly towards this creamy light.
This area houses the sexual parts of the flower, and once inside the insect is imprisoned by specialist downward facing hairs.
When the insect has been trapped for long enough it will become covered in pollen. The imprisoning hairs wither and the insect is free to go and pollinate another flower.”
View attachment 20029

EeEEekkk!!! Those flowers are enough to give you nightmares but fascinating.

 

[Tetters]

YESS!!! Send me some seeds... amazing stuff. There`s this bloke down the road who is using poison and killing the hedgehogs. This could wreak revenge.....

 

[alp]

@Tetters You've given me a good laugh .. Haha! Your emojis are sinister enough ..

 

[Becky]

How interesting!

This seems appropriate given that today is Star Wars Day:

May the 4th be with you