Glad for Glads

Glad for Glads

Last time I wrote about how I have fallen for Streptocarpus flowers, well, I have "fallen"for a gazillion flowers in this place! Another genus that is well represented in this beautiful place is the genus Gladiolus. Now, most of us know Glads as a special type of flower reserved for the most posh of gardens. I, however, have managed to record eight species growing here in the wild. They are uber spectacular and bumping one while walking always seems to take ones's breath away. Here's a little gallery of the species that I have so far encountered. Remember, all photos have been taken by me, with my trusty old phone, here on the estate...

I mean, like, how's the G.ecklonii (third from the top)? Have you ever seen anything quite as spectacular? If you have not yet seen some of the above, then it's time to start walking this place (when the time is right, of course). Give me a call when you're here and, if the time is right, let's go walking...

Next time I'm gonna show you some Orchids I have found here. Not as many as Lesley Baardman has recorded yet but I'm on my way!

Beautiful Streptocarpus flowers!

STREPTOCARPUS PLANTS

Wow! Since I have been here, I have fallen completely for a certain genus of plant. It's called Streptocarpus, which means "Twisted Seed". Once the seed has germinated, it has a set of two cotyledons (Dicotyledon) or seed leaves and a tap root. As the plant matures only one of these cotyledons continue to grow and become the leaf while the other withers away. The plant then forms fibrous roots while the tap root withers away too. Therefore, you get a small plant consisting of a petiole (leaf stalk) and a leaf blade, no true leaves, really. The flowers are always spectacular, and are geared mainly (except for S.dunnii which may use birds for pollination.) to attract moths and mosquitoes for pollination in their dark, dank habitat. I have, so far, managed to find, photograph, identify and record six species of this magnificent plant on the Estate. Attached are photos of these. If, when the time is right, you would like to see some of these, give me a call and we will try to find them. It will, I guarantee you, require some serious adventuring because they live in deeeeeep, daaark places!!!

 Streptocarpus cyaneus

 Streptocarpus dunnii

 Streptocarpus galpinii

 Streptocarpus hilburtianus

 Streptocarpus polyanthus comptonii

Streptocarpus wilmsii