Babiana ringens - the South African baboon flower grows in the South Africa - Karoo section of the UC Botanical Garden. The Great Karoo, a region of hot, arid plains: A vast landscape where an amazing 9000 plant species appear (www.centralkaroo.ca.za/).
Photos Courtesy : University of California Botanical Garden
Arisaema sikokianum - the cobra lily grows in the Garden's Asia section, encompassing microclimates and habitats from sunny havens to shady glens. I'm besotted by the dazzling shapes and forms of these botanical treasures!
Regardless of the time of year, a visit to the UC Botanical Garden surprises and delights.
Cornus florida urbiana ... Mexican dogwood, growing in the UCBG Mesoamerica section.
Plants from mountainous areas, as well as the cloud forests of Mexico and Central America
appear in this area of the Garden. Gardeners in the San Francisco Bay Area incorporate many of these species into our mixed borders, from agaves and dahlias to salvias and fuchsias. Click on link for more on the University of California Botanical Garden:
What strange, beautiful plants. It never ceases to amaze me the different shapes and colors that flowers come in. Thank you for sharing these great examples.
ReplyDeleteHi Alice~~ The Babiana is to die for. I love pink. LOL . The flowers are equally enchanting. It must be an amazing place.
ReplyDeleteWhat fascinating flower forms! The cobra lily appeared in a presentation I saw recently. It grows in Toronto! Though, likely, not in *my* garden. And that baboon flower is something else!
ReplyDeleteThat cobra lily is crazy cool! Looks like it coulda' been Audrie's sidekick in Little Shop of Horrors. Not sure what I like better, the nifty pitcher-like flower or the cool patterned leaves.
ReplyDeleteazplantlady,
ReplyDeleteI'm equally fascinated by Arizona's growing conditions, and the flora that thrives in your region ;-)
Grace,
That pink was chosen specially for you!
Helen,
I've grown two Arisaema species - one vanished, while the other continues to hang on, albeit, just barely. I wouldn't be surprised if the species pictured has a starring role in countless presentations - what a stunner!
The geographic spread of the UCBG's collections is compelling - I've hardly touched upon the overall scope of the gardens.
Dirt Guy,
ReplyDeleteCan I be a 'soil producer' when I grow up?? Pleeeeez!
Hi Alice, I love that Mexican dogwood. Love the way the bracts curl up over the flower. Really neat.
ReplyDeleteWow, what beautiful unusual flowers. Looks like a great place to visit.
ReplyDeleteI love the word 'babiana.' i could just pronounce it over and over all day! I still can't believe that these incredible plants are in the same UC Berkeley garden that I go to. You have a way of finding all the cool stuff!
ReplyDeleteThe cobra lily look so elegant. Thanks for sharing all these exotic, never seen them in my place.
ReplyDeleteI love the Mexican Dogwood! I've always been fascinated by Dogwoods - there are not many around here.
ReplyDeleteI love your description, "besotted". What a word!
ReplyDeleteFantastic garden, fantastic plants, fantastic post! I am standing by for future posts. I want to visit this garden so much! Thanks for the peek.
Hi Alice, what a fabulous place! I love going to all botanical gardens wherever we travel. Looks like Berkeley's is a really good one. :-)
ReplyDeleteFrances
I too like Botanical gardens - especially the plants under glass where you see the fantastical flowers that take your breath away!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely collection of unusual flowers.
ReplyDeleteAlice:
ReplyDeleteArisaema sikokianum is definitely a plant to be besotted over. I love this selection with the silver chevron in the centre of the leaf. It was the biggest seller at the nursery two years ago when I worked and marvelled at Lost Horizons. I simply must find me one..... they were always sold out when I wanted to add one to my collection! A divine post by friend!
PS- The melianthus is my latest zonal denial project for next year. Grace has a wonderful specimen and I am after following her lead, even if it has to be in a container!
Fantastic flower forms. It's truly amazing to see the different shapes of flowers.
ReplyDeleteThose are so exotically beautiful. I really like the cobra lily. Quite spectacular.
ReplyDeleteSo darn beautiful - especially the Mexican Dogwood! Thanks for sharing these...one more place you've introduced me to that I must visit!
ReplyDelete