One of the most beautiful flowers of the desert is dune evening primrose (
Oenothera deltoides). It's also called birdcage evening primrose or devil's lantern. When I saw the flowers for the first time, those other names didn't make sense to me. I read that when the plant dies, the stems curl upwards into what looks like a birdcage. Even though I found a few photos online, I still couldn't believe this beautiful, delicate flower could end up looking like that. Well, this year I found irrefutable proof, up close and personal. Amazing! Mother Nature sure has a sense of humor...
If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies.
~ Unknown
Posts
I have a variety of oenothera that is upright with a yellow flower, a peppery fragrance and blooms at night. Years ago when I worked in a nursery a lady from Germany said, "I can't believe you have those. It's a weed where I come from!"
ReplyDeleteIt's always interesting how different people view different plants and flowers. I think sometimes we overlook real beauties!
ReplyDeleteFascinating! I think I've seen that kind of flower before but never noticed the plant in the birdcage stage.
ReplyDeleteHow does it disperse its seeds though? Do they just fall out when it rolls?
ReplyDeleteHi, Anonymous. Good question. I did a quick search and didn't find much but this: "Oenothera deltoides possesses no known specialized dispersal mechanisms, and the majority of seedlings are found nearby adult plants." So apparently the seeds simply fall where the plant sits.
ReplyDeleteWelcome partners, its magnificent piece of making concerning teachingand totally portrayed, keep it up continually.
ReplyDeletemae hong son Thailand tour
Your own one of a kind duty to getting the message all through came to be somewhat capable and have reliably empowered workers quite recently like me to land at their coveted objectives.
ReplyDeleteBest IPA
Thank you Leslie for your beautiful blog. I wish to use your photo of the birdcage in my blog about flower essences. I am from Europe and here there arent Dune Primroses, so I can´t take a picture like that. Thank you again!
ReplyDelete