| Neutral | Monocromatico | On Sep 30, 2003, Monocromatico from Rio de Janeiro
Brazil (Zone 11) wrote:This is a 3-5m tall shrub, with broad, heart shaped leaves. The flowers are single, bell shaped, with pink or white variations, always with remarked veins (on the pink flowers, these veins are darker, almost red).
The interesting point about this plant is the pollination. The flowers have an unpleasant smell that turns stronger at night (you can not sense it unless you stick your nose in it). The flower, at night, leaves the bell shape behind and opens the petals, exposing the yellow reproductive organs. Bats are atracted by this smell, so they visit the flower after its nectar. You can always hear flapping wings at night near this plant. The flowers stay on the plant for several nights (I´m not sure for how long, exactly)
It needs full sun, but tolerates some shade. It likes sandy soil with some organic components. Water it regularly, and keep it warm all the year. |
One member has or wants this plant for trade.
