Aeschynanthus seed pod

Thought maybe someone might possibly be interested in seeing what a young seed pod looks like. Okay, long shot, but I'm jaw-droppingly surprised that it took. This is my first successful hand-pollination of a gesneriad. Oh, wait, it's not, but this is the first dramatic one. LOL. I think I'm hooked an want more houseplants that form these beans....

So the trick with gesneriad flowers is, as I recently learned, that the flower goes through two stages. In the first, the pollen is prominent. In the second, the stigma is prominent. So, in order to pollinate, you want to take the pollen from a new flower and stick it on the stigma of an older flower.

Hmmm, could this be x-rated? LOL! Way to Go, Keyring. That's always sounded very interesting but have never thought of trying. It's a good way to get your own hybrids!

A question, I recently joined the AGS and was wondering if that is where you got your mixed variety of seeds. Did they send them to you for joining?

Keep us posted on your processes. That would be an interesting thread-all the steps, etc.

Susan

Yes, that's how I got the mixed seeds. I've also ordered more seeds from them (currently sprouting), as well as the GHA (ges. hybridizing assoc.). Many gesneriads as so easy from seed and grow so rapidly (keep in mind the other family I grow a lot of is orchids) that it's a little addictive.

Beautiful pic! Good Luck with that seed pod!

MsC

I was a day too late and I have these dandelion like fluffs flying around!

That one is a neat one, Keyring. Are you going to share the seeds?
:) Donna