I dug up all my T. venosums last fall so I could rework the bed they were in and the largest is blooming now. It should open Tuesday or Wednesday.
Here's a coupla pix.
The bloom is 21 inches from the top of the tuber to the tip of the bloom. (That's a red one foot ruler in the shot).
Robert.
Edited to correct major mindlessness.
This message was edited Mar 23, 2006 2:49 PM
Here's a closer view. You can see the spadix just peeking through a small opening in the spathe.
Robert.
Look what happened overnight....
The "fragrance" reminds me of that chemical "butter" they put on popcorn at some cinemas mixed with the dry odor of a chicken coop. Mmmmmmm!
Robert.
Closer view.
Smell the stench!
Robert.
Here's a better view of the tip of the bloom showing how the spadix fits into a little pocket in the spathe which keeps the spathe in a nice draped position instead flopping down.
Robert.
I used to grow these, but the smell always got to me. Spells like rotten meat to me, but sure makes a pretty plant when you can move it outside.
Susan
BIG BOO-BOO!
And I'm just now catching it.....D'OH.So very sorry! (I blame it on Mercury being retrograde.)
It's obviously what was once called Sauromatum guttatum var. venosum etc. and is being reclassified as Typhonium venosum.
So how do I change the topic header? [ Done and thank-you DG staff! You're the best!]
Anywhooo, later that first day, the smell changed to one like some weird form of rubber, to me anyway. The next day, there was no scent at all and the spathe collapsed. I cut it open (pix later) and collected the pollen to use on my other bulbs when (if) they bloom.
Robert.
Edited to correct major lapse de la tete.
This message was edited Mar 23, 2006 2:51 PM
