Sunday, December 20, 2009

Poison Arrow Vine


Poison Arrow Vine
Strophanthus preussii
(stroh-FAN-thus) (PREW-see-eye)

Today’s Flower is a native of the tropical part of West Africa. It doesn’t tolerate cold temperatures (doesn’t survive below 40 deg.F) but can be grown as a houseplant in colder zones. Preuss' Strophanthus is kind of a shrubby vine that can reach 10 feet tall under the right conditions. The flowers have a light and pleasant scent. I am including the second picture not because it is a good picture but for you to see the interesting tentacles or hair that the flower develops. The common name comes from the use of the sap on arrow tips in its native realm.


As a bonus here is probably the nicest Daylily I saw all year. Part of the Woodside Nursery stable of beautiful Daylilies this flower knocked me out when I saw it.


Hemerocallis 'Bridgeton Elegance'

For more flower pictures from around the world check out:
Today’s Flowers . The links open at 1400 GMT.

14 comments:

Chubskulit Rose said...

Is it really poisonous? Its pretty!

Today's Flower at my end Merry Christmas!

Blossom HIDUP BERANI UNTUK GAGAL said...

The Daylili looks like an orchid. So beautiful.
And the poison one is beautiful as well.

Chie Wilks said...

great shots of these beautiful flowers even they are slowly withering...the daylily is indeed beautiful

mine is up too

Carletta said...

The vine is quite unusual - thanks for sharing it!
I love the yellow center and edged petals of the daylily - I don't think I've ever seen one like this.

jabblog said...

The vine is really interesting - not a plant to grow where there are young animals or children I guess.
The hemerocallis is so pretty.

Unknown said...

The flowers are just okay... but those little hairs/tentacles really transform the plant into something I would want to grow for some reason. Thanks for including that second photo. :)

eden said...

I haven't seen that vine here. thanks for sharing info about it. I love your daylilies.

My entry

Carver said...

Both of the flowers are so beautiful.

Al said...

You know what is good in joining this meme is that you got to learn more about flowers, like the first one, I haven't seen them before and I thank you for sharing it as well as with the information about it.

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

AL

ellen said...

Gorgeous! Really light up my day. Merry Christmas to you and to your family!

SandyCarlson said...

Stopping here thawed me out and took me out of time. Two beautiful things. Thanks.

rinzo said...

Stunning! Please visit my very first entry in today's flower. Blessed Xmas and Happy New Year to you and to your family!

lazyclick said...

Simply beautiful

Anonymous said...

The vine is very interesting. Thank you for sharing the information.
The Hemerocallis 'Bridgeton Elegance'is stunning.
Great shots!!
Merry Christmas.