It will be of no surprise that an attractive plant has been found in this particular genus. One in which has been so highly regarded by the garden, the country and indeed the world. Rhododendron has seamlessly found a home in many of our hearts. In all the countries I have lived in, I am always asked about our sophisticated Scottish counterparts who scour for prized Rhododendron.
During a post-Christmas amble through the garden I decided to venture into the glasshouses; Pigs & blankets, turkey included. A safe haven within the warmth of the collection and less strenuous activity post-Christmas. Despite being based at the botanics for a few years now I always seem to find something new, hidden to me previously through inexperienced eyes or brought into focus when showing off. This day was no different. Rhododendron himantodes was practically eye level when immersed within the cloud forests of Borneo. Tucked into a nearby tree the plant poked perfectly out catching my attention. The narrow strap foliage was complimented beautifully with an explosion of white flowers in the upper half of the plant. However, it was the back of the flowers which caught my eye. The backs matched my complexion, pasty white with freckles. The leopard print patterning permeated through the back of the flower, diffusing into the floral performance.
It would not be fair to mention this plant without paying tribute to the collector. The late George Argent who collected it in Sarawak, Malaysia, 1978. This plant resides in the Montane Tropics glasshouse.
So I have some exciting news! Scottish Rock Garden Club has made its first official podcast available on Anchor or on Spotify. Just a short one on Greek mythology and plants! Please contact me directly (on Facebook or email) for subjects you would like to discuss. People you would like to listen too or learn more from. If you would be interested in being on the podcast message me too! I still need to get to grips with some of the software but it should be possible soon! The SRGC website is www.srgc.net ! Cheers 🌱 🌸 🌱 https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fanchor.fm%2Fconnor-smith57%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0LWiMvITVOnrxs5jwSH1uYy1Wjbb9zq1Uq1uYKOy0r3o6xRFDsohEskyA&h=AT0CxT8VfcnJ5mtuG4QwhXwQI1TsoAieVnl-Z_VseYNdZim7OAxWQlPcIWAoa_9Vi4avZp9aeoctpUL8KDNqgC98P2yb73k6r9Keb940FrCedZTevrcwHLVdG1__eiGMzGQ-Jeb42PmvkSBuzG2iltlx9FK5I3j2EpKO59bKB4oUkNWCnrXi0pdiq8M1yg1p280IeYiBMwqkJNBYXg944g5oZB3RNlVoSQrFZt-lgFilVw4UwocTg9UDXjU7c_77PmvdMIqBwGBweKDTSDE6OQeP_cYa_egaO0c611xuP2_cUHehR_KrH7hIcZdT...
All plants have stories. The Botanics over its 350 years has managed to create many, from intrepid tales of plant hunters to discovering plants new to science. Some you hear these stories during walk rounds as a student, others across the canteen table, uncovered in the library and latterly the internet with increasing ease. One of the rather unassuming plants newly planted by the monkey puzzles is Berberis empetrifolia . If you haven't heard of it you are not missing much to be perfectly honest. Phenotypically it is distinctly lacking ornamental prowess to catch the eye. It's low growing, prostrate habit shows a tough life of having to live in the subalpine to alpine areas in the rocky Andes. However, when you dig a little deeper you unveil a rather interesting story. A recently planted wild collected specimen of Berberis empetrifolia B. empetrifolia is often overshadowed by its distant cousin. Berberis darwinii . Which was found by Charles Darwin i...
Seeds are phenomenal structures which have adapted incredible ways to disperse. One of the most eye-catching seed pods in the garden at this time of year is the long, drooping blue fingers of Decaisnea insignis. The common name "Dead Man's Fingers" originates from the supposed similarity of the fruit or 'fruitlet' feeling like a cold human finger. These exotic fruits are in the Lardizabalaceae family, a rather small family of mostly climbers. Decaisnea insignis is native to China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar with a small population in India. It grows at a range of altitudes and has a respectable hardiness of around -15C. It is a popular ornamental plant. Specimens can be seen in the Chinese Hillside and the west of the Rock Garden. Now the exciting bit. The unusual seeds intrigued me when peeled open they reveal an odd translucent pulp which is surrounding the small flat black seeds. It reminded me of a jelly snake sweets you would purchase as a child....
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