what's this???

Fiund it in the roots of my failing aspidistra. Mus be a world record, for the only gardener to be able to kell one - or nearly do so.

Is is nice or a nasty?

 

I've killed one, too, Waco! :D Is it a gall? If so, not nice! :(

 

It is flowering

http://www.thegardener.btinternet.co.uk/diarysept02.html

 

Clever, PwaP (nice to see you again). I wondered but have never seen one flowering. May have to PM Waco so she doesn't chuck it out as it looks like she's about to! :D

 

I think it is very rare for them to flower,I had one that flowered but I thought one of the children had put an imitation flower in the pot and wasn't till I pulled it out that I realised it was attached they feel very waxy n plasticy to the touch and was a pale pinky mauve,
"WELL DONE YOU"!!!! :D :D

 

Mine has flowered most years since it got to be a good size. They are not much to look at but it is rather rewarding, since most people haven't seen them before.

I will have to go and see if mine has buds on it. But it isnt quite as happy in our current house. Central heating tends to make the air too dry for them to be really happy.

 

I seem to remember reading somewhere that the strange thing about the aspidistra flower is thats it pollenated by slugs, not sure if its true though. :D

 

It says so in P with a P's link, Pete -

"Aspidistra flowers are borne at soil level, as they are pollinated by slugs and snails! This is the reason most people miss the flowers, as they are usually hidden by the leaves of the plant."

 

Oh sorry, I rarely read links, if you read all the links that are put up you'd need at least 30hrs in a day, reading was never my best subject. :rolleyes:

 

:D

I think 30 hours is an underestimate, Pete!

 

I killed one too (or rather the wine weevil grubs did). I love aspidistra - the one I had was huge - bought it at a jumble sale years ago. Will have to look out for another (any old excuse for a rummage!)

Would love to see pics of one of the floweres open!

 

Look at that link, Jarbax - it doesn't take 30 hours! :D

 

Thanks folks, I onlu unpotted it as it looked as if it was about to drop dead on me, I have given it some new compost and a good spot in the greenhouse. I hope it still flowers, will keep a close eye on it and post pics if I am lucky.

 

Spoke to P with a P today, Waco, and he says to keep it cool, but stand it on a gravel bed of some form, and keep moister than it looks at present.

Chances are it is flowering because it is stressed, and needs water.

 

Thanks Dendrobium - I missed that! Bizarre looking thing!

Would still love to see pics of yours if it flowers Waco!