In our first installment of Let’s Get Weird, I’m pleased to introduce Ceropegia sandersonii, also known as:
Umbrella plant
Parachute plant
Parasol flower
Lantern plant
Why is it called that? you might ask. And I’d answer thusly: Because of the crazy cool flowers on this unique houseplant. Those flowers are also what earns this plant a spot in LGW.
I’d post a photo of the flowers, but the plant in our shop isn’t blooming yet and I don’t want to infringe on anyone’s copyright. So, until this plant flowers, you’ll have to rely on Google to get an eyeful of this amazing floral display. Trust me; Google “Ceropegia sandersonii flowers.” Or visit the South African National Biodiversity Institute’s Ceropegia sandersonii page for pics and loads of info.
The name Ceropegia comes from the Greek words keros meaning ‘wax’ and pege meaning ‘fountain.’ Fitting, I think, considering the flowing, waxy leaves and stems.
Ceropegia sandersonii has a unique strategy for pollination. The tube-shaped flowers contain hairs that are pointed downward. Would-be pollinating flies go in but can’t get back out. The plant holds them captive until they’re covered in pollen. As the flower dies, the fly escapes and takes the pollen to the next bloom. Brilliant!
This particular plant arrived in Verdant Plant Shop as part of a grower’s assortment from my favorite regional nursery. Side note: I adore getting plants this way because I love surprises. When the nursery doesn’t have enough of a kind of plant to fill a flat, they set them aside for assortment orders. The nursery staff choose the healthiest, most interesting plants from among those to fill my order. This time around, I got a Ceropegia sandersonii. Squeee!
More fun facts about Ceropegia sandersonii:
Native to southern Africa
Thick, succulent-like leaves and stems
Trailing
The flowers simulate the scent of an injured honeybee to attract the flies it needs for pollination–tricky!
Here’s what the Verdant Ceropegia sandersonii looks like now.
I’ll post more photos if it blooms. As a plant fan, I hope no one buys this gem so I can track its progress. As a small business owner, I hope the plant finds a forever home. But maybe after the bloom.
Do you have a Ceropegia sandersonii? How long did it take to bloom? Tell me about yours in the comments. Until then, keep it weird, plant fans!
Comments