Gerbera, not just another big daisy.
John West John West

Gerbera, not just another big daisy.

Iv’e looked at these plants before, but there was a surprise in store.

Gerbera is a big daisy in the same family as sunflowers and gazania . Nothing to see here I haven’t noticed before. It’s a member of the asteraceae family.

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I’m a bird, I’m a plane, I’m Epidendrum Pacific Rose
John West John West

I’m a bird, I’m a plane, I’m Epidendrum Pacific Rose

If you like orchids. If you like orchids that are neurodiverse. If you like orchids that won’t rot and die. If you like orchids that just keep throwing out flower spikes that deliver for four or five weeks then Epidendrum Pacific Rose is the answer.

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Rainy Day Marigold Show
John West John West

Rainy Day Marigold Show

Bright yellows and deep reds.

Where do the bright yellows and deep reds come from? Ask a chemist and the answer is xanthophyll.

Its a thrilling story of carrots and enzymes

If you can’t be bothered with the chemistry enjoy the pictures anyway.

A gif for chemists follows the pictures.

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Oncidium Twinkle “Pink Profusion”
John West John West

Oncidium Twinkle “Pink Profusion”

I picked up this cute little orchid at Tuckers Orchids in June. The wee flowers were stunning and it is showing signs of flowering again. I took some pics but didn’t get around to completing an investigation. I will when it flowers again. Its worth a look.

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Cactulents in Red
John West John West

Cactulents in Red

Cactii and succulents have become a passion of mine recently. They are utterly captivating as they adapt to harsh environments with style. Today I just wanted to have fun taking a few pics.

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Epidendrum Pacific Rose Part 1
John West John West

Epidendrum Pacific Rose Part 1

Epidendrum Pacific Rose is apparently a cross between Epi. Pacific vista and Epi. Orange Glow. It’s easy to see which side of the family lent it’s colour genes to the mix..

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Zygopetalum flower surprise.
John West John West

Zygopetalum flower surprise.

There are flowering plants and then there are orchids. Orchids thrived in their adopted niche as they evolved a distinctive flower structure and root system.

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