Toad Lily - why?

[mark smyth]

Is this why Tricyrtis got their common name toad lily?

[FrazerHenderson]

Mark - good shot, thanks it raised a wry smile...

...but just in case a non-gardener is reading, the myth is that the flower petals are said to resemble in colouration the skin of toads.

[Maggi Young]

the myth is that the flower petals are said to resemble in colouration the skin of toads

........a feature which can be clearly seen here:

http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=4120.0

[mark smyth]

oh I see. I though it was because of the bulging nectaries while the flower is in bud

[Anthony Darby]

I think it refers to the blotches on the flowers. Toads were never this pretty, but are covered in blotches that we would call 'warts'.

[mark smyth]

like this

[Maggi Young]

.... for goodness sake, Mark, don't put that tongue back in your mouth!