March 2010 in the Southern Hemisphere

[galahad]

This seasons daff bulbs have just arrived so busy labelling.  I hope the weather is OK in the weekend.

Lesley, you would be so proud of me.  I just spat my spleen at a politcally correct nincompoop, online for all the world to see.  It will probably come back and bite me but whatever.

[Tecophilaea King]

Another genus flowering this time of the season is the striking Haemanthus varously known as Blood lily, Paint brush, Bible plant and Elephant's ears.
The Haemanthus coccineus is grown as much for its large strap-like leaves as for its scarlet flowers, which resemble paintbrushes with their central clusters of golden stamens.
As summer progresses, the large fleshy rounded leaves appear, these lie flat on the ground, and last until early the following summer when they dry off as temperatures rise.
The Haemanthus humilus "The Giant" is another spectacular species with leaves as large as 60 cm and has enormous flower heads.
Look like perhaps a few more Haemanthus species budding up.

[Lesley Cox]

Well done Ross. I am indeed proud of you. Will you share with us what it was that moved you to these extreme?

Good Lord Bill, what a fantastic sight!!! Do photograph them again when in full leaf because I think that would be equally exciting.

[Lesley Cox]

Had word this morning that my order from Marcus Harvey will be packed today, so plenty to do in coming days and weeks. Fortunately I'm having a two week holiday from my job, starting March 18th.

[galahad]

Well done Ross. I am indeed proud of you. Will you share with us what it was that moved you to these extreme?

I have been organising a soap swap between 7 soap makers in NZ with the understanding that we would be reviewing.  Anyway one person apparently only wants the reviews to be sweet and nice (as opposed to constructive, IMO).  My long email could be summarised to "get a life".

I anyone says to me "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything" I reply, "If you can ONLY say somethig nice, don't say anything".

Just FYI for anyone interested my new site (soap and chain maille jewellery) is up and running - www.wild-hybrid.co.nz

[David Nicholson]

Well done Ross. I am indeed proud of you. Will you share with us what it was that moved you to these extreme?

............I have been organising a soap swap between 7 soap makers in NZ..........

Not a spectator sport then?

[Tecophilaea King]

This interesting species Crossyne flava syn. Boophane flava from the Cape, has pale yellow flowers with brown tips, that are small but many, with tepals much recurved on long pedicels.
Flowerheads with more than 200 flowers is not uncommon.
              

[Maggi Young]

Bill, every time I see one of these amazing flowerheads, I think it must be November 5th and time for a firework display!

Just FYI for anyone interested my new site (soap and chain maille jewellery) is up and running - www.wild-hybrid.co.nz

Ross, never let it be said that our Forumists are a dull and unimaginative bunch..... soap AND chain mail jewellery..... who'da thunk it?!!!
(BTW: do you ship?)

[Ragged Robin]

Bill, every time I see one ofthese amazing flowerheads, I think it must be November 5th and time for a firework display!

Me too, they just explode with energy and colour but, unlike fireworks, they are better longterm value  

[galahad]

Well done Ross. I am indeed proud of you. Will you share with us what it was that moved you to these extreme?

............I have been organising a soap swap between 7 soap makers in NZ..........

Not a spectator sport then?

Might be like watching paint dry (or seedlings germinate)

[galahad]

Ross, never let it be said that our Forumists are a dull and unimaginative bunch..... soap AND chain mail jewellery..... who'da thunk it?!!!
(BTW: do you ship?)

Absolutely

[Tecophilaea King]

Also flowering for us is the elegant Lycoris longituba known as the White Spider Lily is a large handsome plant from China with the flower stems up to 50-60 cm.

[Tecophilaea King]

For a bit of a change in the scenery, here are a few Dahlia's classified as the Collarette group of Dahlia's.

[Ragged Robin]

Also flowering for us is the elegant Lycoris longituba known as the White Spider Lily is a large handsome plant from China with the flower stems up to 50-60 cm.

Fantastic photo of great looking flower Bill - when do plants become referred to as male (handsome) or female (?) 

[Afloden]

Bill,
 
 The Lycoris is not longituba! I am curious if the leaves appear in autumn or spring? In Flora of China, depending on the arrival of leaves, it would key to L. straminea (being ochraceous) or L. x albiflora, but the stamens and style are likely too long for the latter.

 Aaron Floden