I realize that I’ve blogged about Cryptocoryne ciliata in the past, but whenever it throws up a new spathe, I’m always excited about it. The spathe of this particular variety has just a nice looking color, with interesting texture that has to be appreciated in person to get the full effect. Its elegant, bold, weird and beautiful all at the same time – and it’s HUGE. The pot in the picture below is a 3 inch pot!
The wonderful speckling in the throat, along with the cream colored base. An area of swollen tissue defines the collar of the spathe.
In all its elegance….
Just look that that texture!
The quinessential picture of the female flower. Notice the ‘furry’ ends of the stigmas and super short styles.
A well defined male part of the flower with pollen tubes partially extended.
I have three of those open for me now, and I’m always thrilled to see them. Have you noticed a strong pumpkin odor with your ciliata blooms? Mine smelled very strongly of pumpkins for an hour or so after opening.