Thursday, 24 October 2013

FFF101 - TRAILING LOTUS

Lotus berthelotii is a perennial plant endemic to the Canary Islands, in the genus Lotus. This plant is either extinct in the wild or persists as a few individuals. In 1884 it was already classed as "exceedingly rare" and plant collection probably hastened its decline.

The plant has a creeping or trailing habit, with leaves divided into 3-5 slender leaflets, each leaflet 1–2 cm long and 1 mm broad, densely covered with fine silvery hairs. The flowers are orange-red to red, peaflower-shaped, but slender, 2–4 cm long and 5–8 mm broad.

Lotus berthelotii is cultivated in the horticulture trade and widely available as an ornamental plant with its needle-like silvery foliage and red flowers for traditional gardens, container (pots), and drought tolerant water conserving gardens. A golden orange flowering cultivar is also grown.

Join me for Floral Friday Fotos by linking your flower photos below, and please leave a comment once you have done so!
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7 comments:

  1. Andrea24 October 2013 at 07:03

    I miss seeing this flowers, but it doesn't grow in hotter climes.

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  2. Gemma Wiseman24 October 2013 at 11:55

    It reminds me a little of the bird of paradise, but growing at ground level. An interesting one.

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  3. Unknown24 October 2013 at 12:10

    They look like flames - beautiful!

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  4. forgetmenot24 October 2013 at 12:21

    Beautiful, colorful flowers--very unusual. Mickie :)

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  5. Unknown24 October 2013 at 12:59

    The colour is gorgeous! I think I've seen this plant in the greenhouses in the Botanic Garden.

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  6. BernieH24 October 2013 at 17:22

    What a spectacular looking thing. It's a shame it's extinct in the wild.

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  7. Sara Chapman24 October 2013 at 22:43

    Wow, wotta flower! You show the best stuff!

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