Blooming Today 1

Aristolochia fimbriata - A strange looking Dutchman's Pipe that serves as a host plant for the Pipevine Swallowtail. It relies on small flies to pollinate the intricate (and foul smelling) blossoms. Commonly known as Birthwort due to its vague resemblance to a curled fetus in the womb..

Huernia schneideriana - Often hidden under serpentine vegetation the Red Dragon Flower is relatively small but packs a punch. The faint smell of rotting flesh helps attracts flies to the leathery blooms.

Nepenthes alata - The Winged Pitcher Plant may not be malodorous, but it sure collects flies. Small fruit gnats and some smaller moths stumble onto the slippery labia and slide into the digestive soup. Georgia O'Keefe would be proud.

Finally, but not in my garden, is the Rafflesia sp. unfurling its meaty petals. It is the largest single bloom ever recorded and lures flies and other fetid rainforest fauna with its hairy goodness. Aeon Flux anyone?