Victor/Victoria
The flowering cycle is quite unique. On the first night, the flower bud opens pure white as a female, emitting a pineapple fragrance to attract pollinating scarab beetles (which don't exist here). By sunrise, the flower is closing back up for the day. When the flower opens on the second night, the color has changed to pink and it is now a male flower full of pollen to be dispersed to other first-night flowers. By the next morning, the flower has withered and disappears beneath the surface of the water.
It can be a challenge to observe the Victoria water lily in bloom since the flowers are only open at night and each plant produces only one flower every few days. Your best chance is to visit on a cloudy morning which delays the closing of the flower. This flower was still open at 10:30 a.m. due to persistent clouds that morning. I was unable to make it back the next day to see the pink phase. Comments
Bill Mitchell(non-registered)
Thank you Thane, like Tim said I learned something. I never thought about the flower only the giant pad. Be sure one gets planted next to the edge now so I don't get in trouble swimming out to smell the pineapple.
Tim Martz(non-registered)
Great photos TR - love the reflection of the weeping willow tree! You are a true horticulturist, a life-long learn and so great to be a volunteer with you at Botanica - everyone in Wichita that loves beauty should be a member of Botanica. I didn't know all of that about the victoria water lily flowers.
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