Stylidium calcaratum

[lambdlth]

An exciting day for me, thought I would share. Received seed for Stylidium calcaratum from Dr Darnowski exactly two months ago. Sowed seed immediately on peat/sand mix with no pre-treatment and placed in terrarium about two inches below fluorescent fixture. Here are pictures of their development from germination to flowering.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lambdlth/3490280900/in/set-72157604033642861/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lambdlth/3490280376/in/set-72157604033642861/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lambdlth/3490279320/in/set-72157604033642861/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lambdlth/3495552793/in/set-72157604033642861/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lambdlth/3516757237/in/set-72157604033642861/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lambdlth/3526504684/in/set-72157604033642861/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lambdlth/3526504138/in/set-72157604033642861/

Of course, I immediately triggered the flower after it opened (last photo). Movement was amazingly fluid, not a jerk reaction like I was expecting. Flowers are small, but surprisingly larger than I was expecting. Hope you enjoy.

 

[SirKristoff]

omg thats gorgeous @_@
i love this species of stylidium.................i wish i could find a source for it here in the US
definitely my favorite species.
Great photos, thanks for sharing

 

[jimscott]

That's a different looking flower! Reminds me of Rohrschach test.

 

[obregon562]

i got seeds of stylidium gladulifora (not positive on the name), and am almost scared to put them on soil! Any suggestions on mix/light/etc...?

 

[F R e N c H 3 z]

That's an amazing flower! Very Orchid/Utric like, stunning colors!

 

[lambdlth]

Thanks for the kind words. I am going to attempt to pollinate these things to death, and if I get any seed, I will let you know. I have never grown this plant before, so I can only forward the little knowledge that was provided to me. Most grow in sandy soil. I used 50/50 peat sand. Apparently they grow alongside utrics and drosera in the wild and can be grown the same way. I was told if your seed is larger than a "pinhead" they would probably benefit from smoke and/or GA3 treatment, smaller, you can just sow them and they should have a good germination rate. You can use smoke discs or burn a small fire on top of the pot. Keep them warm, humid and in full sun. Mine are a couple inches from my fluorescent lights. One thing I have learned, is not all grow in wet locations. You need to figure this part out based on your plant. You can often find information at www.florabase.com. Hope this helps.

 

[obregon562]

ah ha, its called Stylidium lobuliflorum. Mr. Lowire describes them as possessing: "insect trapping glandular inflorescene. Mirima, Kimberley"

Thanks fro the help man!

 

[Wolfn]

I read that this plant was recently discovered to produce digestive enzymes.