Hey all, I know some of these are common but I still dont know what they are but the main one Im interested is DC746 with the stamen in a swirl pattern. Thanks! http://www.flickr.com/photos/96586152@N00/?saved=1
Hey there, how can you be so sure its a lavatera just out of interest? I searched for lavatera on google and cannot find any with stamen arranged in that way, most of them had only about 4 stamen or so.
Hi StudentGuy, Looks like Lavatera to me too. The others: 731: Calystegia silvatica (Bindweed) 750: Spiraea, probably S. douglasii 713: Nuphar lutea (Yellow Water-lily) 739: Fuchsia magellanica 707: Rosa rugosa
Thank you for all your help, it is much appreciated. As a show of appreciation if you click on the link you are both mentioned for your help. Also I am still curious as to what made you both so sure about it being a lavatera. What are the characteristics of a lavatera and why are you both so sure? Many thanks Studentguy!
Could be malva (mallow), too, I can't tell the difference. According to the A-Z encyclopedia listing for Malva, "An involucre of 1-3 distinct bracts is usually produced below the flowers (distinguishing Malva species and cultivars from those of the genus Lavatera, which have 3-9 jointed bracts.)" No mention of stamens in the descriptions of either genus, and the photos either don't show stamens that clearly or my aging eyes can't see them.
Wow thanks for the great reply, Ill have a look! What are the bits that stick out and go in a sort of swirl pattern called? I thought they were the stamen, but then again I was going on my GCSE-A-Level biology knowledge which was some time ago now, it maybe worth noting that back then I didnt show plants the same respect as I do now ;-).
Hi StudentGuy - could you post a photo showing the flower on its stem with some leaves? That would help identify it more easily
Hi, what you are calling stamens are actually stigmas, the pollen-receiving parts of the flower. See the first photograph on this page re: Lavatera for a similar photograph. Plants in this family actually have many stamens, united into a staminal column (one of the distinguishing characteristics of the family). These are the pollen-producing parts below the stigmas. So, the swirly parts are stigmas, but I'm not sure whether they are post-pollination or ready to receive pollen.
Thanks for that, I love this site everyone is such great help and dont forget your spreading the religion and education of gardening too! I hope that my questions arnt too basic to insult everyones intelligence. Many Thanks Again! Studentguy.
