Hunting The Strongylodon

If you read the last post you'll remember that while wandering around the Botanic Gardens in Cambridge I was advised by a six-year-old plant expert that I simply must visit the Jade Vine which was in flower in the big greenhouse. So lets get over there....

The glasshouses are subdivided to give different climates to suit plants from different parts of the world. The sections are linked together by a corridor. And of course I got sidetracked into taking photos, even in the corridor....

One day I'll go to the Botanics and just concentrate on taking foliage shots. But not today because the Alpine house beckons....

I could have spent a lot longer with the Alpines but decided to press on to visit this fabulous Jade Vine which my young friend had told me about. But not before we have a look at some tulips....

Then there is a magnificent collection of orchids and you simply can't miss them...

But, despite all the distractions, I finally made it to the Tropical House and, after de-misting my specs, started to take in my surroundings...

The pond contained goldfish and some rather splendid aquatic plants....

Then, rounding the corner, I found myself face-to-face with the flowers of the fabled Jade Vine...



Yes, they really are that colour! This native of the Philippines, posh name Strongylodon macrobotrys, is apparently pollinated by bats which hang upside-down to drink the nectar. It's said to be related to our runner beans and be very difficult to propagate - without the aid of an upside-down bat, that is. I tried to get a picture of the whole vine which has climbed right across the walkway but people kept getting into the shot. This young man with the "butter-wouldn't-melt..." expression was the most photogenic intruder....

Shortly afterwards he was being told off by his mum for climbing in among the exhibits. It seemed like time to leave.

Thanks to Sandy from "Witterings" blogspot for the link to Kew Garden's page about the Jade Vine.

Take care.