30 Years waiting nearly over

[Lithos]

A lot of us have compiled 'wants' lists from time to time and this plant was one of the first on mine when I was about fifteen years old - 30 odd years ago. I'd seen a painting by Peter Bally in an old American journal, and desperately wanted one, but it seemed an impossibility to get seed or a plant. A few years later I saw it in the flesh for the first time at Tom and June Jenkins nursery Jumanery, in flower and took a picture, but try as I might I just could not get one anywhere. Fast forward to two years ago and at last a couple thudded onto the doormat. After taking a while to establish they have produced a good lot of leaves the last couple of summers, and this year at last some buds You can just make out the bud at the top of the furry bundle of leaves emanating from the tuber.

Dorstenia ellenbeckiana - Kenya

I'll add some pictures when gets to fruition

[Tina]

That's good news Phil, I hadn't realise these were rare, I lost my one from you ( national) this year but have a small one that is still alive, I must go & check it later & see if I have killed that one yet.

[Herts Mike]

I thought it was picture of a spider.......

[Lithos]

Two weeks later....my finger for scale.

[Lithos]

And this morning

[RK]

I know a lot of plants get labelled 'alien-looking' but this one truly fits the bill, what an amazing little thing

[Herts Mike]

Aaahh, bless.

Like a tiny sunflower.

[Lithos]

It will get much bigger - sharp eyed amonst you will see one amongst Gillian Evison's superb photos of the Oxford branch show

[Tony R]

Fantastic, Phil - what a thrill! Keep us posted as it grows bigger.

[ChrisR]

I usually take the eyes out of my taters....and when stuff like that starts growing on them it's time for the bin

Or I could let you have some peas to go with your potato.....