The leaves give it the name fishbone cactus or zig-zag cactus but it is the flower that is the prize. It is not really a cactus but a type of epiphyllum. Disocactus (Epiphyllum) anguliger is native to the forests of Mexico and the flowers only come on mature plants, typically in early summer. This plant was started as a single cut frond given to me by R. Gale three years ago. This is its first ever flower and it has arrived in winter. It will only last 1 day.
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GrevilleaGrevillea
An Australian genus of 300+ species well suited to dry conditions and poor soils like here in San Diego. Local nurseries are selling more and more varieties so try one out. They come in many sizes and flower colors to fit any space in your garden. In Australia they are a favorite of honeyeater birds so I presume that our hummingbirds will go crazy for these. Photo credit; C. Bell (Geelong, Australia)
Chaparral Monkey FlowerChaparral Monkey Flower
I bet there are many so called “monkey flowers” around the world and despite the absence of monkeys in southern California this is our bush monkey flower, Diplacus aurantiacus. It is perhaps our most common and distinctive flowering plant in the coastal chaparral. Photo courtesy of S. Castellana.
InspirationInspiration
A reminder that inspiration for planted landscapes often comes from wild nature itself. This is probably Lupinus albifrons and was photographed at Eagle Rock near Warner Springs. Post provided by LJ.