Thursday, July 8, 2010

Wigandia caracasana--Hydorphillaceae



Such pretty lavender flowers! I love the pattern they make on the ground after they fall. And I love the pattern of the huge leave (more than 1') against the sky. Supposedly it needs soft soil and lots of moisture, but since it spreads easily, even coming up through asphalt, I doubt that it is that particular. It normally grows about 10' tall, but can get taller under the right conditions. Some people plant it for its spring flowers and tropical leaves, but other shun it because of its irritating hairs and tendency to spread. I wouldn't put this one in my garden, but I am glad that I can visit it at the UC Botanical Garden.

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