Strange flower found on blog

[laurareeling]

Someone asked me what this was - blogger who posted the picture says it's an orchid that only blooms for one day, but I have no idea. I'm certainly curious though!

[phalaephila]

That is walking iris, Neomarica gracilis (not an orchid). I have had one for years, and individual blooms do last only a day, but on a large, healthy plant, there can be flowers continuously for a while. The best part is the fragrance, reminiscent of sweet grape.

It is called walking iris as the flower stems, after blooming, grow baby plants (keikis!). The weight of the plantlet bends the stem, where if grown in the ground they will root. If grown in a pot, the babys can be collected and rooted in water.

jeanne

[Orchidophile]

It looks like some type of Iris, not sure what kind. Oh and welcome to the OB!

[laurareeling]

Thanks everyone - I *thought* that was an iris, but the poster seemed sure it was an orchid. And thanks for the welcome as well! Laura

[phalaephila]

Here's a photo of mine; enjoy.

jeanne

[laurareeling]

Thanks Jeanne - I need to find myself one of these - they're really quite spectacular. Best, Laura

[Dorothy]

We have another member here that has posted one -
Neomarica gracilis
Seems like it's also known as the Apostle's Iris, Twelve Apostles, Apostle Plant or Marica Plant
Fun facts - The leaves represent the disciples while Jesus is represented as the main stalk with flower.
- It is believed that Apostle Plant got its name from the legend that the plant will not bloom until it has 12 leaves on it.
(as per Jenny's Garden...Plant pictures and gardening descriptions of Neomarica gracilis (Walking Iris, Twelve Apostles, Apostle Plant) )
You can purchase one at these sites -
- Neomarica gracilis, Apostle's Iris.
- JennysGarden.com...Jenny's Garden plants and seeds for sale
and there are quite a few on eBay

[cb977]

Those are really cool! I'd never hear the end of it if I made hubby plant them and the flowers only last a few hours!