Thunbergia Sky Vine

My new year resolution for 2012 was to introduce plants with blue flowers in my garden.
I love blue flowers especially hygrangea.
Unfortunately there was none available anywhere in the nurseries.

So when I saw these delicate and beautiful blue flowers right under my nose, I grabbed the opportunity to get as many pictures as I can :)




Commonly known as Blue Sky Vine, it is scientifically named "Thunbergia Grandiflora".
This vines are natives of South Africa, India and Asia.

Shaped like a trumpet, its lavender color changes to sky blue color from time to time.

This plant is an aggressive climber, so no way I can have it in my garden which is by the window :)

The first peek :)
Somehow it reminds me of a baby butterfly coming out from its cocoon.

While I was busy getting the right angles and view for the picture, I saw a bee flew straight inside one of the bloom.

Never had the chance to take a photo of a bee before so can't miss this one!

Busy bee sucking every drop of nectar there is...not bothered at all with me going up close.


This is a shot when the flower looked so lavender-ly sweet.

All pictures were taken at the Grand Lexis Hotel in Port Dickson.
You see, my family made a last minute plan to spend some time by the beach last weekend.
Most of the hotels were fully booked so we have to make do with what was available.


Not knowing that the hotel is situated next to an oil refinery plant, (see picture below at the background) our rooms, which stood on concrete stilts over the sea, are equipped with a private swimming pool each.

But these 'water babies' never seem to get enough...

Despite having our own pool at home.

Well , at the end of the day, the kids had fun. 

We adults missed the splashing of seawater on each other and walking barefooted in the soft sand.

Getting the feet buried in the fine sand with each step is truly a luxury feeling...

If you ask me, I will not go back to this place although it is a luxury resort 'by' the sea.

Have a great week everyone!!!

Medinilla Astronioides

I am so intrigued and fascinated with this flower.
So I am documenting its blooming stages.
I have never seen a flower evolved so much.
Right from the very beginning.


It started as a pod..

Then the pod opens, scattering specks of white dust all over its foliage.

Revealing a cluster of tiny white pearls bound together like an engagement ring!
Outstanding beauty masterfully crafted and designed by mother nature :)

The 'ring' expanded all over.

Looking like a bunch of grapes.

And now it looks like a Christmas tree..
Leaning forward as the bunch gets heavier with the ever-growing pearls.

How enchanting..
What could be more 'magical' than this :)

I am taking pictures daily to capture the wonders of this beautiful creation.
I am curious to see its final 'bow'.
But as of now, this is it.

Thank you so much for your visit.
Hope you had an enjoyable stay :)

Just leaves..

I am so attracted to the foliage of this plant.

Locally known as "Mutiara", which means pearl.
Scientifically known as "Medinilla Astronioides".
This plant originates from the Philippines.

Its dark green leaves are large, broad and pointed.
With deep and bold veins running from the base of each leaf to converge at the tip.
It is one of the most beautiful foliage my eyes ever laid on.

I was curious, though, as to how the plant be named 'pearl'.
I mean...looking at the leaf structure itself, there's really nothing 'pearl-y' about it.

My eyes were skimming through the foliage, when I saw 'it'. Bingo!!

Aahhhh... there it is.
Hidden among the thick foliage, are the pearls!
Gorgeous tiny round 'pearls'...
All clustered together into a ball.
And what a lovely sight to behold.

I could also see tiny little 'fingers' at the base of the stalk supporting those pearls.
Not sure what they are.

Then I spotted a pod in between the leaves of the next branch (above picture).
Seems like it has just sprung open and scattered tiny white dust all over the foliage.

Here is a close-up of those tiny white dust.
This plant can't tolerate the heat coming from direct tropical sun.
Best kept under shade.

There is not much information that I could gather for this plant in the web.
Wonder why..
The above explanation are based solely on my observations.

Hope you have enjoyed reading as much as I have enjoyed writing them :)
Can't wait for the flowers aka 'pearls' to bloom.
Have a great day!!

Thanks for coming :)

Succulents

I'm hooked onto succulents these days..
Strange really... I'm so clueless about this group of plants yet I love them :)


Succulents..
Each one of them is so unique yet so beautiful in its own ways.

Simply lovely and gorgeous foliages in its entirety.

Here are my debut collections....for now.
Don't know if I would be able to keep them alive..just yet.
You see..they don't like to be watered or pampered,
"Just leave me alone..!!" attitude.
Okay..okay, I heard ya.

Haworthia cuspidata

 ID Unknown

Haworthia Attenuata

I must say, I fell in love at first sight with  "Haworthia Attenuata" ...
Its white stripe is so intricate and precious that it brings out its whole beauty.
Initially I thought it was in the "Aloe Vera" group because of its 'fingers' or claws.
And sadly... was I wrong! LOL!!

Oh succulents...
Why do you have such tougue-twisting names... :(
Excuse me dear botanists.... nothing personal really.
Just a matter of curiosity.
Or, am I the only one who's having a tough time pronouncing it?!

One important thing to note here is these succulents can't stand direct tropical sun or it will wilt.
It needs very shady area away from the sun.
Best kept indoors..good excuse for me to increase my houseplant collections :)
Maybe in your country zone you would be able to plant them under the sun.

Have a great day everyone and thank you for dropping by :-)