Monday 8 October 2012

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 :)

16 comments:

  1. Lovely plant with fresh green leaves and
    fascinating pearls.
    Have a nice new week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Glad you like them too.
      The pearls are 'opening' slowly now.
      I will try to capture them!
      And you have a good week ahead :)

      Delete
  2. It's very unusual and nice plant!
    You're right,these flowers look like little pearls.
    I love the shape of its leaves.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Nadezda, it's good to know that I'm not the only one who is crazy over the leaves!!
      Can't wait for the pearls to open up and reveal its flowers :)

      Delete
  3. Nature keeps many secrets from us, but we are very curious and with our eyes and cameras we can find all the answers! In Nature there is a reason for everything, the deep grooves and pattern in the leaves of your plant, the pearls, the white dust... All fascinating to the curious mind.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So very true Rosemary.
      And that is the beauty of Mother Nature, always full of unexpected yet lovely surprises.
      You know, at times I just can't comprehend how all these 'bounty of lovelies' happen.
      But I'm thankful to be enjoying them right in front of my very eyes :)

      Delete
  4. We try to unravel secrets, and yet there are more to learn...... Plants are real treasure!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A novice gardener like me are always thrilled with the treasure of my discovery :-)
      Never knew gardening can be so fascinating!

      Delete
  5. That is an intriguing plant. I love plants that have more than one attraction, and this one does: beautiful leaves, pearls, pods, mysterious "fingers." Thanks for introducing it to me. I want one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lee, welcome to my garden!
      Nice to see you here :)
      Glad that you like this plant too.
      We shall see if this plant would be able to produce 'babies'. Will try to send it to you then.
      Have a nice day!

      Delete
  6. As wonderful plant, the leaves are so powerful and green.
    Good Thursday, Marit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad that you like them too Marit.
      Have a good weekend :)

      Delete
  7. Beautiful plant with green leaves.
    Thanks for your kind words on my blog.
    Have a great weekend.
    Greetings Irma

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for dropping by my blog Irma.
      Take care :)

      Delete
  8. Hahahahah! I found your post! You and I definitely share a love for this Mutiara plant. Me too, me too, I just love everything about this plant - leaves, horizontal branching, flower buds changing from white pearls to pink atoms in a molecular chain, then opening into pretty little flowers! I have a collection of pictures waiting to be posted, was too busy but you beat me to it. Super like this plant!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow! I beat you this time? LOL :)
      This plant attracts so many admirers Ms Belle.
      Truly unique and one of a kind.
      Can't wait for your post!

      Delete

Thanks for your lovely words...