The floss silk tree is from Tropical America, and gets to be 40'+ tall.
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This is a colorful bloomer, putting on a display that
is visible for long distances. |
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The flowers burst open like magic popcorn you might buy
at a novelty store, along with squirting carnations and a fly in an ice
cube. Put some of the magic popcorn in the microwave, and watch the flowers pour out when you open the
door. |
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Color is reminiscent of cherry blossoms. |
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The flowers attract bees, which are an integral part of
the cycle. They pollinate the flower by transferring pollen from the
anthers to the style |
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At left is the pink-tipped style, surrounded by
pollen-bearing anthers. |
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The bees arrive, with pollen they've gathered from other
flowers stored on grooves along their legs. |
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It appears to be a pleasant place to work. |
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Click on the photo at left to see what messy pollen
collectors bees are, and that's what the flower is depending on. |
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Once the bees are done with all that buzzing around,
the flower shuts down production. More flowers will open to offer
fresh pollen to all entrepreneurs. |
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We have some nice ones in 20-gal grow-bags (8'+
planted height). They will make an immediate statement,
as long as you get them planted before they stop blooming.
Even if you don't buy any, you are still welcome to come
in and experience the effect. |
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