#melobotanics

[melobotanicsnursery]

No longer photographing weeds and turf grass, but instead showing you Ferocactus blooms because we're all "under the same sun". Might as well enjoy the beauty while you're at it.

[succygirl]

melobotanics replied to your photoset “Also there’s too other blooms that are looking like they’re gonna pop...”

Not a Faucaria Tigrina, but a "Faucaria Felina subsp. Tuberculosa". Your's is one of the prettier ones I've seen.

OH!! Thank you!! I got it out of an unlabeled arrangement and took my best guess! Thank you so much for correcting my ID! I’m not familiar with Faucaria since this is my first one so I didn’t even know where to start with trying to figure out what else it might have been. :) <3

[melobotanicsnursery]

'Portulaca grandiflora' currently overflowing in a pot. Presenting a carpet of happiness.

[melobotanicsnursery]

2/2

Faucaria seed production. Planted two different species, and three seperate plants in this large container. The idea was for them to pollinate eachother and hopefully produce some seed for the nursery. They are thriving and getting along nicely.

[melobotanicsnursery]

'Astrophytum myriostigma'.

One thing I admire about nature is its resilience. From what I could observe, suffering is good for a garden. It is necessary as it builds some form of resistance towards future happenings. As is suffering for the soul. Not always the most comfortable thing to experience as a person, but highly necessary. Within that uncomfortable nature is a deep calmness, knowing that everything is happening as it should.

[melobotanicsnursery]

I was truly blessed to witness a population of Aloe peglerae growing in their natural habitat. Often occuring in small groups, this Aloe is classified as an endangered species due to illegal plant collecting in the wild by plant collectors and slow growth rates.

I am hoping to venture to the same destination to capture the Aloe population in flower. 'Aloe peglerae' produces an array of dull red flower buds on a single protruding stalk. Flowering time is July - August.

[melobotanicsnursery]

My garden is a strict 'No designer grass' zone. I've been waterwising ever since I saw it was a Pinterest trend.

Featuring above is a beautiful 'Astrophythum myriostigma' and 'n zonal Pelargonium.

[melobotanicsnursery]

1/2

Faucaria species, as with many varieties are individually described on the basis of slight variations in the leaves. Originally found in the Eastern Cape and encountered into the Little and Great Karoo of the Western Cape Province, these little succulents form clumps and present a perfect candidate for a patio pot plant. Flower colours range from yellow, white and pink.

[melobotanicsnursery]

Beautiful 'Portulaca grandiflora' vygies growing in a nearby pot. Easily propagated from stem cuttings and seeds. These were grown from seed for the purpose of future propagation, which makes them even more special. They are also known as Moss roses and do extremely well in dry and very hot conditions.

[melobotanicsnursery]

Gasteraloe 'Cosmo'.

This is a beautiful and prolific intergeneric hybrid between an Aloe and Gasteria. Reaching a great size when mature and always producing an impressive amount of offsets and flowers when happy.

[melobotanicsnursery]

02.02.2020

Aloe hybrid, side view.

[melobotanicsnursery]

2. The neotropical giant - The Kapoktree or 'Ceiba pentandra' is a tropical tree that belongs to the Malvaceae family, meaning the Hibiscus genus is a close relation. This tree is native to Mexico, Central America and the Carribean, northern South America, and tropical West Africa.

The Kapoktree's main pollinator is bats. The flying mammals are attracted to the foul odor emmited by the pink and white flowers. As the mammals move from flower to flower feasting on the nectar, they transfer pollen on their fur, thus facilitating pollination.

The ancient Maya believed that the Kapok tree was the link between heaven and earth - its branches were pathways for the soul to ascend to the spiritual world.

[melobotanicsnursery]

Gasteria Excelsa 'Cala'.

[melobotanicsnursery]

Featured is an aesthetically pleasing pink aloe hybrid. Harvested quite a few seeds from this plant. There is a possibility of self-fertilization seeing as I didn't actively focus on crossing this hybrid with any of my other flowering species. Will confirm once the seeds are sown.

[melobotanicsnursery]

1. Kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra) that I photographed while taking my early-morning walk through the neighborhood. It feels good to have a little less limitation and be able to still enjoy the surrounding plantdiversity. This tree is on the top 5 of my favorite trees.

[melobotanicsnursery]

'Euphorbia cooperi' also known as the Transvaal Candelabra, is a succulent tree that is capable of growing up to 10 metres tall. Branches curve upwards and contain bisexual (both male and female) flowers that are clustered along the ridges between the spines.

This is a widespread species usually found on rocky outcrops and semi-arid grasslands. This plant is still considered quite young in succulent terms, and will develop a flat topped crown and woody tree-like stem as it ages.

Euphorbia is a highly diverse genus that contains 2400 species to date - All producing the characteristic white latex sap which is somewhat toxic.