Anyway, the latest flower is completely different - in fact it is
not like a typical Ping. flower at all. There are only *four* petals which
are evenly spaced like a "+" ! The petals are the same size and shape, and
are symmetrical but are smaller than the normal petals (The flower is still
quite young, judging by the darker color, and will probably expand a little
more). They have identical markings to the normal flower's petals (white
"centre" on the petal base, with darker marks either side on the edge, and
a very thin mid-purple line/vein through the centre of the white patch).
The long nectar spur is completely missing and there are only 4
sepals instead of the usual 5. Just like the petals they are identical,
symmetrical and in the "+" configuration.
The flower doesn't appear deformed (the petals curl back towards the
stem, which isn't that unusual - they'll probably straighten as they get
older). The "hood" in the flower is still present, but is positioned in
the centre of the flower instead of being against the top of the flower.
There haven't been any aphids or other pests on the plant, so I don't
think the flower, so I don't think that was the cause. The next bud is a
normal flower - so it appears the odd flower is a one-off (pity...)
Any ideas?
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| John Taylor [Catweasel] | Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology |
| rphjt@minyos.xx.rmit.edu.au | Melbourne, Victoria, AUSTRALIA |
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