Plant Life

In addition to its fascinating collection of animals, the Wildlife Oasis is also home to some attractive and unusual plants. 

One of the plants in super condition is this splendid Nepenthes or picture plant. The massive pictures hanging from the end of the leaves are the plants way of catching its own dinner.

Our collections of bromeliads and other air plants are quite unaffected by the change of  season. These are quite addictive things to grow and the high humidity in the butterfly hall suits them perfectly. Many flower for long periods and frequently produce their odd flower spikes when the days are short. This unknown species has flowers that are very attractive to butterflies. It is a very welcome nectar source when nectar is in short supply.

Now we come to the aristocrats of the plant kingdom. Orchids are an utterly addictive group of plants to grow. Nothing else compares with the wonderful range of flowers they produce. There are many thousands of wild species as well as the vast number of hybrids that have been produced by crossing these. Numerous species thrive in the butterfly and tropical hall. At any time we expect something to be in bloom. These are just three of the species that might be flowering. We hold quite a number off display until they are ready to flower. More epiphytes (bark growing species) are coming soon.

 

 

Finally, a picture of one of the hibiscus flowers. This is not a fancy variety but the clean lines and vivid colour make it more appealing to me than many of the newer forms. Though these are often grown as houseplants our bushes reach over eight foot high and produce hundreds of flowers. The bold colourful blooms brighten even the depths of winter .