The spider lily which the native bees find so attractive, (see yesterday's post) is such a fascinating flower. The stamens (the six green lines extending outwards from its outer edge) are all attached to his delicate frill that surrounds the pistil ( the light green line). A close look reveals the spots of pollen the frill has netted. The petals are the six long, thin pieces that lie directly under each stamen and dangle down like the legs of a spider - thus its name I suppose. Nature is so amazing. This delicate little frill is all pleated as you can see and so fine it is translucent. You can see the petals through it. The stamens are all about 2 inches long and the whole thing is perfectly symmetrical. Amazing or being February, should I say again, fascinating. Garden stores advertise it as the sacred Lily of the Incas. It originates from the Caribbean.
I have never seen a lily like this before, not even heard of a Spider Lily. Hope you keep posting beautiful things like this so that I can enjoy and learn. Your place must be a trove of treasures.
