tiny paper lanterns by cruiser

tiny paper lanterns

I have no idea if these are flowers or seed pods but they are very light and papery and so delicate. I found them in the Wittunga botanic gardens so I think they must be an Australian or South African native.
Best enlarged if you have the time
How sweet, have only ever seen orange ones before
November 16th, 2014  
Great captures, pov in this collage
November 16th, 2014  
Really pretty.
November 16th, 2014  
They are beautiful, There may be some juicy fruit inside.
November 16th, 2014  
These remind me of the orange colored, Chinese Lantern flowers growing in mother's garden when I was a child. The plant was more of a bush, but the flowers were nearly identical to these. Would love to know what these are.
November 16th, 2014  
@nefrit yes I know the ones you mean. I shall try to find out what they are. I think they have guided walks in the garden each week so shall try to go to one. will keep you posted!
November 17th, 2014  
@cruiser Thanks much! We have so many imported plants from Australia that I might be able to get these here...or those Chinese Lanterns I haven't thought about in ages.
November 17th, 2014  
What a delightful collage. Well done. I don't have any idea why swan feet or bodies stay unfrozen.
November 17th, 2014  
@deu49097 thankyou Dawn. One can ask Google anything these days and I just typed in "why dont swans feet freeze in winter" and got this http://askanaturalist.com/why-don%E2%80%99t-ducks%E2%80%99-feet-freeze/
so now we both know :)
November 17th, 2014  
Sam
You are right - they do look like paper lanterns!
November 17th, 2014  
Everyone will be waiting with bated breath for an answer
November 17th, 2014  
Very pretty colours and shapes
November 17th, 2014  
Such a lovely pink color, and they do look like lanterns. Makes me wanna light them up with a candle and watch them glow.
November 18th, 2014  
@cjphoto with your fire theme going at the moment I am not surprised! thanks for taking the time to comment on my pics.
November 18th, 2014  
@pennystot @seattlite @veengupta @yaorenliu @nefrit @deu49097 @gigiflower @rosie1610 @flyrobin @cjphoto

Hi everyone. I now know the name of this intriguing plant. It is Nymania Capensis or "Chinese Lantern" (although not the same as the orange ones Nefrit) It comes from South Africa and known there as "firecracker" because children like to pop the "lanterns" which are actually the papery fruit containing the seeds.
November 18th, 2014  
@cruiser Thank you! I found my mother's variety looking yours up. It is the Physalis alkekengi. Same shape, different plant.
November 18th, 2014  
@nefrit oh that's great. hope you have some success in obtaining a plant
November 18th, 2014  
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