Unknown flowering vine

cactuspic · Post by **cactuspic** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 6:47 pm

While meandering about on my recent trip to Santa Monica, I chanced upon this beautiful flower lit by the early morning sun. I have no idea what it is. If anyone can help with the ID, I would appreciate it greatly. Hope you enjoy.

Irwin

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 6:52 pm

Have not been to Santa Monica in years but on Wilshire Blvd., I believe is a nice little out of doors place called the "Mucky Duck," got the coldest pitchers of beer in town and pretty good food. As for the flower, I have seen one of those but have no idea what it is called. Beautiful image though.

cactuspic · Post by **cactuspic** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 10:31 pm

Thanks Ken. I thought Santa Monica and the surroundings were scenic and there were many fascinating shops, restaurants, etc. I am glad I don't have to pay to live there though.

Irwin

beetleman · Post by **beetleman** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 7:05 am

I wonder what pollinates this flower

Harold Gough · Post by **Harold Gough** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 3:16 am

Possibly some kind of gesneriad?

jmlphoto · Post by **jmlphoto** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 8:52 am

i see these all the time, dont know name sorry but good shot

Cyclops · Post by **Cyclops** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:19 am

Hmmm intriguing. The foliage looks pilose so yea could be a Gesneriad but the flower makes me think of a Tradescantia or some kind of Orchid.

Harold Gough · Post by **Harold Gough** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:24 am

My first reaction was Tradescantia but there seem not be be enough frills on the stamens, not that I know the genus well. Neither was I too happy with my suggestion of Gesneriad but it might be close.

Cyclops · Post by **Cyclops** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:37 am

Well I'm having particula difficulty as I'm viewing on a tiny phone screen plus I've never been abroad so don't know any tropicals in the flesh as it were

Harold Gough · Post by **Harold Gough** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 11:12 am

Unless I am mistaken, it is the Glory Bush, Tibouchina semidecandra, family Melastomataceae. It generally grows to no more than three feet high in cultivation. There are a total of 250 species in the genus so it could be a different one. (I am concerned that the leaves do no quite fit).

Try Googling the name for images.

Harold