An exotic flower makes a natural curtain!

[Queenie O.]

A couple of years ago I bought a shrub in the nearby nursery because I was attracted to it's giant science fiction looking flower buds. Over time I found out that it was actually a sturdy vine that went from that shrub planted in the garden by the sea and made it's way up to the upper part of the garden, planting fresh roots in the ground as it grew. Because the flowers were so exotic and the vine being seaside tolerant I'd discovered, I started to coax it over and attached it to the window grills with twist ties on one side of the house. It has now taken off and has started to bloom too!

The flower and vine name is "Copa de Oro" or cup of gold, Golden Chalice vine. The flowers are huge and exotic-- like large wine glasses, and at night the blooms give off an exotic coconut vanilla scent. This plant originates from Mexico I've read, and all parts of the plant are considered dangerous/poisonous. Back in the day it was said that ingesting the flowers produced a peyote like hallucinating state. Mexican shamans used the plant in many rituals too. It was considered quite a potent but rather dangerous aphrodisiac too. 

I don't think there is any such interest in that aspect of the plant here in the Philippines, but it might be an exotic vine of interest for some of you garden loving readers out there.

[Castaway]

5 hours ago, Queenie O. said:

Back in the day it was said that ingesting the flowers produced a peyote like hallucinating state. Mexican shamans used the plant in many rituals too. It was considered quite a potent but rather dangerous aphrodisiac too. 

They're such beautiful flowers!!!... plus they can also do so many useful things!!!

 

[Queenie O.]

47 minutes ago, Castaway said:

They're such beautiful flowers!!!... plus they can also do so many useful things!!!

 

I agree Castaway.  They're vigorous ropelike vines too, and have been easy to grow. At first When the vines started climbing on the grills, I thought that I'd be grateful just for the vines and leaves, but now that blooms are showing up I'm really happy!  Don't think I didn't consider for a second, nibbling a little edge from one of those cups! 

Edited September 8, 2017 by Queenie O.

[mogo51]

You have excelled again Queenie, fantastic flowers.

[OnMyWay]

Queenie, what a fantastic bloom!  I think we need to look for that vine!

I thought you might enjoy this one.  I have never seen a bloom that is round like this.  My niece is in Alaska and took this pic a few days ago at the Univ. of Alaska botanical garden.  It is some sort of Dahlia.

[Queenie O.]

 Thanks OMW. This cup of gold vine would do well in your garden I'll bet. 

 What a color on this cool flower! I guessed it right and googled it to be sure--it's a variety called Pom pom dahlia.  That would be fun to have--not sure if it could adapt here.

[Queenie O.]

2 hours ago, mogo51 said:

You have excelled again Queenie, fantastic flowers.

Thanks Mogo.   Maybe this vine and a few orchids would be good at your new place. 

[Queenie O.]

The frequent rain has turned my gardens into a green jungle! Here are some more shots this morning of the vine, as it takes over on it's own. It has climbed trees too!

[Jack Peterson]

Beautiful Queenie but alas my Puppy would demolish this wonderful scene

[sonjack2847]

On 9/8/2017 at 9:02 PM, Queenie O. said:

 Thanks OMW. This cup of gold vine would do well in your garden I'll bet. 

 What a color on this cool flower! I guessed it right and googled it to be sure--it's a variety called Pom pom dahlia.  That would be fun to have--not sure if it could adapt here.

My father used to grow them many years ago in the UK and they were always filled up with earwigs.Maybe we could find some similar flower here.