Very nice picture and a very fond dedication. Adeshji has posted the picture in its natural position, some viewers may be wondering. Please permit me to add some information on its drooping position. Ceropegias have inverted (inside-out not upside-down) corollas with the inner side of the tube decorated for guiding the pollinting insects to the nectaries at the bottom. The narrow tube also has down pointing stiff hairs that prevent the insect to flee immediately after the nectar is consumed. After the insect has struggled in the inflated chamber at the bottom and has pollinated the flower with the pollen that it has carried in from the previous flower, the erect flower bends down and the stiff hairs inside become limp. Thus the insect is trapped only untill the purpose of the flower is served. The insect can then escape from the drooping flower obviously with a pack of pollen to be caried to the next flower. Besides drooping there are many interesting aspects of floral architecture about Ceropegias. Regards Shrikant Ingalhalikar
On Dec 31 2009, 10:55 pm, Adesh Shivkar <[email protected]> wrote: > Place: Kass Plateau, Approx. 25 kms north of Satara, Maharashtra. > Location of flower / plant: Road side bushes > > Date: Aug'08 & Sep'09 > > Equipment: Canon 40 D Camera + Tamron 90 mm macro lens > > Species: *Ceropegia oculata > > *Local name (Marathi) : Mor Kharchudi > > I have some particularly fond memories related to this flower..... While on > a trip to Kaas Plateau, Satara, I chanced upon this flower that was then > identified by Late Dr.Shraddha Shimpi (Botany Dept., Pendharkar College, > Dombivili) who was our resource person....More than my finding, I was > fascinated by the way Shimpi Madam was excited and explained its features > and importance with a child like enthusiasm. I was simply amazed not just by > her vast knowledge, but by the way she used to explain flora to novices and > make it so interesting that many people (I know this for sure) have started > appreciating & respecting the floral world.....I owe my interest in flowers > to Her. > > She left for heavenly abode in the year 2009....but her teachings will > always inspire and motivate me to inculcate interest in more people about > this fascinating floral world. I would dedicate this and all my flora images > of 2009 to my teacher - Dr.Shraddha Shimpi. > > Warm Regards, > Adesh Shivkarhttp://natureindia.ning.com/ > > Ceropegia occulata_2008.jpg > 100KViewDownload > > Ceropagia oculata-2009.jpg > 195KViewDownload -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "indiantreepix" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/indiantreepix?hl=en.
