Any idea what this plant is?

[calismum]

Came across this in Dunvegan Casltle Gardens, meant to find a gardener to ask what it was but never got round to it. It is on a single stem and it about 8 or 9 feet high.

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd360/calismum/P8140472.jpg

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd360/calismum/P8140473.jpg

[calismum]

http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd360/calismum/P8140473.jpg

[calismum]

Sorry guys can't seem to work the rotation in photobucket - looks ok on the site but is copying like this - good for some neck exercises!!

[dandysmom]

That is one weird looking plant; has me stumped completely! Those look like seed pods, but no idea what it is! Hope someone can help...my curiosity is up now!

[angieh]

OH and I have checked several websites looking for this plant - so far I'm afraid no luck! Dunvegan Castle is on Skye isn't it?

[calismum]

Yes, it is in Skye. The photo was taken 14th August and I think they are seed pods. The guide book doesn't mention specific plants. I've tried a google for large pods, finger sized, cigar shaped etc but no luck.

I've now moved from curiosity to 'I need to know that'. Have asked a few 'garden' friends but they are stumped too.

[angieh]

I have sent a copy of one of your pictures to a friend whose sister is a gardener and lives in Scotland and asked whether they have any idea what it is - I am just like you and can't stand not knowing!

[calismum]

Thanks angieh. Fingers crossed.

If I manage to find out what it is, the next thing will be what are the flowers like and then - will I be able to grow it in my garden. It was just so unusual.

Took loads of photos in the castle gardens - will post them once I can organise them. Some beautiful plants, very inspiring.

CM

[dandysmom]

I'm also at the "gotta know!" point now!! My Google search was fruitless (bad pun! :oops:); hope someone can identify the thing. Looking forward to the garden pics!

Edited: did another search after dinner, no joy, but did find this link to Flora on Skye which I thought might be helpful. I have no idea what botanical family that thing belongs in, but this is an interesting link.

http://www.plant-identification.co.uk/skye/

[calismum]

Think I've found it - friend suggested looked like a lily. Think she might be right. I was not convinced when I seen the photo of the flowers but I think the seedhead photo is right.

Now - will I try this or not - ho hum, more decisions.



http://www.gapphotos.com/imagedetails.asp?imageno=37290 (http://www.gapphotos.com/imagedetails.asp?imageno=37290)

http://plants.thompson-morgan.com/product/7268/1

[calismum]

hey dandysmom, that link is great. There was lots of lovely plants growing wild along verges etc. Took photos of quite a few so it will be a great tool to use to link up identification.

Thanks.

[angieh]

The Skye Flora link is amazing Eileen - who would have thought there were that many plants on so small an island?

I would agree that the Giant Himalayan Lily is a distinct possibility calismum! The leaf and stem are right in the T&M picture - we had thought it was a lily of some sort. Did you see the price of 1 bulb? What heartache if the lily beetle got it! I see the description says it is highly scented - you will have to go back earlier next year to experience the scent!

[Moli]

It may be an Okra.....they have pods very similar....

[dandysmom]

hey dandysmom, that link is great. There was lots of lovely plants growing wild along verges etc. Took photos of quite a few so it will be a great tool to use to link up identification.

Thanks.

Glad you're pleased; just lucked on it in my search.

I think the Himalayan lily is spot on! Not okra, it's never that tall and the pods are shaped differently; I've grown okra. Here's a pic:
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/senior/vegetabl/images/small/okrapods9.jpg

[calismum]

Did you see the price of 1 bulb? What heartache if the lily beetle got it! I see the description says it is highly scented - you will have to go back earlier next year to experience the scent![/QUOTE]

Just gone back and looked at the price - Jaw dropped! And, the bulb dies after flowering. Although it puts out a number of small bulbs they may not flower for years.

Might give putting it in the garden a miss, but would love to have seen it in flower and have a sniff.

Thanks for your help everyone. (if anyone decides to have a go let us know)

[dandysmom]

Interesting article about one growing in Torquay last year .......

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-460056/Flower-power--giant-Himalayan-lily-grows-English-garden.html..

[angieh]

Extracted from Eileen's article above -

"A spokesman for the Royal Horticultural Society said that despite the global warming concerns, the exotic fruits were pretty remarkable.

He said: "It is certainly in keeping with what you would expect from climate change.

"But if it is going to happen anywhere it would be on the south coast." "

mmmmmmmmm since when is the Isle of Skye on the south coast! Is global warming much worse than anyone knows?

[Moli]

Thanks DM, very interesting article......Fascinating plant...!

[calismum]

And here was me thinking I was in the NW! Although it was in quite a sheltered walled garden.

CM