Floral Friday

Leonotis nepetifolia (Klip Dagga, Lion's Ear)

The 10-foot giant is native to tropical Africa and southern India and grows in parts of Mexico and the Caribbeans. It contains leonurine, a mild psychoactive alkaloid. Medicinal uses vary widely.

It grew in a trial bed along the fence but will be featured next season. The hummingbirds love it.

Caigua

I grew Cyclanthera 'Fat Baby' as an ornamental last season and posted photos of it on G+. There, I met Anna who was growing Caigua (Cyclanthera pedata). We traded seeds.

Pretty, palmate leaves, displaying some yellowing, here, unfortunately.
(Container growing is not my forte!)

Caigua bloom

Smooth, slipper-like fruit

Surprisingly, these tender vines were able to cope with a few light frosts. I harvested this small lot on Aug. 30 and a slightly larger crop in mid-September. They are different in texture to cucumber but share a similar flavour. They can be pickled, sautéed or eaten fresh. As they mature, the pods become hollow which makes them perfect for stuffing.

I tried this tex-mex recipe (she has great info and photos so have a look!). It makes a great zucchini or pepper stuffer too. Yum!

Floral Friday

Nicotiana tabacum