sanderianum

 see how they grow 

                              

close-up of petal tips
 

Shown to the left is a close-up of the petal tips as they rapidly elongate. Slightly club shaped, they are covered with bristly hairs. Once the petals reach their full length, they petal tips become flatter with fewer bristles.

The sequence of photos below shows the amazingly rapid growth of the petals, up to several inches in a 24 hour period.

 

 
bud opening
day 0
petals are already several inches long, folded within the opening bud.		 petals begin to elongate rapidly
day 1
24 hours later, the petals unfold and begin to lengthen rapidly. The club shaped tips are visible.		 petals lighten in color as well
day 2
In only 2 days, the petals are about a foot long! The kinks also begin to work themselves out.		 ribbon-like petals
day 4
The petals are more than a foot long, and begin to take on their characteristic ribbony look.

 

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