Just before the holiday weekend, my friend (and fellow theater boardmember) Linda and her husband Bill made an open invitation to friends to come and see their Epiphyllum bloom - - she didn't know exactly when it would happen, she just knew it would be soon. I had never heard of this plant, but she explained in her webpage that the blossoms only last one night. She gave us nightly updates on whether or not the bloom would happen. They also lured us over with homemade soup, bread, and beverages...yummy! All her updates and having to wait made me so curious, I just wanted to see these flowers! Finally, tonight (Tuesday) I got the call! I was so excited because I didn't have school, so I could go. I took the girls and we arrived at their home shortly after 8 pm. The girls loved it because we could hear crickets everywhere - - the Oaks area of SP always gives me that "camping" sensation. The backyard is a beautiful garden, exactly how I envision my garden looking someday! Most of you who know me (and my dead houseplants) are shaking your heads and asking "what garden?!?" I vow to someday have a real cozy garden!
But back to my story...
The Epiphyllum blooms were barely opening when we first checked on them. The girls made themselves quite comfy, checking out Linda's collection of frogs and photos. They didn't get too rambunctious, considering they were in the midst of a lot of adults. We explored the garden a bit, found a big spider, and spied on her for a while. We nibbled, drank, and socialized, and before we knew it, the blossoms had opened! They were so beautiful and so fragrant! Viviana said they smelled a little like vanilla. We took some photos (below). We also tasted some Epiphyllum fruit. I was surprised that the girls were eager to try it, and they really liked it! (I had to tell them to stop eating it so everyone else could try it too!) It was kind of like a pink kiwi-gooseberry. We left at about 9:30pm, since the girls have school in the morning. I'm just glad we were able to experience what we did.
I came home and Google'd "Epiphyllum". The Epiphyllum is actually a broad/flat-leafed cacti from Central America. I am going to have to get one! (or more) I checked eBay, and they come in so many beautiful colors! I figure I can get the benefit of beautiful flowers (I LOVE cactus flowers) and the hardiness of a cacti (I don't think I could care for an orchid). And, they make great indoor plants.
During the course of the evening, they will actually open all the way up!
Linda & Bill: Thanks for sharing! (Here is a picture of Linda)
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