Friday, September 24, 2010

Haemanthus

Haemanthus are bulbous plants from the Amaryllis family from South Africa with flowering period in September/October and the main vegetative period in winter, having a long rest period in late spring and summer. Some, like Haemantus coccineus resist to a couple of degree minus, so they are in-between zone 8 and 9.

During the rest period in summer the pots need to be completely dry.

After the first raining days in September, the bulbs break their dormancy the compost being completely dry. It's just the atmospheric humidity that made the difference.
Full flowering.


Full developed leaves in winter.
Leaves are degenerating and the bulbs prepare itself for the rest period.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

European pond turtle Emys orbicularis


Basking adult female of Emys orbicularis.


Juvenile animal in spring after hibernation in water.