Not exactly a southern tree more a creeping succulent but the Chineses Lantern-type growths on this plant are rather exotic. The Artist has a "gonad tree" (her name for it) in her garden in Spain which has round white ballon like things about 3" across but they appear to be fruit and hang there for some time. It's the nearest thing I've seen to this but these are a more elegant shape and about 5" long. They are a pale brown and other than the exotic shape and strangeness not overly appealing.
But wait a day and one sees they are not fruit at all but flower buds. They burst open to a starfish-like flower about a foot across. The green and red patterning is redolent of those tropical carnivorous plants one sees at Chelsea, and they are indeed greatly attractive to black flies. Unforunately I think they may act as pollinators rather than get eaten. I would like some natural fly gobbler.
If anyone knows what it is please tell me.
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