After the recent rains, I have been on alert for new fungi. However, these beauties popped up overnight! Naturally my focus had to shift today. 😉 Nature does not wait.
Fifty-three Rain-lilies (Zephyranthes chlorosolen) flowers! Furthermore, it was a totally unexpected area at home! Yippee!
It always exciting with the dew covered petals! The petals will drop after only a couple of days.
Not all were open yet. There are only two species in North Central Texas. In FNCT, search the Lilliaceae family for Cooperia drummondii. However, the current genus is Zephyranthes in the Amaryllidacea family. The other species, Zephyranthes drummondii is listed as Cooperia pedunculata. Z. drummondii is only known south of North Texas. And it only blooms until July. To confuse things even further, Z. chlorosolen is scattered across Texas. So those of you in the Hill Country have both. LOL. And lucky you! Follow this link to see a photo of Z. drummondii (syn. Cooperia pedunculata). Equally as beautiful! But with just a quick look, it would be hard to tell apart. At least at this time of year, it will most certainly be Z. chlorosolen.
The Rain-lily (Zephyranthes chlorosolen) will look like this when the flower drops. FYI, Wildflower.org says it is possible to grow from seeds. Maybe some of you will try?
Now my curiosity was piqued! So I had to dig one up for a closer look! On one globose bulb were three scapes. Each bulb can have up to five scapes. So we really didn’t have fifty-three different flowers. Darn. Still I am happy!
Now a closer look was needed. The style was at the base of the bracts/petals. Dead center in this photo.
The rain-lily in North Texas, Zephyranthes chlorosolen, style goes up to the top blue line. In Zephyranthes drummondii, the second bottom blue line denotes the style’s location.
A close up! One bract removed to show the stamens and the pistil.
An early morning tiny bee!
A crab spider and a tiny bee in the afternoon!
The afternoon flowers were still going strong! Certainly, looks like there will be more tomorrow! Yeah for me!
Last shot from this morning! A rabbit rain-lily. Will it become a new species? LOL.
My new count was fifteen plants after learning more about the rain-lily. So each grouping probably was just one bulb. Indeed, definitely a fun day! Maybe you will see some too!!
Yes I have both species down here so I get the double season of beauties. And yes they grow easily from seed. I will have both at the TF sale next year (first time for the spring bloomer).
OooOooh!!! I mean if seeds show up I’d try them… Paula’s uncle has done it before, apparently they’re not too difficult.
I bet your seed source comes through for you. 😉
Yes i see them in my yard. Love them.
So many rain lily reports from all around the area! I love them so – mine are popping up too!
Yes I have both species down here so I get the double season of beauties. And yes they grow easily from seed. I will have both at the TF sale next year (first time for the spring bloomer).
More to spread around yeah!!