It must have been ages since I last wrote about Bunga Bakawali, a cactus like plant , a giveaway by Rosiah my younger sister from Pantai Remis. My brother Azman can narrate stories about bunga bakawali at length, mentioning about the heavenly fragrance and the peculiarity that bakawali will open at midnite, and fall off soon after. It looks like Bunga Bakawali is not really meant for us earthly folks because we live in a cyclic 24 hour rhythm and sleep at night. A short burst of midnite flowering frenzy is definitely out of this world, and out of our normal waking hours.... No wonder Bakawali has fairytales around its heavenly existence.
We had this Bunga Bakawali. since April, almost 9 months long. While we were doing the daily chores together at the porch, picking up dead leaves, adding fertilisers and so on, I noticed something different at the edge of bakawali leaf. It didn't look like a new shoot because the colour wasn't green! It is a BUD! So finally the heavenly flower is ready to open here.....
Earlier on 3.1.2011
bakawali bud
3.1.2011
3.1.2011
bakawali bud
3.1.2011
3.1.2011
bakawali bud
3.1.2011
3.1.2011
A week later
bakawali bud getting bigger, very pinkish colour
and the whole flower bud is well protected by calyx or sepals
which look like tentacles of a squid.
11.1.2011
and the whole flower bud is well protected by calyx or sepals
which look like tentacles of a squid.
11.1.2011
Another interesting feature, the colour of Bakawali stalk is getting very much lighter. It must be an enormous effort to bend at the base of the bud, preparing for the night of bloom. I guess the flower will open to be viewed horizontally in that position.
11.1.2011
The day it decided to open
11.1.2011
The day it decided to open
The colour, the size of the bud, and the tip of the bud is really giving every indication that it is going to bloom that night
12.1.2011
12.1.2011
7.45am
I took so many pictures during the blooming stage that I thought it would be best to put them in some meaningful sequence for everyone to see. Stay tune.., the pictures will be posted tomorrow.
I took so many pictures during the blooming stage that I thought it would be best to put them in some meaningful sequence for everyone to see. Stay tune.., the pictures will be posted tomorrow.
bangchik and kakdah
menyaksi bunga bakawali dengan mata sendiri
Tanah Merah, Kelantan
( Bunga Bakawali in Malaysia, Wijaya Kusuma in indonesia, Queen of the night, Night-blooming Cereus, Dutchman's Pipe, Gul-e-Bakavali in Hindi, Kadupul in Sinhala. Bunga Bakawali is in fact a cactus. ~ Epiphyllum )
menyaksi bunga bakawali dengan mata sendiri
Tanah Merah, Kelantan
This is really a cool looking plant and the bud has the design of something medieval. And when the bloom does open, it's one of the most beautiful flowers....you just have to stay up to see it or kept up early in the morning before the sun rises. If it's like most nightblooming cereus cactus....I haven't heard of this particular variety. But it's definitely a cool plant to have around.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the flowering of your Bunga Bakawali, I look forward to your photos!
ReplyDeleteNow, would the flower be white... or pinkish?
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the flower! Is it pink? :))
ReplyDeleteIm as excited as you Bangchik to see the flower blooming!
ReplyDeleteThis is exciting. I can't wait to see the flower too.
ReplyDeleteIs it white? I guess it looks very much like a dragon fruit flower, right?
ReplyDeleteNever seen this before.. can't wait to see until it fully bloom..
ReplyDeleteHi Bangchik, Is this the same as 'bunga sundal malam'? (pardon the word!) but that is the only name I was told. I had this plant many years ago, given by my father's friend. It blooms at around midnight, I kept awake to watch the flower blooms. I did get to see it bloomed a little. Did not get to witness the whole bloom as I'm getting extremely sleepy, not to mention the mosquitos around. My hubby thought I'm nuts, sitting in the garden at midnight staring at the bud! But yes, it has a lovely fragrance. And mine was white.
ReplyDeleteOh, I have had this 'orchid cacti' before, my oh my, the flower is sweet scented. Some people said that 'tuan puteri'(sprites) will play around the flowers when they bloom. Hehehe.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteIs there any way that I can have this plant??
~ Food so delicious!
ReplyDeleteYou may get it from the nurseries. I can also send you a cutting by post... a cactus normally survives. Leave the address at the e-mail.