Flower of the Day - Acanthus by Janet

Image copyright Janet Denne 2013

Acanthus mollis is also known as Oyster plant or Bear's breeches - not very nice names for a pretty flower!  

However, this plant has a proud history - it was grown in Ancient Greece and Rome, and acanthus leaf was used as a motif to decorate the tops of Corinthian columns (from Don Burke at Burke's Backyard).

The big leaves are up to 60cm long, and the flower spikes grow up to 50 cm high.

Unusual flowers - Shrimp (Prawn) plant by Frances

Image copyright 2013 Frances Brown

Shrimp plant (Drejerella) is of Mexican origin. It has red/green bracts (modified leaves) which are segmented, something like the body of a prawn or shrimp. The actual flower is the white and red part in the centre.