topic Re: What plant is this? in Community Spirit

What plant is this?

bright.ton42 — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 04:05:29 GMT

I thought it was mother in law's tongue but then a few weeks ago out of the blue it produced this flower. I read that MIL tongue only produces cream flowers so do any of the garden gurus here know what this is?

Re: What plant is this?

imastawka — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 04:18:26 GMT

It's a Bromeliad

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=bromeliad&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwitrJ6w_rXOAhXHJ5QKHSZBD9YQ_AUICCgB&biw=1187&bih=559#tbm=isch&q=bromeliad+types&imgdii=4-X7wkn0xzOX4M%3A%3B4-X7wkn0xzOX4M%3A%3Bxvm7-g9p3l6tNM%3A&imgrc=4-X7wkn0xzOX4M%3A

Re: What plant is this?

imastawka — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 04:24:30 GMT

Scrap that....I ~~lied~~ was mistaken. It's a Bilbergia

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=billbergia&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj-pfnv_7XOAhVGNpQKHUsqC0cQ_AUICCgB&biw=1187&bih=559#imgrc=AaSeQNif8me0HM%3A

Re: What plant is this?

imastawka — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 04:31:44 GMT

OK - your guess is as good as mine now.

This is a Bromeliad - maybe they're the same family?

Re: What plant is this?

bright.ton42 — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 04:44:12 GMT

YES! Thanks for that, it's been bugging me. From what I've read the Billbergia is part of the bromeliad family. the flower was gorgeous but it's died now. Thanks Ima, much appreciated.

Re: What plant is this?

imastawka — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 04:50:20 GMT

It looks like it could use a re-pot, Bright.

And maybe if it has 'pups' they can be planted separately to give more joy next year

Re: What plant is this?

bright.ton42 — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 05:00:54 GMT

It is rather squashed., isn't it. Funny thing is I've completely ignored it so the flower was a huge surprise. As I'm not getting any sun in the courtyard right now perhaps i should wait until there is some sun before I repot? I started growing potted cacti and succulents last year and they shot up in the sun but are dormant now. I'm looking forward to summer as I think they will overrun the garden, particularly the prickly pear which I love.

Re: What plant is this?

imastawka — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 05:15:11 GMT

You may love the prickly pear, but it's considered a weed in most states.

Google will tell you about your state

Re: What plant is this?

bright.ton42 — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 05:38:41 GMT

Yes I know, but I keep it in pots. I just love the shapes.

Re: What plant is this?

imastawka — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 05:43:17 GMT

Just to be a total nag, it doesn't escape by itself, birds eat it and spread it.

Have you eaten the fruit? It's supposed to be delicious

Re: What plant is this?

ooak3 — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 05:49:50 GMT

when we went to new york 25 years ago ( omg cant believe it was that long ago )

it was for sale in all the fruit shops ( we didn't try it wish we had now )