Sparmannia africana

Today's the day ....................... for haptonasty

A walk today in the gardens at Threave, which were looking very autumnal - although the colours were maybe not quite as advanced as they were this time last year.  

I found this lovely African hemp in the greenhouse in the Walled Garden.  It's part of the mallow family, native to open woodland in South Africa and Madagascar but you can grow it here as an indoor plant. Sparmannia species are known for their haptonasty - rapid movements made by the stamens when they are touched - an adaption which helps in more effective pollenation.

It is one of the plants that has gained The Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit ....................