Monday, October 5, 2020

Longspurred Balm "The mystery flower"


 Thanks to everyone who tried to help me with the identification of this flower.

I contacted the Florida Native Plant Society and they got right back to me with some interesting information. 


Dicerandra cornutissima


Of course once you have the proper name of a plant it's easier to search for it online.


Wikipedia has a very good page about it HERE.

It is a rare species of flowering plant endemic to Florida and only found in Marion County and possibly Sumter County. There are only 15 known occurrences remaining. It is a federally endangered species.


So I feel very fortunate to have found it and photographed it. 


I'm glad it is in a protected area and hopefully it will thrive and multiply. Thanks to the FNPS for their efforts in preserving the natural habitat in this area.

I watched this young Red-bellied Woodpecker on my hike and thought you would enjoy it. 


Did you ever try to hide behind a tree? Hold your breath and make yourself smaller to hide? Well, it's been awhile for me, but that's what this reminded me of. Like....can you see me now? lol

Our prayers are with our President and the first lady as they fight the coronovirus. We are praying for everyone infected and hope they have a light case and speedy recovery.

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

I'm linking with All Seasons at the Jesh Studio,


AND my Monday post HERE.



35 comments:

Tom said...

...beautiful tiny bells!

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Yay! I'm glad you found the flower's name, and a patch where it is growing. Over time, you might be able to see how it flourishes and spreads. The woodpecker is funny. Have a great and safe week!

Creations By Cindy said...

Glad you found out name of them. I am horrible with knowing names of plants and flowers. Hope your day is going well. Rainy and dreary looking here but temps are nice. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Arlene G said...

We played outside all summer when I was a girl. We turned the space between the Trees into play houses. I love the flowers you photographed. Here the flowers are beginning to fade. I am planning to work in my flower beds today and cut back my hostess. And yes, prayers for our president as well as all who are suffering from the second wave of the virus.

Edna B said...

How exciting that you have learned the name and background of this beautiful plant. You were in the right place at the right time. That's really special. I love your wood pecker too. He does seem to be playing "peekaboo." You have a wonderful day, hugs, Edna B.

Gillena Cox said...

Beautiful flowers happy you now know its name
Thanks for dropping by and linking to my blog today

Muchđź’–love

Susie said...

Diane, All the pictures from all the hikes, now you have found a very rare flower. I love that. With little woods here and there around us, we see plenty of woodpeckers. It seems if the woodpecker tried to drill into that skinny tree it would not work well. LOL. Blessings, stay safe. xoxo, love, Susie

Sandy said...

I am glad you shared the name. I love the woodpecker pictures.

Pamela M. Steiner said...

Wow! No wonder it was so difficult to identify! It is very rare, and you found it!! Congratulations on this wonderful discovery!! I do hope it will survive now that it is in a protected area. It is so pretty!! I would love to see it.
And yes, that woodpecker is doing his best to hide from you! LOL. So funny. I love our Florida wildlife and wildflowers. We are blessed to live in an area where they still exist!! Thank you for sharing with us!

MadSnapper said...

congratulations on this find. wow! it is so beautiful and different and exotic.. good job on the research

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

Wow, congrats on your rare flower find. It is beautiful.
I love the Red-bellied Woodie too. Great collection of photos.
Take care, enjoy your day! Wishing you a happy new week!

Debbie said...

i am so happy you were able to identify the flower, it is a beauty. it is always wonderful to find good people who are kind and helpful!!

i enjoyed seeing the young red bellied, they are awesome!! have a great new week ahead!!

Crafty in the Med said...

They look like mini foxgloves to me but I know very little about flowers. Perhaps they are related to foxgloves. They certainly look dainty and very pretty!! Poor little chap....looks like he is hanging on to the branch for dear life!1 Great photos!! keep well Amanda x

Dawn said...

What lovely flowers and a wonder that you happened upon a rare find. Love the bird playing hide and go seek in a sense. LOL
Yes, prayers for our President and First Lady through this illness and every day as it is a job I would not want. Too much stress and pressure of the entire world on his shoulders.
Dawn aka Spatulas On Parade

Vee said...

How nice to know what it is! Yes, I have tried to hide behind a tree with about the same results as the woodpecker.

Amen! Praying for all who are dealing with you know.

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

I've never lived in either county and perhaps that is why I've never seen nor heard of this lovely little flower.

carol l mckenna said...

Wonderful that you found the flowers' name that you photographed and wonderful woodpecker photos ~ fun! Xox

Live each moment with love,

A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

NatureFootstep said...

it is nice to zoom in to a flower and fine this beauty. Many times we just pass when it is so easy to see it. A beautiful flower in the mosaic indeed.
The images of the pecker is soo cool. :) :)

Barbara said...

How very interesting that this unusual flower, the Dicerandra cornutissima, lives right here in our county and you found it! It is very, very pretty!

Carla from The River said...

Hi, that is so amazing that you got to find such a treasure. I remember when Jeremy and I found a Pink Lady Slipper (flower) on a hike in Upper Michigan. To find such rare flowers is such a treasure.
Take Care Friend!

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Well, aren't they the prettiest pink bells! And now you've got a name for them. I love your woodpecker photos -- he's adorable.

Wishing you a beautiful day, Diane.
Brenda xo

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

What a beautiful flower, Diane! It is always amazing to me that some wildflowers are only found in one particular area that has to be under the right unique conditions. It becomes a precious gem of nature and I'm glad this area is a preserve and will allow it to flourish for future generations to enjoy!
PS: Thank you for your anniversary best wishes!

Ann said...

The flowers are so pretty. Glad you were able to spot them and then get them identified.
Love the pictures of the woodpecker. He does look like he's trying to hide.

Lydia C. Lee said...

What a lovely hike you had! Love the woodpecker!

Gone Tropical said...

hahaa, the bird hiding behind the branch is too funny ;)
the close up of the flower shows its beauty so well. It reminds me of the flowers of the obedient plant (Physostegia), you are sure lucky to have found it, thank you for sharing the pictures.

happyone said...

Glad you got the flower identified - it sure is pretty.

Inger said...

I like the way that little guy or was it a girl climbed all the way to the top. The flowers are very pretty and I hope they will thrive.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Amazing that you found and learned about this wonderful flower. So admire that you did the work to learn more about it and thank you for sharing what you found out. Wish I would be in Florida and could visit your county during its blooming season. Your lovely photos are the next best thing.

Angie said...

Diane - how wonderful that you found and photographed this rare species!!! I also hope it thrives so that it can move from rare to abundant. If anyone can hide behind a tree, it's you! Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday!

stardust said...

How lovely Dicerandra cornutissima flowers! You captured them up close so nice. You’re very fortunate to have found such rare species. I wish them thrive and expand habitat, too. I have no way to see them in person, thanks for sharing. Have happy days ahead.

Yoko

Lowcarb team member said...

I'm pleased that you found out the flower's name, it's such a pretty colour isn't it.

All the best Jan

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Oh isn't that interesting about the endangered flower? It is so beautiful - and I am so glad you shared it with us.

LOL on hiding behind a tree!

Hugs.

Rain said...

That flower is definitely beautiful! Oh I remember the days of hiding behind a tree lol...in fact, I still do it when I want to try to take photos of wildlife, though I'm not very good at it lol! :)

Teresa said...

Felicidades por ese encuentro. Me encanta buscar plantas y fotografiarla. Besos.

Red Rose Alley said...

This is a pretty flower. It looks like the petals are drooping downward. I wonder why they are called the red-bellied woodpecker, as I can't see any red on them at all. Maybe when they mature. Yes, it breaks my heart for all those that had or have the virus. Take care and stay safe, Diane.

~Sheri