Understandably, most plants are sold on the merits of their flowers or perhaps foliage. Sometimes fall color, ornamental bark or even wildlife potential become factors in considering (and promoting) a plant. I just want to remind everyone that some plants have some cool fruiting structures. For instance, above is the "pumpkin-on-a-stick" (
Solanum aethiopicum) which while essentially an eggplant (edible), is grown for its neat orange fruits which are also used in late season arrangements. Eggplants were originally grown as ornamentals before their culinary potential was discovered. Below is the balloon flower (
Gomphocarpus physocarpus) which is also known as hairy balls or the "family jewels" plant. This milkweed relative (native to Africa) is grown as an annual in our climate and will reach heights well over 6' tall. This plant is grown for those inflated pods which have long been used in arrangements and also evoke occasional giggles.
Further below (next two pictures) are the inflated pods of the American bladdernut (
Staphylea trifolia) which is native to a wide range of the Eastern U.S. (incl. WI) and Canada. We don't have a specimen at RBG but when I worked at Fernwood Botanical Garden (
www.fernwoodbotanical.org/) in Michigan, we had it growing as an understory tree (15' tall or so) along streams and other waterways. The white flowers of this tree in spring are sightly but the pods steal the show later in the season. This specimen was seen at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Further below are the three-chambered, inflated bladder-like pods of the goldenrain tree (
Koelreuteria paniculata) which is known for golden summer flowers (June/July) followed by these pods. We haven't been able to esta
blish a goldenrain tree at RBG but will keep trying as I think it is hardy enough (native to China). The bottom photo shows the seed forming for the Japanese tree lilac (
Syringa reticulata 'Ivory Silk') that while not as showy as the white flowers, still have interest. So, don't forget the merits of fruiting structures in your garden (or vase!).
Understandably, most plants are sold on the merits of their flowers or perhaps foliage. Sometimes fall color, ornamental bark or even wildlife potential become factors in considering (and promoting) a plant. I just want to remind everyone that some plants have some cool fruiting structures. For instance, above is the "pumpkin-on-a-stick" (Solanum aethiopicum) which while essentially an eggplant (edible), is grown for its neat orange fruits which are also used in late season arrangements. Eggplants were originally grown as ornamentals before their culinary potential was discovered. Below is the balloon flower (Gomphocarpus physocarpus) which is also known as hairy balls or the "family jewels" plant. This milkweed relative (native to Africa) is grown as an annual in our climate and will reach heights well over 6' tall. This plant is grown for those inflated pods which have long been used in arrangements and also evoke occasional giggles.
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