It is such a pretty flower. I have always enjoyed it. This has a multitude of interesting common names, one being Devil in the bush! But I won't go into any more today. It has been cultivated for over 400 years, and is native to Europe and Northern Africa.
I forgot I had these so I thought I would showcase them in one post. With a name like "Love-in-the-Mist" (Nigella damascena), you would think that there would be a more romantic origin story, but alas no such thing. It comes from the fact that the flower is nestled in a ring of multifid, lacy bracts.
"Multifid" you say? This would make a good word for the day. However, all it means is that it is divided into many parts. Okay!
"Bracts?" A modified leaf or scale, typically small, with a flower or flower cluster in its axil. Bracts are sometimes larger and more brightly colored than the true flower, as in poinsettia.
Axil you say? The upper angle a leaf stalk or branch and the stem or trunk from which it is growing.
Stalk you say? Just kidding, I have had enough of my refresher info for today. More proficient gardeners will have no need for this extra information, but for someone like me who needs a continuous refresher, it really helps me putting it all on my blog and is a good source to go back to when I need it.
Thanks so much for visiting and I hope your day is a great one.
