A nice surprise...

[otis 226]

... just goes to prove you never know when opportunity will knock! I'll admit this little gem wasn't on the top of my W.L., but I did want to try one eventually, as I've read about the jewel orchids and really like the terrestrials I've met so far.
We were passing our downtown square last weekend, and they had an outdoor festival of some kind going on, (still don't know what it was), but as we weren't in a big hurry, we stopped and checked out some of the booths. One lady was selling a few unusual plants; this Ludisia discolor among them. Also picked up an interesting vine called Malabar spinach, which I look forward to planting out side come spring.
I've been wanting to get back into vermicomposting in a small way again, and we even found someone selling red wrigglers, so, worm tea, here I come!
Tony

[Hummer344]

The Malbar spinich should be put on a trellis of some kind. It is eatable but not a lot of people like it. I planted several on a round cage, 6 feet tall. They grew to the top of the cage and started back down. At its best, you couldn't see the cage at all.

[BGGraham1]

very nice, Tony. I love the look of those jewel orchids.

[orchids4me]

Nice finds Tony !!
Have you decided how your going to set up an area for the vines when you plant them out side? Make sure to post pics!!!!
The jewel has pretty leaves

[katrina]

Very nice!! Looks like it was a worthwhile stop.

[otis 226]

Originally Posted by Hummer344

The Malbar spinich should be put on a trellis of some kind. It is eatable but not a lot of people like it. I planted several on a round cage, 6 feet tall. They grew to the top of the cage and started back down. At its best, you couldn't see the cage at all.

Yes, I understand the vines can grow 20-30 ft. tall if you let 'em! I do like the taste of it and don't find it particularly slimy. I've never tried it stir fried, though. Like it raw.I may try some in the ground also, since it produces so many seeds, don't think I'll need to worry about new starts.

Originally Posted by orchids4me

Nice finds Tony !!
Have you decided how your going to set up an area for the vines when you plant them out side? Make sure to post pics!!!!
The jewel has pretty leaves

Yes, I have a trellis all ready for when I can put it out, in late Feb. The unripe seeds are really kind of pretty with their white, pink and green color. I understand they turn black or dark purple when ripe.
I'm on the lookout for something called Okinawan spinach, which has green leaves with a purple underside. Its supposed to be very healthy for you, but you can't grow it from the seed. It needs to be raised by cuttings to get the best quality plants, nutritionally speaking.
I'll post some pics of the Malabar spinach plant later.
Best,
Tony

[JudyC]

Very pretty plant!

[smakar]

The jewel orchid is great! Most of the people I encounter comment on the leaves and discount the flowers. The leaves are great but the flowers are also. If you look at the blooming flowers very closely they look like tiny, tiny orchids. I think they are pretty as well, and cannot wait for my jewel orchids to bloom!! (and they grow like crazy!).

[otis 226]

Yep, definitely not discounting the blooms. I also understand that this one is easily propagated from cuttings.
Cheers,
Tony