Thursday, January 23, 2014

Leucophyllum frutescens - Ash Plant

Leucophyllum frutescens (Ash Plant, Purple sage, Texas silver leaf),  is a flowering perennial shrub with arching  branches of lovely silver leaves. Both the flowers and leaves  are wooly or velvety in texture.

 
 
The silver leaves are the perfect foil for the dainty rose-magenta flowers.


Solitary flowers are studded over the whole shrub like ornaments.


Branches are long and bear flowers over the whole length.


Flower buds are waiting to pop over the next few days.


Leaves appear velvety and luxurious.



Peablue butterflies can frequently be seen flitting in and out of the shrub.


A leafhopper lurked between two leaves for shelter, security and substennance.



19 comments:

  1. Śliczne kwiatki i ciekawe listki podobają się nie tylko mnie, ale owadom również. Śliczne wszystko. Pozdrawiam.
    Beautiful flowers and interesting leaves like not only me, but also insects. Cute everything. Yours.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fauna and Flora are in a symbiotic relationship.

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  2. It seems the leaves are very soft, aren't they Elsie? The flower shape is pretty, great pictures.

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    1. The leaves are not really soft, quite thick and firm but definitely feels luxurious, as you can see how the leaf hopper was nicely tucked in between the leaves

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  3. Your insects are so beautiful!!! Nice captures!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Chris. I do like the critter with the zebra stripes on the underside of its thorax and abdomen, but topped with contrasting orange wings.

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  4. With its thick hoary leaves this plant looks as though it is adapted for a dry, windy region, not Malaysia!! I wonder what attracts the butterflies. Maybe the leaves exude minerals that are useful to the butterflies.

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    Replies
    1. You've made a good observation about its natural and original habitats such as Texas. I did not know the word "hoary" and have to check out its meaning. Actually it is not so much hoary, but more luxurious and velvety. The insect must have found it so wonderful to slip in between two wooly leaves and snooze off.

      As you have observed, the leaves are dry and I don't think there is any exudate. The butterfly might have nectared earlier on the numerous pink-lavender flowers and later reposed on the soft leaves.

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  5. What a lovely combination of colors this shrub brings you.
    Have a wonderful sunday stiletto

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    Replies
    1. May you have a good weekend with your family and friends.

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  6. Nice captures. Have a great weekend!

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  7. Oh i love that first photo and those with the insects. I didn't know it is the name of that shrub, i've been seeing it but didn't bother to ID. I haven't been near one so now i will try to make some macro shots, as yours are so inspiring.

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    1. Actually, it took a long time for me to secure its ID. I discovered it while flipping through a gardening magazine. Do get that macro lens and snap away as your macro shots are really good.

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  8. I often marvel at this plant.
    It is so hardy and beautiful.. planted along the roadside facing all the dust, oils and dirt - appearing on the surface leaves.
    The only thing that I still haven't figured out is how to propagate this one.
    Been unsuccessful many times.
    Have you manage to successfully beget a plant growing from cutting or some sorts?
    It would be great if you can share your experience.

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    Replies
    1. I've not seen them being planted on roadside around KL. However I've seen lots of them planted as a hedge in Penang and in Bangkok.

      One look at it, and I just have a feeling that it is difficult to root it. Having said that, I think I would give it a try. I bought a small plant which was inexpensive. After about 3 years, it grew to about 10 ft tall.

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  9. On this Ashplant the leaves are just as pretty as the flowers. I love silver grey green leaves, and so do the insects by the look of your excellent photos. The leafhopper is very decorative.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the compliments. I concur with you, the leafhopper looks like a tree ornament.

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  10. How Leucophyllum frutescens come to malaysia?

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