Mediterranean and warm temperate species are taking advantage of this prolonged spell of hot dry weather to flower. We are observing an exceptional amount of flower on the succulent Delosperma lavisiae collected in SE Africa by Olive Hilliard and Bill Burtt.

The bees and other pollinating insects are also benefiting from the fine weather and the proliferation of dry flowers.

Three other plants that benefit from these long hours of sunshine and high temperatures each representing a different growth habit are Salvia verticillata ssp. verticillata a sturdy perennial. Eryingium giganteum a biennial or short lived perennial and Eschscholzia californica an annual, the state flower of California, the sunshine state.

Delosperma lavisiae. Photo by Tony Garn

Delosperma lavisiae

Salvia verticillata ssp. verticillata. Photo by Tony Garn

Salvia verticillata ssp. verticillata

Eryngium giganteum. Photo by Tony Garn

Eryngium giganteum

Eschscholzia californica. Photo by Tony Garn

Eschscholzia californica