Is this a weed? Genus Unknown
 

A friend gave me some lovely Calla Lilies a year ago, and this little plant surfaced recently from one of the clumps". Does anyone know what it is? Appreciate an answer.

I don't know.

But anyone who can take a picture of a weed and make it look like a Monet is an artist in my book.

Monet :)
 

Ah, thank you, Gracie. I was out at dawn with my camera as the light was JUST right, The veins can be seen through the petals on this flower.

Looks like Mexican petunia (Ruellia brittoniana).http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/569....327461430.jpg

But were you asking about that first picture, right? That looks like a hibiscus flower...though I'm not positive. Very pretty.

That appears to be a Kosteletzkya virginica or a close proximity to that species.

WOW, Pooh, that's a gorgeous photo! I shall now look up
Kosteletzkya virginica - I am guessing, Its a flower and not a weed?

http://www.archbold-station.org/stat...sarsflower.jpg

I do believe this is Caesar's weed..... Caesar Weed Sampler | Eat The Weeds and other things, too

You may want to search further....if it is Caesar's....I do believe it's pretty invasive.

You could be correct 'Kosteletzkya Virginica' or it could possible be a White Hibiscus. Tough call from a picture and if one's (refering to myself) not an expert!

You could be right, but I never heard anything that suggested that Caesar smoked weed! :throwtomatoes:

Weed or Flower
 

Post a picture of the leaves rather than the flower. I compared your photo to the Caesar Weed and the leaves appear to be totally different. I am going to guess it is a woodland weed, but it is kinda pretty.

Second thoughts, it may be a wild hibiscus which would be nice.

I found this information below on this site: PlantFiles: Detailed information on Wild Hibiscus Hibiscus pedunculatus

Hibiscus pedunculatus. A native of Southern Africa and Mozambique, this is described as a perennial herb or sub-shrub growing to 6 feet. It requires the protection of a warm house and listed as Zone 10 (minimum temp. 60f) but, in my experience will survive short periods of temperatures down to 45f. The flowers are solitary, pale rose-purple to pale lilac in colour (see picture), and can grow to nearly 3” across. Easy to raise from seed or cuttings sown under glass in Spring.


Also, see this link http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/b/M...ne/cultivar/0/. It has loads of photos of wild hibiscus and several of them look exactly like yours.

close up of leaves
 

Here are two little photos. The flower is about the size of a thumbnail, and the plant is about 18" tall. Its almost like a miniature hollyhock.

Looks like Caesar weed to me.....I'm not a horticulturist though... ;)

http://pics.davesgarden.com/pics/200...ons/465ff5.jpg

PlantFiles: Picture #6 of Caesarweed, Caesar Weed, Congo Jute (Urena lobata)

Pooh, you are correct, Its a Caesarweed :) I knew I'd get an answer if I posted pix on TOTV - What a wonderful resource this website is, and thank you all, for your input. Sandra
PS. Who knew?
Extracts from either the roots or the leaves have broad antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial isolates, and it is anti-fungal as well. I think some antioxidants were also found and one other extract was nearly as good aspirin. It is a good plant to know if push ever comes to shove and there are no pharmacies around. The roots are also diuretic and used for stomach aches (which eating too much of the cooked leaves can give you.) Leaves are pasted and applied to skin problems. Medicine were made from fresh and dried parts.

:a20::bigbow: