On the left is the inflorescence of Cryptocoryne undulata. The beguiling aroid family has its fair share of species with unusual blooms, but Cryptocorynes (hidden spadix in Latin) could be regarded as a tribe with truly twisted sex lives. Most aroids have a spadix that barely encloses the pistils and stamens, but Cryptocorynes go all the way to envelope their flowers in a watertight kettle and tube. The inflorescence opens at the top of the tube, which often boasts a long and spiralling limb. This design allows airborne pollinators to reach the kettle, which is often submerged in natural habitats. On the right are my emmersed Cryptocorynes (C. wendtii, C. undulata, C. crispatula, C. nurii, C. pontideriifolia, C. lingua, C. cordata as well as mosses and a Bolbitis heteroclita), which I grow in a little seeding tray with a clear plastic cover to maintain a mouldy humidity level. The plants are placed beside the bathroom window, sharing my shower spray and luxuriating in the warm glow of the morning sun.
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