Sorry bush not British ID

[stripee]

While in S Italy I came across several of these bushes growing against a stone wall. I can't find it in any of my tree/plant books which cover the Med. The flower is waxy and stiff. Inside it there is a little water and lots of dead insects, although I don't know if the bush is eating them maybe just drowned I expect the plant has some purpose as all the other trees etc are planted for something edible or useful. It may not be Italian it could be from another part of the world.

[Tiggrx]

The bush is a Turpentine Tree (Pistachia terebinthus) and the 'flower' is in fact a Candle Gall caused by the aphid Baizongia pistaciae

[stripee]

Thank you Tiggrx. I recognise the tree from one of my books and the fruit, although these bushes had none on them. The tops of the galls were opened out like petals which I suppose is why I thought they were flowers. They looked quite strange.

[Jez]

Originally Posted by stripee

Thank you Tiggrx. I recognise the tree from one of my books and the fruit, although these bushes had none on them. The tops of the galls were opened out like petals which I suppose is why I thought they were flowers. They looked quite strange.

Almost pitcher plant looking!

[nightshade]

I saw the title of this thread and thought "thank goodness for that",then realised it was not George you were talking about

[stripee]

Yes it looked like it ate insects. I wouldn't have dreamt they were galls. G Bush thread good idea!!