Unknown Flower

[CLK]

Found this in my garden, but have no clue as to what it is, asked many people, incuding Kew Gardens but they do not know either.

The flowers do not open, but simiply blow up like a blow before dropping off.

In the summer the plant is flush with these flowers, i presume the plant is self polinating as there is no easy way for a bee to access the plants stigma, which is hidden behind a flap at the back of these baloon like flowers.

Thumbnails below

[aeshna5]

It's a Calceolaria, possibly C. mexicana.

Welcome to WAB as I've noticed this is your first post. Is this in a UK garden, by the way?

[AshLee]

I'll be surprised if it's not related to Calceolaria mexicana

[davidbr]

It's actually Annual Slipperwort (Calceolaria tripartita), not one I've personally come across, but it's described in Alien Flora of the British Isles as "a persistent bird-seed & wool alien, and escape from botanic gardens; a weed of cultivated ground in scattered localities."

Frankly, I'm amazed that nobody at Kew Gardens could name it

When you say you "found it in your garden", do you mean it just sprung up as a weed, or it was already growing there when you moved in?

[CLK]

My husband planted some Betroot seeds in some old soil, and along with the beetroot this popped up.

So it was either amongst the seeds or in the soil.

And yes, UK garden.

[CLK]

Yes, And thanks for telling me the name, It came about when we planted beetroot seeds, I have collected seeds off this plant as It's beautiful when in flower.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by CLK

Yes, And thanks for telling me the name, It came about when we planted beetroot seeds, I have collected seeds off this plant as It's beautiful when in flower.

Agree it's an attractive looking plant! Though I've seen a few species of Calceolaria I haven't come across this one before. It's amazing what turns up sometimes!