We were at Balay Indang during the Pacquiao-Hatton weekend and, on the way home, because the way home is through Tagaytay City, we passed by Mahogany Market as has been our habit whenever we’re in the area. Like I mentioned in an earlier entry, at the back of the Mahogany Market, you’ll now find a gazillion sellers of herbs and fruit trees.
During our most recent Tagaytay visit, Sam noticed (with twinkling eyes and audible gasps of awe) some weird-looking red flowers along the road. Round red spiky balls. Pretty, no question about it. When we reached Mahogany Market, she saw at once pots of the same spiky flowers for sale. Sam being Sam, she started with her litany of, “Mommy, bili tayo (let’s buy)…” Now, I’ve been trying to convert the garden into a fruit, vegetables and herb garden and I haven’t bought ornamental plants in a long time. So, I gave her my hohum, brought her with me to the meat stalls and made her take photos of that cut of beef that goes into Soup #5 — you know what I’m referring to. Of course she squirmed and I thought she would run away but I figured if she’s going to be a kick-ass photographer, she might as well learn how not be squeamish with things like bull’s testicles and penis. The photos are still in my hard drive because I haven’t decided yet where to post them with the least shock effect on readers.
But I digress… I was going to tell you about the round spiky red flowers. So, after buying a couple of kilos of short ribs and beef shank (for bulalo), we headed back to the truck. Alex was still inside playing her PSP but Speedy was nowhere in sight. We stood there for a while because the beef had to go into the ice-filled cooler in the trunk and I didn’t have the keys. Then, we saw Speedy walking toward us. He had been to the plant stalls and… can you guess?
Speedy bought three pots of the spiky red flower — the name is Fireball, by the way — and a three-foot trumpet lily tree. Who was I to say no, right? It’s as much their garden as it is mine. Besides, I have to admit they’re not only pretty, they look unique too.
The three Fireball plants have been replanted just outside our bedroom sliding door that leads to the garden.
The flower is about five inches in diameter. But what’s really cool about these fiery red balls is that they look as good up close as they do from a distance.
At the end of the spikes are small yellow flowers.
There they are from another angle.
I’ve been wondering why Speedy bought the pots of fireball. To humor Sam? Because he loved them as much as she did at first sight? Or because fireball sounds so much like firefall, the name of a band he loves so much that he has kept his copies of their long playing records even though record players are fast becoming obsolete? I didn’t ask anymore. The fireball plants look so pretty where they are right now.
I love these flowers. They’re a fairly old variety, as I used to see them as a child in my neighbor’s garden. Locally, they’re called “Ispongha” meaning sponge
My grandmother’s spongha plant is of a different variety. Smaller flowers, about 2 inches in diameter, and the plant grows into a small tree. I searched Google for images and it seems there are a lot of varieties of this plant.
Ah the wonders of nature so well-captured! Great photos!!!
Oh, fireball pala ang pangalan ng plant na yan. There are several of them planted in my mother’s garden… ang sabi niya, madaling alagaan at buhayin ang halamang ito. And yes, they’re really attractive.
so, fireball pala ‘yun? i also saw a couple of those at the playground beside mushroomburger in tagaytay. pareho nga ba?
Yep, same same.
aok. so fireball pala ang tawag dito.
Gorgeous!!! I’ve never seen anything like this before.
Cool photos.
Unique nga. I love red flowers, pati yung fire tree (tama ba yun) nali-lift ang mood ko pag nakakakita ko nang in-full bloom.
RE: bull picture
I love shocking posts hehe
nakakatuwa, mahilig sa flowers si insan, and pareho pa sila ng taste ni sam!
“pareho pa sila ng taste ni sam!”
Magkamukha pa. Ayaw lang aminin ni Sam hehehehe
Connie,
Where in the world can I buy one of these flowers? I have been looking for a half a century for one!! My grandmother had one in a pot, bless her sweet soul, and I have not been able to find one. I would love to have one. Do you know where I may purchase one at? My email address is reneanichols@hotmail.com. Please, Please, Please, tell me where I can purchase one at!!
Thanks
Renea’ Nichols
In Tagaytay. Most flower stalls sell them.
You can’t buy them in the US?
I wouldn’t know.
i think those “sponge flowers” are called “blood lilies”
ditto. we have them in our yard. i grew up thinking it was called ‘fireworks’ since my mom told me that’s what they’re called. it’s amazing how these flowers seem to wilt and ‘die’ after each blossom before new leaves start sprouting again. i later found out it’s true name which is, blood lily (scadoxus multiflorus) thanks to the advent of the internet.