ANTIRHINNUMS or SNAPDRAGONS
Anthurium is pronounced an-THOO-ree-um. Antirhinnums or more commonly snapdragons are a particular favorite of children who like to pinch the tiny individual blossoms and make the "dragon mouth" open and close. Their unmistakable glossy heart-shaped flower bract (which gives them their popular name of painter's palette) surrounds the true flowers, which are in the form of a spike (or spathe) at the centre. Snapdragons make excellent florists flowers because of their scent and unique shape.
Anthuriums come in shades of reds, pinks, white, lilac, green and chocolate brown and are available all year round. They last three weeks or more. The flowers should not be chilled. The bracts are fleshy and very easily bruised so take care when transporting or arranging these fabulous flowers.
Snapdragons were common in the earliest gardens, but their actual origin is not known. Some botanists believe they originally grew wild in Spain and Italy. although you are more likely to come across them on Caribbean holidays or in the Far East. Common names include painter's palette, flamingo flower.
Related Flowers : Tulips Flowers Strelitzias or Birds of Paradise Flowers Violets Flowers Sunflowers Flowers WallFlowers Flowers Sweet Peas or Lathyrus Flowers Zinnias Flowers Trachelliums Flowers Tulips Flowers Vandas Orchids
