night blowing cactus 2

The Night Blowing Cactus Cereus grandiflorus commissioned by Robert John Thornton (1768 - 1837) in Temple of Flora.
Hand-coloured engraving: 57cm x 46cm.
This plant has also been named Moon Cactus and Torch Thistle since it only flowers at night. It is a native of hot, dry countries where pollinators are more active at night. The large vanilla scented flowers are sometimes said to be among the most beautiful flowers in existence. The flowers fade and die before sunrise.

Further information can be seen on Rhagor, the collections based website from Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales.

Cactws Nosflodeuog Cereus grandiflorus a gomisiynwyd gan Robert John Thornton (1768 - 1837) yn Temple of Flora.
Enwyd y planhigyn hwn hefyd yn Gactws y Lleuad ac Ysgallen Gwyr, gan ei fod yn blodeuo gyda'r nos yn unig. Mae'n trigo mewn gwledydd poeth, sych, lle mae peillwyr yn fwy gweithgar gyda'r nos. Dywedir bod y blodau mawr gydag arogl fanila ymysg y blodau harddaf sy'n bod. Mae'r blodau'n pylu ac yn marw cyn y wawr.

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