Brazil Flower I.D.

November 28, 2007 8:36 AM

Can anyone botanical experts identify this Brazilian flower? (From Maranhao, Brazil)

I spotted this on the coastal swamp area of Maranhao, outside of Sao Luis. The seeds have a pearlish shine to them. I never found the name for them, even from the locals (I didn't know the word of pearl).

posted by iamck to science & nature (7 comments total)

Posted the link in the forums on Gardenweb...i'll let you know if anyone has an idea.

That is bizarre.
posted by pilibeen at 9:41 AM on November 28, 2007

I should add the leafy goodness in the background is part of the plant, and it is a large and bushy.
posted by iamck at 9:44 AM on November 28, 2007

apple-ring acacia
posted by univac at 10:41 AM on November 28, 2007

I think that univac has a point: this isn't a flower. It's a fruit.
posted by Steven C. Den Beste at 10:53 AM on November 28, 2007

That seems about right. My poor recall has left me sloppy in describing what obviously is the fruiting body. Thanks!
posted by iamck at 12:35 PM on November 28, 2007

Ok, well someone on Gardenweb came up w/ a match.

It's Australian archidendron, or Scarlet Bean.

Here's another flickr link for you:

http://flickr.com/photos/tuis_imaging/476496974/in/set-72157600156189155
posted by pilibeen at 9:55 PM on December 13, 2007

sorry about the link.....this one should work:

http://flickr.com/photos/tuis_imaging/476496974/in/set-72157600156189155
posted by pilibeen at 9:57 PM on December 13, 2007