Queen of the Night or Kadupul or Tan Hua or Dutchman’s pipe cactus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) is the world’s most expensive flower, bearing no price tag at all and is said to be Priceless.
Well, at least I got something in common with “Crazy Rich Asians”. Remember the flower viewing scene from the movie.
Thanks to the previous house owners, I have huge Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus growing in my garden. And as the summer rolled in, they have started blooming magnificently at night. These flowers bloom only and only once at night and unfortunately, wilt at the crack of dawn. The only way to see them in full bloom is to wait till midnight when they grow as big as the size of your palm, emanating a sweet fragrance that fills the night air.
The flower bud grows on the side of the leaf. And it is possible to have many blooms on a single leaf.
Check out the before and after photos below. There are four flowers blooming on a single leaf. It makes you admire nature even more.
Queen of the night or Kadupul flower (before-after)
I had a blooming party last night. My uncle, aunt, and cousins came over to admire these flowers over slices of delicious Pizza. Might I say Indianized Pizza? There was Manchurian, Paneer Tikka Masala, Chole Masala, Veg Toofani and my all-time favorite – Garlic Prawns.
Just another reason to celebrate.
Linking to wordless wednesday, ww with Esha and Natasha, All seasons
Lovely pictures… and Yummy Pizzas!
How lucky to have such a stunning flower blooming in your backyard, Raj! The flowers are so pretty and they look very delicate, as you rightly mention they are. Nature is so magical…I never knew about these flowers all this while. Well, I hope life always gives you more opportunities to celebrate these precious moments with the loved ones. A blooming party, truly it was!!
These flowers look absolutely beautiful. I have heard great things about Crazy Rich Asians. I am adding it to watch-wishlist for Christmas or may be before that. Now your Pizza party sounds really good. I absolutely LOVE Manchurian and this manchurian pizza as well as paneer tikka masala pizza looks delish!!
I haven’t read the book or seen the movie. But now I think will. I have seen these flowers in a Malayalam movie a long time ago. Very interesting Pizza toppings and amazing photography. Fragrance of flowers and a pizza party. So much fun!
Wow! Lucky you!! I have read Crazy Rich Asians and remember Ah Ma’s tan hua flowers and the blooming party. I couldnt picture them in my head at that time, but your post and pictures have given me a double Aha! moment! These flowers surely deserve a blooming party! The pizzas look great with the Indian twist.
I first thought those Indianised Pizzas were an ad 😀
The flower looks so pretty! Nature is amazing indeed.
This is spectacular. The pizza’s not bad either.