Left, closeup of the main stalk of Dracunculus vulgaris shows the typical snakeskin pattern that adds to the plant’s exotic appearance. Right, the ‘flower’ of Dracunculus vulgaris is actually a large purple pseudo leaf containing an equally long and darker pseudo stalk.

Left: The waxed amaryllis at its peak on Feb. 9. Right: After being planted in soil, the de-waxed bulb has sent up a third flower stalk a month later. Loretta Fritz photos