Passionvine virus warning; Pest Alert website

Collier County's Extension Office has just put out a warning about passionfruit crinkle potyvirus. The concern is that if it gets established, it will ultimately affect butterflies, such as the gulf fritillary and the zebra longwing, for which it's a host plant.

I learned about this today from Thomas Fasulo, who runs the very useful Featured Creature page on the University of Florida's IFAS website. He also maintains the Pest Alert listserv, which also provides invaluable info for Florida gardeners.

A plant commits suicide

This has nothing to do with the freeze...

Some time ago, one of my variegated crinum lilies stopped producing chlorophyll, resulting in all-white leaves. They got a viral infection, and the plant died.

Before it changed, it had produced several pups that I planted around the garden. The first two photos are of one of those mature pups. The third is of a healthy plant.

It must be some genetic trait, but it won't be passed on since I don't plan to take any more pups.

What a shame, though. It was so beautiful before it went downhill, a bit like a consumptive Victorian heroine!