Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_43.gif)
Monday - November 22, 2010
From: Gilbert, AZ
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Source for Anacacho Orchid Seeds
Answered by: Brigid & Larry Larson
QUESTION:
Is there any place in TX that I can ask to send me Anacacho Orchid seeds that I can germinate?ANSWER:
I see your question! - The Bauhinia lunarioides (Anacacho orchid tree) is a lovely tree that is often found in Arizona and can be grown quite successfully. Looking through the list of Native plant suppliers in Texas and in Arizona - I found three that offered the Anacacho Orchid - Arid Solutions in Phoenix, Natives of Texas in Kerrville TX and Madrone Nursery in San Marcos, TX. However, all of these appear to offer plants in pots rather than seeds.
Sweet Briar Nursery & Gardens in Belton TX showed up when I looked specifically for seeds, and lots of web postings from enthusiasts in Native Plant groups. Have you considered approaching your local native plant society groups? I know the folks around here will be pleased as punch to offer seeds to a new person coming to their meetings!
The Arizona Native Plant Society seems to have an active website and the Desert-tropicals website mentions a Society local to Gilbert. You might want to contact them.
The Wildflower center's nursery manager [AKA "Nursery Overlord"], Sean Watson recommends that if you obtain the seeds and want to start them, that they be nicked or scarified with a metal file until the endosperm [the white part] is exposed. Be careful not to go any deeper or you will damage the seed. This is to encourage relatively prompt germination, otherwise the seeds can take considerable time [like years] to start.
More Seed and Plant Sources Questions
Pictures and sources for black trilliums
June 10, 2008 - Do you have pictures and/or sources for Black Trilliums?
view the full question and answer
Need a source for 100 lbs of Bluebonnet seeds.
April 16, 2010 - Where can one buy 100 lbs (yes lbs) of bluebonnet seeds? Any suggestions on where I can most economically do so? Trying to spread the love :)
view the full question and answer
Need a source for mesquite trees in Albuquerque, NM.
September 14, 2010 - Where can I find mesquite plants to use in landscaping my yard in Albuquerque?
view the full question and answer
Source for Texas Star plant from Bastrop LA
June 10, 2010 - Please tell me where I can get a Texas Star plant?
view the full question and answer
Native plants and sources for Little Rock, Ark.
August 20, 2007 - I live in Little Rock, Arkansas. What Type of native plants will grow here? Do you know a on-line store I can purchase them?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |