beautiful botrytis

I took some pictures today of roses, some were really pretty, others knocking on death's door.  One in particular had a bad case of botrytis; it got me thinking: some fungus is really pretty.  I wonder how many might agree?

Take a look at this picture, for example.  I can't help but see beauty in this poor, wilted flower partially covered in hairy, gray fuzz. 

It reminds me of Edward Scissorhands.  He saw beauty in everything he touched, and others around him.  He couldn't help it; he just wanted everything to be good and perfect and beautiful.  Now, I'm not that naive, but I do enjoy the natural order of things, especially when it comes to plants. 

Botrytis is a common disease of flowers, affecting some more than others.  For roses, it's easy to contract because their petal counts are so high.  Add moisture and you've got yourself one heck of fungus.  We've had some good amount of rain lately, with the effects of Ida coming through, and an addtional rain event to follow.  So, conditions have been right for this kind of flare up. 

This fungus is not only seen on flowers, in fact, you might be more familiar with it when affects your strawberries or grapes.  It's that icky gray mold you see, and looks like a science experiement took place in your refrigerator. 

By the way, this is Moonstone, a hybrid tea, whose petals are so delicate and pristine when in perfect condition.  It's a flower that evokes innocence and purity; loaded with petals, which open to display quite a large flower head.  Gorgeous!

see more on my picasa web album:

rose pictures