Snapdragons

Antirrhinum is a genus of plants in the Plantaginaceae family, commonly known as dragon flowers or snapdragons because of the flowers' fancied resemblance to the face of a dragon. They are also sometimes called toadflax or dog flowers. - Wikipedia

They were amongst the flower display in the Flower Dome recently.

The bright, rich coloured blooms of the snapdragons are gorgeous. They stand out in a garden, and are favoured as cut flowers.

Snapdragons grow on tall, upright spikes, each bearing numerous blooms arranged in a staggered pattern. Their flowers are bilaterally symmetrical and tubular, featuring two distinct ‘lips’, designed so only the buffest bees can open them.

If you gently squeeze the base of the flower, it snaps open and shuts like a dragon’s mouth. I guess that’s where the name ‘snapdragon’ comes from. After the flowers wither, what remains are dry seed capsules that hauntingly resemble little skulls.

Snapdragons grow equally well in containers and pots as in beds. They usually live for about three years, attracting not only hummingbirds but also butterflies and bees, making them ideal for a pollinator garden.

The leaves and flowers have been traditionally used as poultices for various inflammations. Crushed snapdragon flowers were also used to treat burns, rashes, and insect bites.

The snapdragon flower is a symbol of strength and graciousness.

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