PECULIAR POPPY

My parents have grown colourful poppies for many years. Their favourite is Springsong, as the blooms are huge and the colours vibrant. Mum usually has a vase of these poppies on a table inside and loves to give bunches away. This year, a peculiar ‘spider’ poppy appeared (far right). They are keen to see if the other buds on the plant will also be spider-like. Bronwyn Bennett, Wyoming, NSW

Horticultural editor’s note: The ‘spider’ poppy has a genetic mutation known as fasciation. It’s not uncommon and can occur when the growing tip of a flower, leaf, fruit or stem is damaged.