December in Wisconsin means nothing is blooming outdoors, but gardeners are rarely without flowers. No matter the season or the weather, this pair of crinoids are always in bloom. Crinoids — also known as sea lilies — are marine animals with a stalked body which attaches itself to a surface. They were common during the Paleozoic Era and are important index fossils. The name comes from the Greek: krinon (lily) and eidos (form). So, once upon a time, they were sea lilies but are now stone lilies.
They larger dark grey one is about 12 inches across and 8 inches high and comes from China via Linden's. The smaller pale one is only about 4 inches x 4 inches and is from the Upper Midwest via Burnie's Rock Shop in Madison.
To see what's blooming in gardens around the world, visit Carol at May Dreams Gardens.
These are fascinating: animals taking the form of flowers. Thanks for showing them to us.
Posted by: Altoon | Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 06:17 AM
These are fantastic Linda. I have never seen such a thing. I will be on the lookout for them.
Posted by: Lisa at Greenbow | Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 06:20 AM
I first saw massive versions of these at the Denver Museum. When I actually found small ones to buy, I couldn't resist.
Posted by: LINDA from EACH LITTLE WORLD | Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 06:56 AM
I too collect fossils, but mine are all animals. I really like yours with plant. I will be on the hunt for them now.
Posted by: Donna | Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 08:23 AM
Your blog header never fails to make me smile! My daughter collects fossils and has found some really great specimens lately...I'll share your post with her - she'll enjoy it too.
Posted by: Cat | Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 08:40 AM
No blooms here inside or outside (too much snow), but I enjoyed your interesting take on GBBD.
Posted by: Carolyn @ Carolyn's Shade Gardens | Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 10:34 AM
Those are rather wonderful! Extraordinary how much detail has been preserved.
Posted by: Janet/Plantaliscious | Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 11:42 AM
aloha,
that was cool, i enjoyed seeing this!
Posted by: noel | Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 02:38 PM
Stone lilies! Great presentation.
Posted by: Nell Jean | Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 03:49 PM
amazing! i've never seen or heard of stone lilies before... will keep my eye open for them now. happy gbbd!
Posted by: andrea | Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 10:12 PM