Actually the flowers are pretty cool looking I think, a bit beyond mere curiosity.

Also, it holds red colored fall leaves the longest of any plant for me, longer than the usual suspects like witch hazel and beech. Usually until mid-December around here.

My form might be a hybrid seedling from Camforest because about 1/4 of the flowers look semi-normal, maybe just oddly ridged. (but most of them are the folded up/balloon shape) Later they started advertising grafts, maybe to make sure all offspring looked as expected for all purchasers. Mine definitely did not appear to be a graft when planted, but it was so long ago I can't be sure.

The unique, strange and exotic beauty of its flower fascinates me since I came across its picture a few years ago. I understand it would be a really long shot for it to survive our winter, in spite of my weather zone was upgraded to 6b with the latest data and some site list this plant as hardy to Zone 6b. I have been attempting to source its seed for some time. A local plant supplier has listed it in this year's catalog. I have ordered 2; one for the most protected micro-climate next to the house and one for growing in pot and over winter in unheated greenhouse. If I did not try at least once when I have a chance, I will regret it forever (the curse of a plant addict). I would also attempt to propagate a few cuttings just for insurance.

Thank you both for sharing your experience.

Let us know how it goes. That is unique.

Pondering the matter it seems the floral bracts remaining erect, as though stuck together and unable to descend may be an adaptation to rainy conditions - the bracts forming a sort of tent over the flowers, as an aid to pollination. I've seen a similar statement about the distinctive cone of inner tepals in the center of Campbell Magnolia flowers.

Consider me jealous. I have been unable to find one anywhere.

Kyle - try here. But maybe wait until after you receive your tax refund :-))

Ouch! The plants I ordered are much smaller (#3) and no where near that price.

Kyle, I will believe it only after I pick up those plants in April.

Yikes, that's steep. I hope the ones you ordered verify, garcanad. Be sure to post pics!

I have one planted last year that I got at SFA Plant sale in Nacogdoches TX. Actually I got four and gave two away. They grow well it seems in east TX even with the heat. They were 20.00 for nice 1 gal, probably one of the highest prices of any of the 1 gal. that they have. The sale is this Sat if anyone is in the neighborhood.