When A Flower Blooms
Agave plant is not from South Africa, this one was planted in a pot approximately twenty-five years ago, now for the first and last time this Mexican plant is in flower, I believe they die after flowering.
What has been fascinating is the stem of the flower took around two months to reach full height, passing gutters along roof edge.
On researching found the flower should last around two to three months, it is now at the end of first month in flower. Also known as American aloe this plant of Mexico has large whale shaped, spiked rosettes as can be seen in the pot plant.
Toxic to both people and pets, love to be neglected in a warm place around the home. Agave tequilana is an important economic plant in Mexico, I will not be trying out brewing tequila here!
Bees have gone hyper active visiting this flower, wish I knew where the hive is for a taster, slightly bigger than the bees is is what has become a regular little visitor which I am still trying to find trustworthy identification on it is either the Olive sunbird or possibly more rare Plain-backed Sunbird (Anthreptes reichenowi reichenowi), forum friends have not confidently given indication, my feeling is rare/accidental sighting with unusual flower of near-threatened bird.
With other sunbirds in the garden this one is the only one visiting the flower, I have not seen the evening bats approach however do believe they too enjoy the nectar.
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All three of the above photographs taken earlier today.
Flowering started from the bottom and still working it's way to the top before seeds should appear before planting out the pups by shooting them into the air, another wonder in nature as to how plants disperse their seeds.
Photograph taken on 11th August when I first noticed this lovely visitor to foreign flower in my garden. Thanks for visiting and from a cool Durban with snow on the mountains inland, sun has been brightly shining as always, have a wonderful weekend.
Entry to Amazing Nature Contest: FREE TOPIC - #2/8/22
All photography my own using Canon Powershot SX730 HS camera. Any queries or requests please drop a comment below or make contact with me, have a wonderful day! Photography without tripod, go with the flow wherever life takes you. NB: Amateur photographer in nature, keep smiling!
Thought for Today: "If you want visitors then you leave your front door open." - African proverb
Communities to Enjoy On Hive: #qurator @hive-102880, #featheredfriends @hive-106444, #wednesdaywalk @hive-155530, #amazingnature @hive-127788, #alwaysaflower @hive-154065, #feelgood @hive-19093, #ladiesofhive @hive-124452, #silverbloggers @hive-106316
