Sunday, April 27, 2014

THE MIGHTY CENTURY PLANT

It begins with a cluster of tough leaves.


The flower stalk that rises from the center of the cluster heads for the sky.



It is said the stalk can rise as high as 26 feet.




As it  rises, blooms form near the top.





The plant whose scientific name is Agave Americana has been nicknamed the Century plant because it blooms only once in its 10 to 30 year life and then dies.  But shoots from the base prolong the life of this majestic plant.

These are not yet in full bloom.  I will try to get a picture when they are.

Meantime, this one plant . . not yet blooming . . seems already to be waving goodbye.