Re: bamboo
Richard F. Dufresne wrote:
>
> I believe there are some Agaves (Century plant) that behave similarly (they
> are also spectacular in bloom, I understand, or is it the rarity of the
> display?)
>
> Comments, anyone?
We have a couple of century plants in bloom here right now, and the
answer is yes, and yes. They flowere only once in a very long lifetime,
and the flower itself is pretty spectacular. The plant sends up one
very thick central stem (appears to be at least 9" diameter) which is
quite tall (I'd guess 20 feet from standing next to one) with a huge
candelabra of flowers on top. When it's done, it dies. I'm not sure
exactly how old they are when they flower, but the ones flowering right
appeared full grown when I was a child 30 years ago, so 30 plus years at
least. I'm sure there's someone more knowledgeable who can answer that.
If there is enough interest, I can try to borrow a digital camera and
get a photo to send off-list.
Liz Witthuhn
Santa Barbara, CA
