Weeks after staff at Muttart Conservatory said a plant inside one of the pyramids was preparing to bloom for the first – and only – time, officials are still waiting for the plant to show its light yellow flowers.
In early October, staff said the Agave Americana plant in the arid pavilion was in its final growth spurt, and would bloom in the coming weeks.
In a picture posted on Facebook on October 30, officials at the conservatory said the flower stalk of the plant is nearly touching the top of the 18 metre high pyramid – but had not bloomed yet.
Back on October 4, Dorothy Jedrasik with the conservatory said the plant started rapidly growing on August 1.
“All Agaves grow to bloom, and then bloom to die,” Jedrasik said.
“If you look at the branches, they’re really nice and upright, but if you look at the bottom of the plant, they’re already starting to collapse down.
“All of the energy is going into the flowers and she’s slowly letting go. It’s a sad story, it’s very special.”
Agave Americana plants typically grow in semi-arid regions of the U.S. and Mexico and have a lifespan of between seven and 40 years.
Jedrasik said the bloom will be a rare opportunity for Edmontonians to see the plant bloom.
The plant, which staff have called ‘Bella’ was planted 35 years ago.
Three ‘baby’ Agave plants have sprouted at the base of the tall stalk that will continue the family line after ‘Bella’ dies.
