Legend says the Century Plant takes “100 years” to bloom! However, century plants in cultivation may bloom much quicker, an average of 25 years. The flower spike, grows at the incredible rate of 5–6 inches per day and can reach heights of 30 to 35 feet. This bloom grows so fast that it saps all the resources of the plant, which then dies, leaving a tall wooden seed stalk. It blooms only once in its lifetime.
Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present. Albert Camus
Century Petals • sketch – digital • Lisa Rivas © 2009
The Century Plant or the Maguey (Agave Americana) is a succulent, not a cacti. It is an important plant to indigenous people, being used for
medicines, fiber, needles, and food. Also used commercially in Mexico
to produce the liquors of pulque and mezcal.
• Tequila is made from
another type of agave – (Agave Azul / Blue Agave.)
The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.
Albert Einstein
Lisa this is “spot on perfect”…and now reigns as my newest all time fave of yours…These plants are just now beginning to bloom here in the Arizona desert…they are remarkable to see in real life…their shape and form so very beautifuland majestic…You did them great justice here! Another “WOWZA” from me to you! 🙂
Thats SUPERB! Never heard of this plant…it must be so nice. The sayings that you’ve mentioned are so True!
Happy Cactus Monday. Pretty picutre.
Happy Cactus Monday Lisa, These plants always look ugly to me in peoples yards, but here you have captured their true beauty. Perhaps I will look at them with new eyes from now on?
beautiful! I never knew it grew that fast, that’s cool! Love you and miss you, Lisa!
Wow, just like bamboo! we had a few bamboo bushes and they died after blooming!
Wonderful information about the different agaves!
And…. beautiful painting!
Happy cactus Monday!
You have captured the mood and the spirit of these plant so well dear Lisa.
So in tune with the nature too:)
Certainly it’s a miracle tree!
Sounds like this plant lives a very dramatic life! The picture’s lovely as usual; it looks like I could feel the plant’s texture by touching my computer screen!
Have a lovely Monday (I’m soon starting on Tuesday)!
Trudi
Your art is so magical Lisa, just magical and beautiful!!
HCM!
This is extra special for Cactus Monday!!! Love it!!! So tall and regal!
I love the colors and textures in your painting and the agave flower looks magical. Beautiful work!
wow.. so mysterious!love it !
That is just beautiful! I love the Century plants and how they bloom and die.
I’ll look at them with new eyes too! Spectacular post. Wow!!
Lisa- of all your work I have seen to date this is one of my very favorites. Absolutely stunning.
I hope you are well!
Hugs!
I cannot come up with the words to express how beautiful this is to me. Brilliant.