Halifax’s famed agave plant may yet sing its swan song, even as captivated onlookers have started to mourn its imminent death.
The Agave americana – native to desert climates like Mexico and the southwestern United States – made headlines last month after city officials moved it from a greenhouse to the Halifax Public Gardens in anticipation of its final farewell.
READ MORE: HRM invites public to witness blooming process of 20-year-old plant
Once in its roughly 25-year lifetime, an asparagus-like stalk up to 12 metres tall shoots up from the desert plant and births a cluster of blooming flowers – and then dies.
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Horticulture supervisor Heidi Boutilier says the cooler spring temperatures in Halifax appear to have stunted the stalk’s growth, but it still may flower.
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The towering plant with long, fleshy leaves has amassed a cult-like following, with many flocking to the gardens in the city’s downtown core to snap a photo next to the impressive plant.
Boutilier says whenever she’s around the plant, it always has a visitor.
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