Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Sisal Growth Macro Detail- Nairobi Kenya

Sisal 'leaves' are single thorn-tipped blades that can reach a length of nearly 2 meters. The cluster opens from a single base with older leaves incubating younger leaves successively within. This type from my back yard lives for between 7 and 10 years attaining a circumference of up to 3.5 meters. They flower once and die- sending a single flower-tipped stalk over 4 meters vertically.

Heavy nectar-laden yellow flower clusters at the apex attract swarms of honey-bees, bee-eaters and bush-babies at night. This reproductive effort draws nutrients from the fleshy leaves and thick root, which shrivels and dries, eventually allowing the seed-laden to be blown over.... depositing it's seeds to grow from where the tip of the tall stalk lands; 4 to 5 meters away from the parent.

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