Well that’s something I don’t see every day! In my neck of the woods at least. After a good day’s work of painting the house, Swan and I walked down the jungle-like back laneway to get to our car. We haven’t done this in a while. And she loves every opportunity for off-lead walks. As we turned the corner at the end, a dole of doves fluttered off from the ground with musical wings. We had startled them. I then noticed a promising cream-coloured flower (with its back towards us) growing on one of the luscious plants with heart-shaped leaves in the shared laneway. I got up close to check and indeed it was a perfect/beautiful blooming flower. I was so happy to see it because I’m currently fascinated by the unusual/sculptural flower forms of the Araceae/Arum/Aroid family. Its spathe/spadix construction reminds me of Monstera deliciosa. Although different and I doubt this flower/fruit is edible. Anyhow, I quickly threw Swan in the car, got the camera and returned to the plant to take some photos.
I managed to take several photos of the luminous flower glowing in the setting sunlight in the golden hour. I hastily took as many photos as I could leaning against the wall. I was tempted to pick it but I decided not to. I thought that I was lucky enough to have found/seen it and photograph it. And that I shouldn’t be selfish and should just leave it alone for others to enjoy. The next day, I returned to the plant to take more photos but they didn’t turn out as good. A woman from a house nearby took out her garbage bins and noticed me in my awkward position. We looked at each other but none of us said anything. I should’ve said hello but I didn’t want to cause a fuss. Anyhow, I noticed that there’s new growth near the flower. I’m not sure if it’s new leaves or flowers developing but will later return to check up on it. If there’s more than one flower on the plant then, perhaps I could/should pick one for a proper/composed home floral arrangement? We’ll see.
I’m not certain what type/kind of plant it is. But judging from the leaves, my guess is that it’s some kind of taro. Am I correct? Please help me id it if you can. Is it Alocasia or Colocasia or other? The leaves are huge and soft, heart-shaped and beautifully patterned – reminiscent of elephant ears and the tropics. If it is taro, then the root/corm is the main prize. But for me, the sculptural flower is the pièce de résistance. It’s so unusual/surreal and alien. The hexagonal design on the tall/phallic (there, I said it) inflorescence/spadix is unbelievably intricate/perfect. It looks like a tall conical honeycomb. An erect monument/obelisk/tower protected by a radiant cobra-shaped hood/cape. Masculine and bold. It reminds me of both Brancusi’s ‘Maiastra’ and Georgia O’Keeffe’s ‘Jack in the Pulpit’. Do you agree? Mother Nature is so incredibly beautiful and infinite. And god is kind and great. Inspiration is everywhere. Have faith and be hopeful. And be prepared to find inspiration at any time. Especially after you’ve worked hard and earnt it. You will be rewarded.
Cynthia and Pet
Wow! How exquisite and exotic Ngeun! You have such a wonderful ‘eye’ and the inner beauty in which to recognise the astonishing wonderment and beauty, in all of the universes creations. Once again your post is an uplifting and timely inspiration. This flower is so amazing! I mean, really, look at it! Life is such an incredible gift and worth being very very excited about every single moment of every single day. Thank you for reminding us of this again in your gentle, kind, enlightened and beautiful way. We love you eternally Ngeun and thank you from the bottom of our hearts and the depths of our souls for all of the love, inspiration and revelation that you bring to us.
Always. Cynthia and Pet.
💕💕💕🙏🌈🌹💕💕💕
Ngeun
Thank you Cynthia and Pet. The world and life is truly an amazing place. Inspiration and wonderment is all around us and pops up anywhere and at any time. That’s why I like to always have my camera with me. And doing good things bring good things to us. Hard work and kindness is never out of fashion. Even if we don’t get rewarded for it. God knows what’s going on. <3
Cynthia and Pet
So very true Ngeun. Thank you for your very inspired work. Please keep it up, it means the world to us both.
Ngeun
Thanks Golden Nugget and Flea. <3
David
It’s beautiful, Ngeun! I love unexpected gifts from the garden!
Ngeun
Hi David, thank you. The garden is full of wonderful surprises. :)
Marceline Nkwenti
Hey greetings how can I get Taro flowers delivered to me in Maryland
Ngeun
Hi, thanks for your visit/comment and apologies for my late reply. Unfortunately, I don’t have Taro flowers for sale, and I’m not sure where you can get them either. Maybe a florist might be able to help. Good luck in your search, and best wishes. Ngeun