‘Mystery’ plant identified as from Mexico
A LARGE and unusual plant found in a Castel resident’s garden has been identified, although why it is now in bloom remains unclear.
Previously thought to be a relative of the agave species, Rosemary Le Page’s plant has been named as a furcraea longaeva but is not the only one of its kind currently flowering on the island.
Several of the species, more commonly known as giant furcraea, are believed to be in bloom around Guernsey, with an unusually high number flowering this season.
One bloom in full view can be seen at King’s Road, in the garden of local horticultural enthusiast and Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden director Hugh Johnson.
‘We’ve always been mad on gardening’, said Mr Johnson
Plant Heritage Guernsey committee member Tattie Thompson said that the organisation had contacted the Cambridge Botanical Gardens for help in identifying the unusual species.
The team from the gardens replied with information confirming that the succulent is native to Mexico and follows the pattern of a long development period before flowering once, dying, and dropping baby plants to propagate itself once more.
Beginning its life as a large succulent shrub at ground level, once the furcraea is ready to bloom a large central stalk erupts over the course of a few weeks and flowers.
Mr Johnson’s wife, Marie-Odile, recalled that almost immediately after the last frost in March their plant began to bloom very rapidly with a central stalk.
‘It shoots up almost like a giant piece of asparagus in the middle,’ said Mrs Johnson.
Guernsey’s maritime climate is credited as the primary factor enabling the South American species development outside its native habitat.
Mr Johnson put the successful growth of Guernsey’s wide variety of plants down to the island’s mild and temperate climate, nutrient-rich soil and lack of harsh frosts in the winter.
‘It’s a wonderful climate over here,’ he said.
‘In this area of Guernsey we’re very lucky to have this soil that is so rich.’
Speaking on the future of the horticulture industry in Guernsey, Mrs Johnson wondered whether perhaps a greenhouse of exotic plant-life could be started in Guernsey’s ideal climate, reminiscent of Kew Gardens in London.
‘Perhaps someone young could start a marvellous attraction,’ said Mrs Johnson.
While the plant has now been identified, the remaining puzzle concerns why so many giant furcraea, which usually take around 10 years to mature, have bloomed this season with some only around four years old.
Several furcraea plants in Herm have also been reported to have bloomed in May, long before the traditional midsummer flowering period.
