You call that a SPIKE???
 

Now, that's a SPIKE


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...dec8c320_c.jpgVandas throwing spikes by J Solo, on Flickr

some kind of agave i think. this was a few weeks ago and it has grown at least another 3 feet but at this height i cant really accurately assess. it is well over 30' to be sure

---------- Post added at 04:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:24 PM ----------

a slightly different angle so you can see it better

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...2b99926a_c.jpgVandas throwing spikes by J Solo, on Flickr

Genus Furcrea is closely related to Agave, and is generally from much more moist tropical habitats. Agaves are almost all from desert climates, or areas with very long dry seasons.

In Agave subgenus Agave, which has inflorescences branching like candelabra, the flowers point upwards. In Agave subgenus Littaea the flowers are sessile or nearly so on unbranched spikes.

Genus Furcrea has candelabra inflorescences, but the flowers point downwards. They almost all make bulbils (little plantlets) instead of fruits. Most Furcrea have softer and much more flexible leaves than do most Agave.

I can't tell from the photo what this is. Keep an eye on the buds and let us know which way they face when they open.

Awesome info, sir!

Now that is a spike that doubles up as a flag pole!!!!! A spike can also mean ...... you know what. But since this is a good occasion, time to celebrate!

I’ll keep this updated

Yes please! That is stinkin AMAZING!

okay- a few updates. this is last week. remember i am 6'4", 6'6" with the stupid samurai ponytail (i have not gotten a haircut in 6 months)

so this is approximately HUGE

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...af8fa1f8_c.jpgMedusa and more by J Solo, on Flickr


and a day or two after that shot this time i caught it with decent lighting


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...36e6ca1c_c.jpgMedusa and more by J Solo, on Flickr

Ginormous! You need to get a ladder to get pictures of the blooms soon. Or see if you can climb into that tree next to it?

I happen to like Samurai ponytails, so let's tread cautiously there. :biggrin:

It's genus Furcrea. After it flowers you will be able to come by anytime, day or night, and scoop up bulbils off the sidewalk.

What can be done with that?