Short lived glory

I have seen many nature shows that feature jaw-dropping, time lapse sequences of flowers unfurling, some so smooth that the action appears seamless...graceful and miraculous. Given how much time it takes for most flowers to open up, it is remarkable to consider the number of still frames it must require to animate such an event.

The glorious-flower-of-the-morning's unfurling sequence is much more rapid, almost detectable with the naked eye, if you stare intently. By seven, it is nothing more than a tight spiral, by eight, the tip has unwound itself into four purple lobes and the base has started filling out. By nine it is fully open, with paper thin trumpet blaring at the sun, drawing every buzzing thing within a mile. By ten, the edges start folding back in. By noon it is shut, done with its task which seems to be providing nectar and amazing easily-amazed me.

This is another sequence that amazed me today.