Harakeke

Botanical name: Phormium tenax
Maori name: Harakeke
It is endemic to New Zealand

The Harakeke is a very large tufted plant with leaves long, to 2.5m, dark green, broad and often drooping. Flower spikes very tall, to 3.5m, branching with clusters of upturned trumpet shaped red flowers. The nectar of the flowers are a favourite food source for our native birds, such as the Tui.

I have shown the Harakeke flower many times but I really liked the wider view this time showing the whole plant in flower with the lake and trees behind, the red flower, although small, simply shines against this background. A little processing to create a painting effect.

Daughter E and I spent the day together. Its been a while since we've touched base with a little retail therapy, a few treats and a general natter over some food. We both enjoyed our day together.

A late blip, in fact it is now the next day which makes this a backblip. Hope your all having a great weekend :)