Rare Puya berteroniana plant to flower in Arizona

SUPERIOR AZ -- From UA's Boyce Thompson Arboretum: In 2002 our exotic South American Puya plant bloomed, and caused a sensation. Conditions must have been just right this winter, because it is sending up a flower stalk once again, and should begin to bloom this weekend -- continuing for at least a few weeks, and maybe as long as late May if conditions are right.

Steve Carter, Director of Horticulture at the Arboretum, says "Puya berteroniana is both rare and spectacular to see when in flower. I know of no other one near this size in Arizona…and it is very unlikely you will see it in people's gardens. This specimen has been in our collection for more than 35 years and first bloomed just six years ago in April of 2001. One year later, it bore twin flower stalks, each about seven feet tall and topped with a beehive-size crown of metallic, blue-green flowers and bright orange anthers. This species of plant takes a long time to flower but is well worth the wait. There is truly nothing like their incredible, other-worldly looking flowers."

In other news today: Pima County moves toward greener future.