This shot captures the “flame” in Flame Acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii). Before the pollinators arrive, the plant stands out with its architectural, fire-colored blooms. The narrow, tubular shape of these flowers is a neon sign for hummingbirds and long-tongued insects, signaling a rich reward of nectar hidden deep within.
The vibrant red of the Flame Acanthus, paired with the industrious honeybee, captures the energy around the garden. The bee is determined to get the nectar from one bloom to the next. The buzzing vitality of a summer garden in full bloom is a joy to watch. Besides attracting birds and bees, Flame Acanthus is also very drought-resistant. It is a perfect plant for Texas.
Persistence in action! Here, a honeybee works the narrow corridor of the blossom. Because Flame Acanthus flowers are so slender, bees often have to wedge themselves in or use their tongues to reach the nectar. This intimate moment highlights the vital relationship between native drought-tolerant plants and our local honeybee populations.
That is the story behind the shots. If you liked this post, you may also be interested in others featuring Bee, Flame Acanthus, FlowerHour, Texas, Wildflowers, and Wildlife. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
Posted for Terri’s Flower Hour #19: Almond Tree Blossoms.
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Tra Italia e Finlandia
Fantastica la foto dell’insetto che derca di entrare nel fiore. 👏
Egidio Leitao
Grazie.
Anita
Such a beautiful trio of images Egidio. The Flame Acanthus truly lives up to its name in your photos. The first shot glows with that fiery elegance. I especially love the last photo, where the little bee is trying to reach deep into the blossom, a charming captured moment.
Egidio Leitao
Pollinators love Flame Acanthus. We planted one in our new home and are making sure it won’t spread too much, as it did in the old house. It is one of those plants that needs constant pruning. Thanks for your feedback.
Toonsarah
Excellent macros – you’ve really captured the buzz (pun intended!) of activity around these beautiful flowers 🙂
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Sarah.
Terri Webster Schrandt
Amazing captures of the flame acanthus and honeybees, Egidio! A spectacular partnership! Loved this ❤️
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Terri.
Anne Sandler
Egidio, great captures of the plant and bee!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Anne.
shoreacres
This is a beautiful plant, although its range is so limited I’ve never seen it. Apparently it does thrive in central Texas gardens: a boon for the bees!
Egidio Leitao
Linda, I did not say this in the post so that not to spoil it. Flame Acanthus grow like wildfire around here. One needs to keep trimming it well. Pollinators help propagate the plant to different areas around a garden. By the time we sold our house, there were Flame Acanthus growing in areas we had not planted it.