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2007: In Praise of Plants and Fungi - Highly Commended

Jack Dykinga Enlarge image Heart of an agave

Jack Dykinga (United States of America)

Heart of an agave

'The northeastern Mexican state of Tamaulipas has incredible biodiversity, and I spent time on the mountains of the Sierra Madre Oriental. This was taken at sunset, when the light was extremely low. It made the greens glow and revealed the patterns and indentations of each blade.' The drought-resistant agave Agave montana is only found in Mexico. It is a succulent, meaning it retains water and is adapted to dry climates or soils. Related to the yuccas, this agave grows slowly, but up to 1.5 metres tall. The flowers, leaves, stalks and sap can all be eaten and, when dried out, the stalks can be used to make didgeridoos.

Arca Swiss F-Field + Schneider Super-Symmar XL 110mm lens; 40 secs at f45; 4 x 5 format Fujichrome Velvia 50.

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