Bugloss at sunset - Francisco Mingorance - Wildlife Photographer of the Year2010

2010: In Praise of Plants and Fungi - Specially Commended

Francisco Mingorance Enlarge image Bugloss at sunset

Francisco Mingorance (Spain)

Bugloss at sunset

As the sun sets, a red bugloss points towards the emerging stars from its craggy foothold of volcanic rock. This spectacular plant is found only on Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands. Its massive floral spikes can reach up to 3 metres (10 feet) in height, giving it its other common name, the tower of jewels. Francisco included in the distance the silhouette of a famous Tenerife landmark, the Roques de García, to enhance the drama of the composition. 'There was no moon that night, so I had to rely on the fading dusk for light,' says Francisco. To track the stars, he exposed the shot for a full 20 minutes. 'I only had one chance before the light went,' he says. 'Luckily, the timing worked.'

Nikon D3 + 24-70mm lens; 983 sec at f5.6; ISO 200.

This photograph is available to buy as a print.