Hippeastrum Hercules.

Hippeastrum is my favourite flower. With the local Palmers five minutes away and room for pots at home, who needs a garden?

Developing buds.

Opening up.

While the first set of buds open, a second stem goes through a bulb-powered growth spurt to catch up.

Select large bulbs.

Research shows that large bulbs, with a few other factors, lead to the tallest stem growth.

Synchronicity.

Two pairs elegantly separate before opening for business.

Oh wow.

Anthers dehisced, stigma not fully developed yet.

Different stages.

The stigma on the central bloom is fully developed and has curved up, ready to receive pollen from passing insects.

A closer look at the stigma.

The stigma is fully extended, curving up at the end. The anthers have burst open with their load of pollen grains. This flower is ready for action.