All over Patagonia, from Chiloé in the north to Tierra del Fuego in the south, we saw Chilean Firebush, Embothrium coccineum . A tall shrub or small tree, in spring it is covered in dramatic scarlet blossoms.
They hang in thick clusters:
Each long thin bud (rightmost below) has four petals which split apart and curl back (center), exposing the long style:
The nectar is very sweet, and as it oozes out it attracts insects:
like this tiny sweat bee, which I think is Callistochlora chloris:
Our guide suggested we try the nectar too: and indeed if you suck on a flower the most ethereal mead-like taste fills your mouth:
Just like The Tempest’s Ariel:
Where the bee sucks, there suck I:
In a cowslip’s bell I lie;
There I couch when owls do cry.
On the bat’s back I do fly
After summer merrily.
Merrily, merrily shall I live now
Under the blossom that hangs on the bough.
Eyes on the Wild 
Fabulous.
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Such gorgeous flowers on the Chilean Firebush…happy pollinators.
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We performed the Tempest in High School (auf deutsch) and I was in
charge of thunder, lightning and wind – very busy assignment.
I was surprised not to see hummers visiting.
H
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I didn’t see a single hummingbird in Chile. We were there in early summer: perhaps they hadn’t arrived yet? It does indeed look like a hummingbird’s idea of heaven.
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It’s good to see a photo of your face, Moira. You are looking very lovely, way down there in Patagonia. Glad to hear that the f;owers of this tree are sweet, as advertised, for man and beast. Jan
Janice Anderson janicerobbanderson@gmail.com 620 Sand Hill Road Apt. 121 E Palo Alto, CA 94304
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