Comment from Sange
I am drawn in by the color and fabulous shape of this unusual cone. You have fine focus on the gone Mary. The palm leaf in the foreground is a bit of a distraction due to the blur, I would ha e cropped closer eliminating as much as you could..but that is me.
A fine shot with great exposure and focus on the cone.

 Comment Written 24-Jun-2015

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reply by the author on 24-Jun-2015

Thanks again Sange.

Comment from supergold
a great close up mary of this wonderful salmon flower : it looks so tasty; lol;
very nice contrasting colors and pin sharp focus;

 Comment Written 23-Jun-2015

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reply by the author on 24-Jun-2015

Thanks Fred, they certainly are different and some plants had two or three of them in centre of plant. :) Mary

Comment from Lilibug6
This is very nice! I have never seen one quite like this! The color is very nice! The focus is excellent! The overall image is very good and thanks for sharing! Lilibug6

 Comment Written 22-Jun-2015

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reply by the author on 22-Jun-2015

Thanks Lori, appreciate your encouraging comments as always :) Mary

reply by Lilibug6 on 22-Jun-2015

You are very welcome! Lori

Comment from gidavidson
What a neat find, I have never seen them before either. Like the salmon color contrast with the greens for a pleasing scene. Very well framed, focused and a good exposure to show the details on this cone.

 Comment Written 21-Jun-2015

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reply by the author on 22-Jun-2015

Thanks George, appreciate your feedback. There were some with 2 and 3 cones but I liked the single one, the male cone is longer and thinner but didn't see any this time round. :)

Comment from suzannethompson2
I like all the different patterns in this close up of the unusual plant - from those crisscrossing the cone to the surrounding foliage. I like the contrasting colours with the cone and leaves.

Lighting and focus very good showing excellent detail. Very nice composition. Suzanne

 Comment Written 21-Jun-2015

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reply by the author on 22-Jun-2015

Thanks Suzanne, glad you enjoyed viewing they are very interesting to see. :) Mary

Comment from GaliaG
excellent focus and filling of the frame

good composition, presentation, colors, lighting and contrast

well done and thanks for sharing

 Comment Written 21-Jun-2015

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reply by the author on 22-Jun-2015

Thanks again, I really appreciate your feedback. :) Mary

Comment from thriver50
Rare nature capture. Excellent. Detail is terrific. Color very nice. Contrast.between the cone and green spines nice. Good job.

 Comment Written 21-Jun-2015

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reply by the author on 22-Jun-2015

Thanks so much, your positive feedback is appreciated.

Comment from michiganmike
A beautiful look at this ancient plant. I understand that these were the predominant plant forms during the time of the dinosaurs. A very fine shot with excellent colors and fine composition. I like the lines of both the leaves and cones which compliment each other.

 Comment Written 21-Jun-2015

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reply by the author on 22-Jun-2015

Thanks Mike you have put into words the way I viewed the plant, I appreciate your feedback. :) Mary