The Flower That Drank The Moon

Alright, gather 'round, folks. I've got a tale to spin about a flower that's not your ordinary, run-of-the-mill blossom. This one's got a story that's as wacky as your Aunt Martha's dance moves at a family reunion. Buckle up, 'cause we're diving into the world of the Moonflower.

Meet the Nightlife Queen

Now, imagine you're at a fancy shindig, the kind where the champagne's flowing like a river, and the hors d'oeuvres are disappearing faster than your New Year's resolutions. Suddenly, the lights dim, and in walks the life of the party. That's our Moonflower, folks. She's the belle of the nighttime ball, the queen of the evening's entertainment.

You see, this isn't your average, daytime party flower. Oh no, she's got a schedule as strict as your boss on a Monday morning. The Moonflower, or Ipomoea alba to her friends, only opens her petals when the sun's taken a hike and the moon's taken its place in the sky. She's like the bouncer at an exclusive club, checking IDs and only letting in the right crowd - in this case, the nighttime pollinators.

Why the Fuss?

So, why all the drama, you ask? Well, picture this: you're at a party, and suddenly, a beautiful, fragrant flower blooms right before your eyes. Now, imagine that flower is white, and it's glowing in the moonlight. That, my friends, is the Moonflower's party trick. She's like a human glow stick, lighting up the night and drawing in her pollinator pals.

But here's where it gets even weirder. This flower doesn't just drink the moonlight, it eats it. Okay, not literally, but it does use the moonlight to trigger its blooming. It's like she's saying, "Hey, moon, I know you're up there, so let's put on a show!"

When Nature Gets Competitive

Now, you might think, "Well, that's all well and good, but why not just bloom during the day like a normal flower?" Well, my friend, it seems our Moonflower has a bit of a competitive streak. You see, there's another flower, the Morning Glory, that's been stealing the show during the day. So, our Moonflower decided to switch up her schedule and become the life of the nighttime party instead.

It's like when you're at a family gathering, and your cousin starts telling the same old stories for the millionth time. So, you decide to one-up them with a hilarious anecdote from your own life. That, folks, is the Moonflower's origin story. She's the cousin who stole the spotlight and became the life of the party.

Newbery Review #96 (The Girl Who Drank the Moon, Barnhill, 2017

But Wait, There's More!

But here's where it gets even more interesting. Our Moonflower isn't just a one-hit wonder. Oh no, she's got a whole family of night-blooming cousins. There's the Desert Spoon, the Angel's Trumpet, and even the Night-Blooming Water Lily. They're like a squad of superheroes, each with their own unique powers, but all united in their mission to light up the night.

And the best part? You can grow these bad boys in your own backyard. Imagine having your very own nighttime garden party, complete with glowing flowers and a guest list of nocturnal critters. It's like having a fairy tale right in your own backyard. Just don't be surprised if your neighbors start asking for invites to your exclusive moonlight soirees.

So, What's the Moral of the Story?

Well, folks, the Moonflower's tale is a reminder that sometimes, the best way to stand out is to do things a little differently. She could've stayed in the shadows, blooming like every other flower. But no, she decided to switch up her schedule and become the queen of the night. And isn't that what life's all about? Finding your own rhythm, your own light, and letting it shine, even if it's just for one night?

So, the next time you're out under the moonlight, take a moment to appreciate the glow of the Moonflower. She's more than just a pretty face; she's a reminder that sometimes, the best way to make an entrance is to wait for the right moment. And when you do, well, let's just say the party's about to start.