The blossom

MUSA ACUMINATA FLOWERS A SINGLE TIME. THE PSEUDOSTEM. NOT WOOD, BUT A TIGHT SPIRAL OF LEAF SHEATHS UNDER PRESSURE. RAISES ONE TERMINAL INFLORESCENCE AND HANGS IT IN THE NIGHT AIR LIKE A DARK LANTERN. BRACT AFTER BRACT LIFTS IN A PHYLLOTACTIC ORDER,  UNCOVERING FEMALE AND MALE FLOWERS, BOTH HELD.  IT SPENDS ITS ENTIRE LIFE IN THAT GESTURE.