Miss it and wait N years more – the “Magic Bean Vine” at Dajia Riverside Park is in bloom!

▲ Agave near Gate No. 9 at Dajia Riverside Park is in bloom — a rare sight. (Photo/Taipei Water Department, the same below)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

A Magic Bean Vine from Jack’s story has appeared at Dajia Riverside Park!? Actually, it’s the agave near Gate No. 9 that’s blooming. The flower stalks of the agave grow straight up toward the sky like towering poles, and at first glance, they resemble Jack’s magic bean vine. The Taipei Water Department specifically pointed out, “If you miss this, you’ll have to wait N years.”

The agave near Gate No. 9 at Dajia Riverside Park in Taipei has bloomed. The Taipei Water Department said it believes those who see it must be full of questions — why does something that looks like a stem turn out to be a flower?

In fact, agave is a perennial shrub that is highly drought-resistant, and its flowers are very unique. The tall, upright inflorescence grows from the center of the plant to attract pollinating insects to help with pollination and the production of the next generation.

▲ Agave near Gate No. 9 at Dajia Riverside Park.

Generally, an agave blooms only once in its lifetime. It takes decades to grow before it blooms, so an agave in bloom is truly a rare sight. The public is welcome to visit Dajia Riverside Park to witness this unusual phenomenon. The flowering period will last until around mid-April.

▲ Agave near Gate No. 9 at Dajia Riverside Park is in bloom.

At the same time, the public is reminded that the edges of agave leaves are lined with fine, sharp spines, and the sap of the leaves is toxic. Accidental contact may cause skin irritation, a burning sensation, itching, rashes, or even blisters, so remember not to touch them while viewing.

Dajia Riverside Park
Address: No. 5, Binjiang St., Zhongshan District, Taipei City.
Agave location: Enter through Gate No. 9 near Dajia Elementary School to see it. (Free to view)

Transportation information:
1. MRT: Take the MRT to Yuanshan Station, then transfer to bus Red 34 to get there.
2. Bus: Take bus No. 72, 222, or 527 and get off at “Dajia Elementary School Station” or “Binjiang Park Dajia Section Station.”
3. By car: Drive north on Jianguo North Road toward Binjiang Street, enter Gate No. 9 near Dajia Elementary School to arrive. Alternatively, exit at Binjiang Interchange on Freeway No. 1, turn right, and follow the signs for Dajia Riverside Park to reach Gate No. 9.
Parking: Available