Once in a bloom mooner

No one knows what kind of cactus it is, but it's certainly a special one.
This hardy cactus belonging to Kathleen and Alec Smith has flowered just once before - 40 years ago.
It was acquired as a cutting 45 years ago, and Kathleen's brother-in-law admired it so much he got one for himself. It, too, has flowered only once.
The blooms last just one day before disappearing for another four decades.
Alec's gardening regimen shows why the cactus has lasted so long.
``I never touch it,'' says the Papakura resident. - by Andrea Jutson