An artist drew inspiration from a rare plant with its own online presence to design a Christmas card that will boost the Sidmouth Science Festival.

Sidmouth Herald: Artist Rebecca Lockyear with Sidmouth Print owner Tracey Millar by the blue agave plant in Salcombe RoadArtist Rebecca Lockyear with Sidmouth Print owner Tracey Millar by the blue agave plant in Salcombe Road (Image: Archant)

The blue agave in Salcombe Road survived 18 winters and summers before it shot up 30ft and started to bloom earlier this year.

It is monocarpic, so this will be the first and last time it blooms – afterwards it will perish.

Rebecca Lockyear, who painted it with a star on top, said: “This plant has already featured in the news because of its amazing rate of growth and has become something of a celebrity with its own Instagram page.

“All profits from the sale of the Christmas cards will be used to support the Sidmouth Science Festival, which takes place from October 3 to 15.

Sidmouth Herald: Artist Rebecca Lockyear with Sidmouth Print owner Tracey Millar by the blue agave plant in Salcombe RoadArtist Rebecca Lockyear with Sidmouth Print owner Tracey Millar by the blue agave plant in Salcombe Road (Image: Archant)

“The cards will be on sale at Science Festival events and will also be available to purchase from Sidmouth Print, who helped with the layout and printing of the cards.”