A surprise discovery today.

I took some shots of this flower, but saw a little face looking at me.

Amazing what one can find when one takes a closer look at the wonders of nature.

This is a medicinal plant called a "Krantz Aloe" (Aloe arborescens)

Aloe arborescens is endemic to the south eastern part of Southern Africa. Specifically, this range includes the countries of South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. It has the third largest distribution amongst the aloe genus. Although Aloe arborescens has adapted to many different habitats, its natural habitat usually consists of mountainous areas, including rocky outcrops and exposed ridges. Its common name krantz aloe refers to the Afrikaans word "krantz", which means a rocky cliff. Its habitat can vary, and it is one of only a few species of aloe that is found growing from sea level up to the tops of mountains.
Source

I went around to the back of the flower and found the owner of the little face that was looking at me.

It was a Hover Fly of the Family Syrphidae and they mimic bees and wasps.
I suspect it to be an Asarkina africana.

I think that he was searching for some nectar.

Finally a shot over the top of the flower.

He was a tiny guy and I would never have expected to find him here today as the weather is very bad.
The sunbirds love these flowers, but there were none to be seen today and as most insects are hiding from the rain, this little one was out and doing its thing.
Nature is certainly wonderful.

And That's All Friends!

Camera: Canon Powershot SX60HS.

We hope that you enjoyed the story and the pictures.

Thank you kindly for supporting a post by @papilloncharity

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darmianto5 (60) 3 years ago

Very good photography flower...

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papilloncharity (80) 3 years ago

Thank you kindly.

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Thanks you so much

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beerlover (64) 3 years ago

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hivebuzz (74) 3 years ago

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unterdenbaeumen (25) 3 years ago

The bee is also not so SHY / AFRAID. It likes to be in front of the camera.

Oh yeah, that bee is a real model.