Dave Poole wrote:

These flowers are pollinated by birds that come to sip the large
quantities of nectar that are produced at the petal bases. Showing
the ultimate in adaptation. the branch tips are bare, providing 6"
long perches for the birds' convenience. It is a stunning sight, even
though only a couple of flowers are open at the moment. There are
hundreds of buds promising several weeks of colour. I'll take a pic
of the spike when it is in full bloom.

Post a link here when you do, it sounds very interesting. I'll give you
this weeks URG award for patient gardening! Is it good looking in the
five years before it blooms?