Also, under an ancient law, it is never allowed to increase.

Any shoots it sends up beyond this ring must be cut off by me and destroyed with certain ceremonies.

You see that seed-pod which has been left to grow on the stalk of one of last year's blooms.

It is now ripe, and on the night of the next new moon, when the Kalubi comes to visit me, I must with much ritual burn it in his presence, unless it has burst before he arrives, in which case I must burn any seedlings that may spring up with almost the same ritual." "I don't think the Kalubi will come any more; at least, not while you are here.

Indeed, I am sure of it," I said.
As we were leaving the place, acting on my general principle of making sure of anything of value when I get the chance, I broke off that ripe seed-pod, which was of the size of an orange.