Saturday, December 12, 2009

Plant of the week: "Rafflesia"


This is one that you'll probably never have in your collection, unless you're a plant conservatory or happen to live in the rain forests of Borneo. The Rafflesia is said to be the largest flower that exists in the world, one measured a record 42 inches in diameter!
This is one of the many strange parasitic plants that remains in the shrinking rain forests of south east Asia. It begins its life on a vine high up in the canopy of rain forest trees then gradually descends to the forest floor on its host until it reaches the ground. There, it unfolds its cabbage like growth into a singular flower that emits a rather fowl smell. The locals refer to it as the "corpse flower" because of its odor that reminds some of rotting flesh. This however, makes it quite attractive to the plant's pollinators, flies and small mammals who carry off pollen and disperse seeds. The flower begins to fade and rot after only a few days.

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Thursday, December 10, 2009

Micro Landscapes part 2

Another random assortment of the recent "micro landscape" theme going on in my artwork.

These pieces are usually done with graphite, ink and watercolor on paper. In general, they are no larger than 4"x6".

I have not really had the urge to title anything lately, for now they will be organized by number and date. It's kind of hard to keep track of things because I work so sporadically. I'll spend a few weeks working on things then all of a sudden nothing happens, sometimes for months. This is how it's been for the past two years, but at least I'm doing something!








Monday, December 7, 2009

Young botanist

Like his dad, Julian's interest in botany has opened the doors to many possibilities in the world of horticulture. Here he is just 6 years old hand pollinating rain lilies (zephyranthes grandiflora).

















Now almost 8, he's still interested in propagating plants and enjoys the percentage he gets when I sell the plants in my landscaping jobs. Right now all the money he makes goes right into his all important Lego fund.

He's also busy making his mom and dad proud being on the honor roll in second grade.