Artist's Interest In Exotic Flora
By definition, exotica flora means exotic or unusual plants and flowers from other countries. Plants in this category usually live in tropical, humid, and sunny environments. Such places can be mountains, swamps, rainforests, jungles, deserts, and more. There are many different species of exotica flora, each of which has its preferred environment. Venus fly traps, orchids, lilies, bananas, passion flowers, and birds of paradise are just a few of these unique species. These fascinating plants have some special features, such as being carnivorous or having explosive seed pods. Some of the most mesmerizing of these plants include the Nepenthes attenboroughii, Desmodium Gyrans, and Mimosa pudica.
The Nepenthes attenboroughii’s more common name, the rat-eating pitcher plant, gives away its most interesting feature. Discovered in August 2009, it is believed to be the largest meat-eating plant in the world and is capable of digesting rats. It was found by a group of scientists on Mount Victoria in the Philippines and named after nature broadcaster Sir David Attenborough. The species is characterized by its large and distinctive bell-shaped lower and upper pitchers and narrow, upright lid. Although it has the ability to digest rats, its most common prey is small insects. With some nectar and a waxy coating covering the leaves, the plant ensures that insects wander in voluntarily and rarely escape.
The Desmodium Gyrans has quite an interesting history, being one of Charles Darwin’s favorites. Darwin actually discusses the plant in great depth in his book The Power of Movement in Plants. Also known as the Dancing Plant, this species moves its leaves in jerky motions when exposed to direct sunlight, warmth, or vibrations. When exposed to music, the plant has the same reaction, making it seem as if it were dancing. Equipped with a sort of hinge at the base, its leaflets rotate along an elliptical path. Although it originates from Asia, it can be found around the world today since it is fairly easy to grow as a houseplant.
One of the prettiest exotic flora is the Mimosa pudica, also known as the sensitive plant, humble plant, and touch-me-not. It has lavender, pom pom like flowers that are very pretty, but not as interesting as its leaves. When touched, the compound leaves fold inward and droop, defending themselves from harm, and re-open a few minutes later. To do this, the stems release chemicals that force water out of the cells, which makes the leaves appear collapsed. Due to its unique response to touch, it became the ideal plant for many experiments regarding plant habituation and memory.
It is no mystery why exotic flora are such popular subjects for artists and painters. They are extremely fascinating biologically and visually, giving artists a truly unique and interesting subject. One of the most famous exotic flora artists, William Morris, used the flowers’ beautiful shape to create prints and wallpaper that are still popular to this day. Many impressionist and post-impressionist artists also took an interest in exotic flora, including Van Gogh, Gaugin, Manet, and Rosseau. The interest in these flowers does not seem like it will fade away anytime soon since scientists continue to find more and more of these wonderful species.
