POISON: Frangipani
Poison Vespertine Series: Carnivorous Plants & Night Blooming Flowers
Available
Service Description
We need to recognise these poisonous plants so we know what we’re dealing with. One person’s poison is another person’s medicine. The noble Italian Frangipani family gave their name to this plumeria plant, itself named after 17th century botanist monk Charles Plumier who 'discovered' it. Of course, it was already well-known and sacred across much of the world, such as in Southeast Asia where it features in art and temple reliefs and among the Maya and Aztec people where it has been known for millennia and represented life and fertility. In Polynesian cultures it is used for making flower garlands or leis. It is known as গোলোক চাঁপা champaka and you may have smelled it in incense before. Its white colour is also associated with death in Indian cultures - yet also given at temple offerings and weddings and feature in Swahili love poetry. One simple flower - many complex uses. When there is simplicity, we look for quality - the blending of the yellow into the white, and the decisiveness of the lines of the beautiful 5 petals. For more info and images, join the free forum at www.miniaturepaintingforum.com