botanical

Nymphaea gigantea is a species of aquatic perennial herbaceous plant native to Australia and New Guinea.[2][3] N. gigantea is a tropical and sub-tropical species that establishes tubers in the muddy bottoms of still waters. Petals can be seen to be a light purple-blue when they first blossom. As they become mature plants they become a light blue, or can even be white.[4] Due to its blue-white color, it is also known as “Blue Cloud", and typically flowers between the months June and July. Source: inaturalist.ala.org.au/taxa/334777-Nymphaea-gigantea

Commonly called ‘Wax Flowers’ Philotheca myoporoides are related to Boronia and were previously known as Eriostemon myoporoides. The flowers do look a little like Daphne flowers, so sometimes they are called the Native Daphne. It is the foliage that gives the citrus-like fragrance, however, the flower may be ‘Daphne Like’ in appearance. Source: www.nurseriesonline.com.au/plant-index/australian-native-...

A botanical illustration is not primarily judged on its artistic beauty, but on its scientific accuracy. It must portray a plant with enough precision and detail for it to be recognized and distinguished from other species. The beauty of the drawing or painting is secondary to its scientific accuracy but, in the hands of a talented botanical artist, the artwork goes beyond the scientific requirements. From its inception, botanical art has been a fundamental means of communication for science and its dissemination. While still a scientific tool, it has simultaneously starred in the curious phenomenon of becoming a popular artistic medium, provoking an unusual dichotomy in the world of arts and sciences. There’s something compelling about building a relationship with a plant. Botanical artists have a passion for plants. Unless the artist knows the plant in all its moods, and in all the stages of its development, there will be something lacking in the artwork. Through their work, botanical artists can fulfill many roles: explorer, discoverer, educator, scientific collaborator, and creator of beauty. The qualities of artistic appeal and technical accuracy are the defining characteristics of the best botanical art. This documentation of plant life is not only for art but also for science and environmental research. Source: magsq.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Artistic-Endeavou...