Abalone Moon
Royce Wood
Botanical Illustration
written notes by Royce Wood
Billbergia Muriel Waterman bromeliad
This plant was inspired by its dusty surface texture and rings of color on the leaves. Graphite drawing - rendering. Approximately life size.
Euphorbia knuthii
This plant was chosen for its unusual root shapes and foliage. The habitat is in parts of Arabia, and goats chew this to the ground leaving the odd roots exposed.
Watercolor and gouache. Approximately life size.
Neoregelia Oh no bromeliad
I was inspired by this plant with this strap-like, majestic leaves and water tank in the center for water collection in the jungles of South America.
Watercolor and gouache. Approximately life size.
Pseudolithos horwoodii
This is a one of a kind plant discovered by Frank K. Horwood in Somalia.
This painting is the first and only known painting of this plant.
Watercolor and gouache. Approximately life size.
Mellocactus species
The colors of this plant were of interest but also the spine and flowering habit were fascinating.
It grows in South America in certain arroyos.
Watercolor and gouache. Approximately life size.
Bursera species
Growing in Baja California, this plant has a swollen base to retain water in hot, dry climates. The bark peels away and a jade-like color lies beneath. This was why it was of interest to paint and observe.
Watercolor and gouache.
Ferocactus species
I painted this for the tremendous spines, deep ribs, and striking color. Indigenous to Mexico.
Watercolor and gouache. Approximately life size.
Zygopetalum orchid
Growing in Brazilian forests, this plant was an inspiration for me because each orchid seed pod can have a potential of one million seeds. This plant's flowers exuded its scent of cinnamon and sandal wood.
Watercolor and gouache. Approximately life size.
Thelocactus nidulens
The tremendous spines and deeply protected flowers, plus the odd coloration of skin were of interest. Found in Mexico and South America.
Watercolor and gouache. Approximately life size.
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