In my studio I have a new companion in honor of Halloween. Though a plant, this Asian native has the soul of an artist, one who creates illusions and allusions. This black bat lily (Tacca chantrieri), aka devil flower, has not only evolved into resembling a bat but also imitates the smell of carrion to attract frustrated pollinators! Lots of tricks up the glossy green sleeves of this shapeshifter! Lucky for me I can’t seem to smell a thing. In the Victorian language of flowers the lily signifies purity although I’m sure they did not have this particular lily in mind.
Bat Lily in sepia profile – photo by Marie Cameron 2012
Bat Lily in sepia face – photo by Marie Cameron 2012
Bat Lily Bloom detail -photo Marie Cameron 2012
Tacca chantrieri Portrait – photo Marie Cameron 2012
Black Bat Lily – photo Marie Cameron 2012
Marie: Fantastic flower – have never seen anything like it – they sure don’t grow anything like that here in Maine!!
Love,
Aunt Jean
You’ve really entered the exotic jungle when the plants are making faces back at you!
Maine has lots of mysterious flora though, along with sundews and pitcher plants there are the ghostly Indian Pipes are another favorite of mine! They are also known as Ghost Plant or Corpse Plant – There were just too many ghoulish plants to cover before Halloween, which is a busy time of year on our street – maybe I’ll make it an annual thing.