The dry leaf of Monstera deliciosa -One more for my Winter Gallery

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I have definitely been distracted, and as a result of that, my photographic output has suffered. To worsen the situation, the light this winter hasn’t been good (no clouds, very dry), and the wind blows relentlessly on the weekends. Since I work full time, and the weekend is the only time when I can be about with my camera, not many photographs have happened.

I haven’t been completely lax about photography, however. Behind the scenes, I’m working with a friend on our first duo show featuring botanical photography. I will be presenting my black and white botanical work exploring the shape, form, mood, and lines of my subjects. More on that later.

The FEATURED PHOTOGRAPH

The FEATURED PHOTOGRAPH ( f/10, 1/200, ISO 800, @ 105 mm), repeated below for convenience, is a new addition to my “Dry Leaf” series. A portion of the series is available for purchase this season in my Autumn-Winter collection at in GeoGalleries.

I took the photograph in the field when I was in Brazil last October. The photograph portrays a dry leaf of the Monstera deliciosa Liebmann. Commonly known as the Swiss cheese plant, it is a popular tropical houseplant prized for its large, glossy, and uniquely perforated leaves. Native to the rainforests of Central America, it thrives in warm, humid environments and can grow impressively large, both indoors and outdoors. Its aerial roots help it climb trees in the wild, while its distinctive leaves develop fenestrations as it matures, enhancing its striking appearance. In addition to its ornamental appeal, Monstera deliciosa produces edible fruit with a flavor reminiscent of pineapple and banana. Easy to care for, it prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, making it a favorite among plant enthusiasts.

What’s in the name

Monstera deliciosa was named by the Danish botanist Frederik Michael Liebmann (10 October 1813 – 29 October 1856). Species’ names are binomial, meaning that they are composed of two names. The first one, capitalized, is the genus name. It is followed by the species’ epithet, which is not capitalized. Often, the binomial name is followed by the name of the person who described the species (Liebmann, in this case), and sometimes, by the year the species was described. Species names are always either in bold or in Italics, to differentiate them from the other words in a text.

The name Monstera deliciosa comes from Latin and reflects the plant’s striking appearance and fruit.

  • Monstera: Derived from monstrum, meaning “monster” or “monstrous,” referring to the plant’s large, uniquely perforated leaves, which look almost unnatural or monstrous.
  • Deliciosa: Meaning “delicious,” a nod to the plant’s fruit, which, when ripe, has a sweet, tropical flavor resembling a mix of banana, pineapple, and mango.

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8 responses to “The dry leaf of Monstera deliciosa -One more for my Winter Gallery”

  1. Steve Schwartzman Avatar

    You did well with this close abstraction, as usual, “exploring the shape, form, mood, and lines of [your] subject.” And it’s good to hear you’re preparing for a show.

    There’s more nuance in the history of the word monster.

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    1. Alessandra Chaves Avatar

      Interesting history of the word monster. I love the name of this plant, so paradoxical.

      Like

  2. howg2211 Avatar
    howg2211

    definitely cool photo. Great that you’re in a show. Hope you show us some images of the show when it opens!

    Like

    1. Alessandra Chaves Avatar

      I certainly will show photos of the show when it gets closer.

      Like

  3. Pepper Avatar

    A lovely capture! 😊

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    1. Alessandra Chaves Avatar

      Thank you!

      Like

  4. shoreacres Avatar

    My first thought when seeing your image was “It looks like Swiss cheese.” And lo: here you are, telling us that one of the common names for the plant is exactly that. I wouldn’t have expected it to have an edible fruit, particularly a pleasing one. The sheen on the leaf in your photo lends a metallic air to it. Once I began thinking of it as metal, it began to resemble the old-fashioned perforated seats on farm equipment like tractors.

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    1. Alessandra Chaves Avatar

      I never tasted the fruit. It is somewhat rare to find it. I saw the flower once, and had the opportunity to photograph it. Very common plant in the tropics.

      Liked by 1 person

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