Last Saturday, I got a surprising gift from my neighbor, one that I expect only from those who know well my love for nature and preference to get plants, as birthday gifts.
Ok, I accept diamonds too. It is not my birthday yet, tough. You have time.
This is a Sparmannia Africana (known as African hemp, but it is not closely related to the true hemp, cannabis). It is also known as African linden or Kamerlinde in Dutch.
I shot with an iPhone5, using the app camera plus for macro. While editing, I added a vignette and increased exposure and contrast.
If you want to know more about the plant, here is more information:
“Sparmannia Africana (African hemp, African linden) is a species of flowering plant in the Tiliaceae family, native to open woodland in Africa, South Africa and Madagascar. It is one of up to seven species in the genus Sparmannia.
With a minimum temperature of 7 °C (45 °F), S. Africana is grown as a houseplant in temperate regions. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
It is named after the Swedish doctor and naturalist, Anders Sparmann. After returning from a voyage with Captain Cook, the fearless physician stumbled across this species during his own explorations of South Africa, about the time the American Revolution was in full swing in 1776.
He took sparmannia back to Sweden with him and, strangely enough, a species that can grow 6 feet in a single summer become a popular house plant in Europe.
Sparmannia Africana, also known as cape stock rose, is one of those plants that bristles when touched. Actually, only the showy stamens of the flowers move, expanding when something brushes against them. But, if you grow the cape stock rose as a houseplant, it could cause your guests to jump back and squeal, ?It’s alive!?”
Read more: http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/4716/#ixzz3iQ1zAeO2
I am joining Lens and Pens by Sally, who hosts each Monday the Sally D’s Mobile Photography Challenge.
The schedule theme for this week’s challenge is: Macro
These are such eloquent shots of the dainty side of Mother Nature. The light in the first and its close up show such detail. The leaves themselves are intriguing, because you’ve captured the serrated edges and tiny hairs. Happy Photo Challenge.
[…] https://luciledegodoy.com/2015/08/10/sally-ds-mobile-photography-challenge-macro/ […]
Lucile, you already know I love photos water drops, so I really enjoyed this. I think macro is about my favorite type of photography! So much beauty in the small things.
Have a marvel-filled week.
janet
Janet, I’m happy that you like mine. I must say yours was much more beautiful droplets, though.
My love remains for portraits!
Thank you for the wishes. Sending them in double for you!
Lucile
You do such wonderful portraits that I understand it being your love.
Really wonderful macro, Lucile! As others have said, the whole other world is right in front of us if we just notice. Very interesting plant and information about it.
Beautiful! I’m not familiar with Camera Plus. You got those from that free app?
Adore these water drops…
Fabulous photo!!!
Love the picture and the info that went with it 🙂
Lovey water droplets and such a vivid green. Wonderful.
Thank you!
Diamonds. haha. I like the way you think. 😉
I’m fair, don’t you think so? 😉 lol
Sounds fair to me. 🙂
The plant bristles? Imagine me bumping up against that plant–we’d both bristle! Fascinating, really, and you have captured it beautifully.
OK, diamonds for your birthday..gotta save for diamonds for Lucile’s birthday….. 😀
Hahaha I’d like to shoot you doing that!!
You have until May to save! I’m patient. How nice of you!
😉😘
you are funny!
I love these macro shots, Lucile. The water droplets, texture of the plant and those little spikey parts at the tip. And happy almost-birthday!
Thank you, Patti. I was pleasantly surprised with this plant, as it was a rich subject for all you mentioned.
My birthday will be only in May next year! But as I’m daily grateful for my life, I thank you anyways. Cheers!
It’s never to early to start thinking about the next birthday celebration! 🙂
I’ll think about that! Thanks.
I love how nature reflects the body. And vice versa
Thanks Adrianna!! Long time no hear. All good?
Yes my friend thank you. I love your leaf pic it duplicates the vessel and capillaries I see under scope and that confirms we are all connected
We definitely are all connected and made of tiny molecules. You are very right.
I have been on vacations and still catching up with reading blogs. Replying to old comments is becoming a tough task…
I will head to your blog soon! Miss your stories.
Really nice!
Thank you!
[…] read a post by Lucile de Godoy yesterday (see it here) and she mentioned an app for her iphone that allowed her to shoot macro. I love capturing little […]
Really beautiful, Lucile! What a nice gift, as well as the beautiful gift you gave us by sharing the gorgeous photos. I love green plants!
Thanks Terri. Let me say that the best gift ad honor, is to have the pleasure to read your considerate comments.
Fascinating that the Swedish Doctor traveled with Captain Cook. It is a attractive plant and looks great in macro! Love those water drops.
It is! I found it very interesting.
Thanks!