STORY BEHIND THE ART OF LESLEY RANDALL

20th Annual International 

American Society of Botanical Artists & The Horticultural Society of New York

‘Ihi

Portulaca molokiniensis

This illustration of Portulaca molokiniensis is part of a series I did for the RHS Malvern Spring Garden botanical art exhibit. I selected seven native Hawaiian species for the exhibit. I am intrigued by island flora, because often plant groups evolve into unusual forms and because so many of them are endangered. I hope by illustrating these species, people will appreciate their unique qualities and take steps to conserve them. I chose to illustrate Portulaca molokiniensis as part of this series because it has such a regimented leaf arrangement topped by a cheerful, bright yellow flower. I have had a pot of this plant growing in my yard for at least 20 years. I bought it at a UC Davis Conservatory plant sale when it was very difficult to find. (Tissue culture has since made it more available in the horticulture trade.) I have wanted to draw this plant for many years, because I like its form. I felt it would be a challenge to capture it in pen and ink. I hope to continue to illustrate island species - not just from Hawaii, but also from many parts of the world.

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Read more about this artist’s work: 18th Annual International