STORY BEHIND THE ART OF BETSY ROGERS-KNOX

Wildly Exquisite: Florida’s Native Plants

Sarracenia

Sarracenia psittacina

The Sarracenia psittacina, with its unusual shape, vibrant colors and patterns on the pitchers is also known, understandably, as the parrot pitcher plant. Curiosity regarding the carnivorous nature of pitcher plants has increased now that cultivation is widespread and the plant is more readily available, and can even be purchased at plant and garden shops. A friend gifted this plant to me and it presented a convenient (native to Florida) and challenging subject to illustrate.

My decision to display the flowers separately and individually from three different angles allows for clearer observation of their complexity and form. Additionally, by presenting the full plant from the ground up, with the buds and the flowers just opening, I was able to include another developmental stage of the plant.

Along with botanical accuracy, a primary focus of my work is in portraying the evolutionary story, not just a single stage in the life of a plant.

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Read more about this artist’s work: Abundant Future