Author Archives: milly acharya

Datura stramonium

Datura

2008

The genus name is from the Sanskrit dhatt?rah (plant, thorn apple) and stramonium is originally from Greek, strychnos for “nightshade” and maniakos for “mad”. It is also known as Devil’s Apple, Apple of Peru, Stinkweed, Jamestown-weed. Jimson-weed, Devil’s Trumpet & moonflower. Little wonder that Susan spent days researching the correct identity of her daunting spiny seedpod, before confirming it as D. stramonium. more…

Allium porrum

Leek

Prints available

The leek, Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum, also known as Allium porrum, is a vegetable which belongs to the same family as onions and garlic. In Greek ampel means a grape vine and pras means leek, resulting in epithet—the leek of the vineyard. more…

Consolida ambigua & Delphinium hybridum

Delphinium hybridium

Delphinium and Larkspur
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The shape of the nectary reminded ancient Greeks of a dolphin’s nose, hence the plant’s name, from the Greek word delphis for dolphin. The flower’s resemblance to a lark’s claw led to the common name of larkspur in England where numerous species and cultivars are popular in gardens and where annual Delphinium Championships are held for amateurs and experienced enthusiasts. more…

Malus pumilus

2006

Atalanta, the warrior huntress of Greek mythology, was the swiftest mortal of her time. When her father insisted upon her taking a husband she was distraught because she had been warned by the Delphic oracle against marriage. So she laid a condition. Any suitor must win her in a footrace or else forfeit his life, and so many an unfortunate died as a consequence. more…

Pyrus communis

Pears

Bartlett pear
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2004

The image that instantly comes to mind at the mention of a pear is a distinctive shape, color and scent — the familiar contours of a gold-green Bartlett. Many varieties of pear trees are native to parts of Asia and Europe, but how and when did the Bartlett come by its name and earn its popularity in the new world? It’s quite a story! more…

Citrus nobilis

Tangerines

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v. Tangeriana
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Aquilegia

SOLD
2005

Various explanations exist for the Latin name of the columbine. The distinctive spurs of the flower are reminiscent of an eagle’s talons; the elongated petals, shaped like a goblet, resemble water collectors; they also suggest five doves encircling a water fountain. Clearly to an attentive observor this dainty yet complex flower calls to mind strange images. more…

Raphanus sativus

Raphanus sativus

Radish
2004
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Clematis

Clematis
Prints available 2008

‘Tis customary as we part
A trinket to confer—
It helps to stimulate the faith
When lovers be afar—
‘Tis various—as the various taste—
Clematis—journeying far—
Presents me with a single Curl
Of her Electric Hair… more…

Nigella damascena

Nigella damascena

Love-in-a-mist
2004

In Latin nigellus or niger, meaning black, refers to the color of the seeds; damascena denotes coming “from Damascus”. The plant’s feathery foliage guarding its dainty flowers has stirred the imagination to generate a host of popular names—Love-in-a-mist, Devil-in-the-Bush, Love-entangle, Hair-of-Venus, Jack-in-prison and Lady-in-Shade. more…

Ipomoea purpurea & Convolvulus sepium

Ipomoea purpura and Convolvulus sepium

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Ips is the Greek word for worms. Ipomoea, or worm-like, describes the twining growth bait of this genus. However, it has undergone many name changes in its history. Starting off as Pharbitis purpurea incarnate, then Convolvulus major, followed by Convolvulus pupurea, it was only in the 20th century that the Morning Glory earned its current name. Because the flowers open at night or in diffuse light and last only a single day, saluting the sun, the name is well-deserved — though quite a contrast to ‘worm-like’! more…

Crocus

Iridaceae

Yellow and purple crocus
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Tropaeolum majus

Tropaeolum majus

Nasturtium
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As a botanical painter I have a wish list, many miles long, of numerous plants I’d like to document each season. After our interminable, monochromatic northeastern winters when spring finally arrives I’m bursting with impatience to select my specimens and get to work. Most of the early plants I encounter in my neighborhood are various shades of white, pale pinks, pastel mauves — snowdrops, lily-of-the-valley, hyacinths, magnolias. Since botanical illustration is so meticulously detailed, commanding scientifically accurate visual information, it is, alas, painstakingly slow. So my wish list stays as long as ever! more…

Allium sativum

Allium sativum


Garlic, a member of the Amaryllidaceae family, thrives in full sunlight and is a good neighbor to most plants, except legumes and alfalfa, and is thought to repel rabbits, deer, moles and insects. Its flowers are hemaphrodite, having both female and male organs. It is a perennial that is not frost tender and is cultivated worldwide. more…

Malus pumilus

45malus2009

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2009
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