|
"Bird
of Paradise" by Paul McGehee. From the verdant palette of the rain
forest erupts a dramatic splash of color, like tropical fireworks...the
flower known as the Bird of Paradise! This gorgeous perennial, named
Strelitzia, is originally from South Africa but has been introduced
into other warm climes around the world such as the Caribbean and the
South Pacific. Strelitzia is named after the German duchy of
Mecklenburg-Strelitz, birthplace of Queen Charlotte of the United
Kingdom. It is popularly referred to as the "Bird of Paradise" because
its flower reminds one of the wild plumage of its namesake African
bird. In South Africa it is also called the Crane Flower, which has
honored it by its depiction on the reverse of their 50 cent coin. In
the United States, the Bird of Paradise was chosen as the official
flower of the city of Los Angeles, California. It is truly one of the
world's most beautiful and unique flowers. "Bird of Paradise" is
faithfully reproduced as an archival-quality print from McGehee's
original color pencil drawing, issued in a limited edition of only 500
pieces, each hand-signed by the artist.
|
