Slipper Orchid original woodcut

Who doesn't love the sight of a bright pink flower popping out of the brown ground after winter? The title of this piece is, “Deceptive Blooms” because a poor bee will see the flower and attempt to pollinate it but there isn’t any nectar inside, the insect usually doesn't go back for seconds so the plant has to deceive another generation every year! Luckily they have long lifespans and can afford to not be pollinated yearly.

These plants aren’t just forest beauties, they also have been used throughout history for medicinal purposes such as easing menstrual pain, reducing headaches and bringing down fevers. 

edition of 17
Image size 10”x11”
Paper size 15”x16”
Title: Deceptive Blooms

(for you nature lovers out there the scientific name of this particular slipper orchid is Cypripedium reginae)