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| Photo Information |
Copyright: Larry Doyle (techranger)
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 133 W: 2 N: 408]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif) (1333) |
| Genre: Plants |
| Medium: Color |
| Date Taken: 2007-04 |
| Categories: Flowers |
| Camera: Panasonic Lumix FZ20 |
| Photo Version: Original Version |
| Date Submitted: 2008-10-06 5:30 |
| Viewed: 221 |
| Points: 20 |
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
One of my favorite Spring wildflowers is the Bloodroot. These blooms do not last long and it is always a special treat to find them at their peak. I think they are simply gorgeous and they have special meaning to me as well.
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
Bloodroot is also known as Puccoon or Red Puccoon, Indian Paint, Redroot, Pauson and Tetterwort.
Plant Type: This is a herbaceous plant, it is a perennial which can reach 25cm in height (10inches). Only about half that high at the time of blooming.
Leaves: This plant has basal leaves only. Leaves can be as wide as 20 cm (8inches). There is usually only one leaf which has five to nine lobes. It is much smaller at the time the flower is open.
Flowers: The flowers have numerous parts and are up to 5cm wide (2 inches). They are white with yellow center. Blooms first appear in late winter and continue into early spring. The flower usually has eight symmetrically arranged petals four large and four smaller, but can have up to twelve and sometimes sixteen.
Fruit: A two part capsule pointed on both ends with a row of seeds in each half.
Habitat: Rich woods. Usually on banks or slopes.
Range: Most of North America east of the Rocky Mountains.
"This is the only species of the genus Sanguinaria. While sometimes locally abundant, this plant is generally somewhat rare. It is known from areas that have been little disturbed usually on hills and mountains. A blood red juice can be extracted from the reddish orange root, actually a rhizome, hence the name Bloodroot.
Lore: The juice from the root was used as a body paint and dye by Native Americans. Warriors painted their faces with it and maidens their bodies. Reportedly a woman was given as a bed mate to a colonist at Jamestown by a local tribe and was presented wearing only a coat of red body paint made from Bloodroot.(Dobelis) The root juice has been used as a dye for fabrics producing a yellow orange color that is very fast. It has also been used as a charm. Young men of the Ponca tribe would put the juice of the root on their palm and contrive to shake hands with the maiden they desired to marry and in five or six days she would be willing to marry him.(Foster & Duke) Applying the root or juice to the skin is a questionable activity as the plant is known to be an escharotic, a substance that kills tissue. See warnings below.
Medical Uses: Native Americans, early settlers and herbal practitioners have prescribed Bloodroot for myriad medical conditions from skin cancers to sore throats. Its most persistent and possibly valid use takes advantage of the flesh destroying properties of the root juice or powered root for treating conditions of the skin such as ringworm, warts, polyps, fungal growths and the like. Researchers are investigating the root's value in cancer treatment. An extract has long been used in toothpaste and mouthwash to fight plaque and gingivitis and this use is now sanctioned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The root has been used internally, in very small doses, to stimulate the digestive system and as an emetic. Self medication should be avoided, as the plant can be toxic. Even small doses can produce unwanted effects such as visual distortions. Warning:T The FDA considers Bloodroot "unsafe" and urges that it not be used by herbal healers. It is far to attractive a plant to dig up anyway."
To me this image represents just one of those many instances in which the Creator's hand provides beauty in harsh places. It is as if the bloom has overcome its surroundings.
“The marvelous richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy if there were no limitations to overcome. The hilltop hour would not be half so wonderful if there were no dark valleys to traverse.” - Helen Keller |
eqshannon, CeltickRanger, jaycee, Adanac, anel, Pitoncle has marked this note useful
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Some days, this being one, you photos awake me with a certain strength....courage to go on through all of the pain life has thrown at me..when an image affects people like that, in combination with soothing words..you become the tool of the Creator....Thanks you for your kind words and images..
Bob
hello Larry
beautiful image of this wildflower, with fine POV, beautiful luminosity
on the subject, excellent sharpness and details, and excellent
contrast between the background's shadows and foreground's highlights,
TFS
Asbed
- jaycee
(16095)
- [2008-10-06 11:15]
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Hi Larry,
I love your style! This perfect Bloodroot is beautiful. A wonderful 3-D effect as it jumps out from the excellent background. Beautiful white and yellow with magnificent details of the flower. You chose the right word to describe it - gorgeous. And the composition is stunning.
Jane
Olá Larry
Bonita foto, ótima composição, luz e nitidez.
Grande abraço,
Vera.
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- Janice
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3464 W: 145 N: 5943]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(17794) - [2008-10-07 1:40]
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Bloodroot - I don't know the plant - but this is a beautiful photo of this lovely flower Larry.
It is like finding Treasure in a dark place.
Well captured
TFS
Janice
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- Adanac
(15132)
- [2008-10-07 3:21]
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Hello Larry,
Outstanding post Larry with the mixture of this incredibly beautiful image and your great words. This is first class.
Rick
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- anel
(9414)
- [2008-10-07 5:01]
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Hello Larry,
This is indeed a wonderful flower, it reminds me a little of our Anemone hepatica we can find in springtime in the forests. I like your decentred composition and the excellent rendering of the white colour of the petals.
Very intertesting note too.
Un grand merci
Anne
Bonjour Larry,
Très belle macro dans laquelle le sujet est bien valorisés par la finesse des détails, la délicatesse des couleurs et son opposition sur l'arrière plan.
A bientôt sur TN pour de nouvelles aventures.
Gérard
Hello Larry!
It's simple but very attractive shot. I very like classical composition and great technical quality. Every detail of flower is sharp and well visible. Perfectly done!
Regards
Jacek
beautiful contrasty pic, TFS Ori
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 113 W: 15 N: 104]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-s-g.gif)
(448)![Silver Star Critiquer [C: 12 W: 0 N: 1]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/s-n-n.gif)
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