Indian Paintbrush in the Tropics

by Heidi Fickinger

Title

Indian Paintbrush in the Tropics

Artist

Heidi Fickinger

Medium

Photograph - Photographic Print

Description

The first time I saw Indian Paintbrush flowers in Hawai'i I did a double-take. I grew up with these wonderful flowers in Jackson Wyoming. Deep into the summer their flaming brushes erupted in clearings, like torches. Native to the Americas from Alaska to the Andes, the genus they belong to is castilleja and there are many subspecies in that range that have evolved differently. Some in Wyoming were actually yellow in color and from what I have found there is a variety in Alaska that is lavendar.
When I discovered them on the Big Island, I researched how they got here and found that mainly, the subspecies here is Castilleja arvensis and is native to Mexico and Central America. This subspecies is much more brilliant red-orange to deep red than the flowers I grew up with. The flowers seem to glow from within they are so intensely colored. I love the tiny white hairs that line the flower bracts. As many introduced plant life in Hawai'i, this plant has taken a liking to the rich volcanic soil and frequent rains where I live and has naturalized. Unlike many introduced plants and animals, Indian Paintbrush has not become invasive in nature, so I can enjoy their beauty guilt-free.

Featured in the following FAA group galleries:
* Hawaiiana
* What's New
* Macro Marvels
* Positive Energy
* Global Flowers Photography
* Digital Art & Photography for a Simple Imagination
* Your Story of Art

Uploaded

July 10th, 2020

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