Silent Outburst

by Connie Handscomb

Title

Silent Outburst

Artist

Connie Handscomb

Medium

Photograph - Photography - Fine Art

Description

Every moment of existence is a volcano full of truth. Every single moment is ready to explode, maybe now, maybe two minutes or maybe two years later. Truths are ready to erupt. Every single moment is ready to erupt. Be silent; wait for the eruptions.
~Mehmet Murat Ildan

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Strawflower (everlasting; yellow paper daisy)
Xerochrysum bracteatum
(formerly Helichrysum bracteatum , until 1990)
Fr. the Greek helios = sun and chrysos = golden

Family : Asteraceae (Aster) ; Compositae (Sunflower)

Initially described by Étienne Pierre Ventenat in 1803, it was transferred to a new genus Xerochrysum in 1990.

This native Australian perennial is a popular flowering annual in other parts of the world, and a wildflower in India. It comes in colours of orange, pink, purple, red, white, and yellow. It is not the petals that are colourful; it is the bracts that are mistaken for petals . [The Latin name bracteatum is derived from 'bractea' and refers to the bracts which are often mistakenly thought to be petals. The actual flowers are tiny and are in the heart].

This bright floral attracts pollinators and is perfect for a butterfly garden. Napoleon’s wife Joséphine liked them in her garden at Château de Malmaison.

Aside from being decorative, the strawflower has several uses. In the Philippines, it has been known to dress wounds. The French used this oil as an anti-inflammatory to regulate cholesterol. Dried, it apparently acts as a moth repellent. Tobacco is flavoured with its oil, and it a fixative in perfume and cosmetics.

Medicinally, scientific studies have identified it for potential anti-cancer drug use; also, as a potent anti-anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Additionally, it is anti-microbial, fungicidal, an astringent, a diuretic, an expectorant; it is a stimulant for the liver and kidneys to aid in detoxifying, and is used in lymphatic drainage massage. Its rejuvenating oil promotes cell growth and rebuild tissues and is used to heal scars, acne, boils, and dermatitis.

Sources:
Jekka's Complete Herb Book [J.McIvar]
and thank you to the Internet :)
* ------------------------- *

I'm always attracted to these colourful blooms, and while this flower is quite resilient, nevertheless my lens captured the softness of this hardy floral that we wouldn't normally see. As the spike petals break open and away from its bowl-shaped centre, I am at the edge of a floral crater splitting apart, revealing its innermost secrets to me.

💕 Heartfelt Gratitude to FAA groups for featuring this image:

Just Perfect
Your Very Best Photography

Uploaded

April 16th, 2019

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