20th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Artistic
Pastel in Blue

It may seem strange, but this apparently modest-looking, greenish orchid gave me, over the years, exceptionally interesting, artistic images. Its name is Neottia ovata, commonly known as the Eggleaf Twayblade or the Common Twayblade. The vernacular names are a reference to the oval shape of the leaves, which, unfortunately, are not shown here. Nevertheless, the flowers resemble small samurai dressed in large green trousers and wearing big hats on. It is a nectariferous orchid, attracting many insects, such as solitary bees, beetles, mosquitoes, flies and butterflies (Orchids of Romania, by Nora De Angelli & Dan Anghelescu, 2020).

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2021
Date Uploaded: 11.2022
Photo Location: Sinaia, Romania
Copyright: © Nora De Angelli