Heartwell
Every line on this leaf leads here. Caladium leaves attach to their stem near the middle instead of at the edge, so the crimson veins spread outward from one single point, like rivers from a spring. When the rain came, that's exactly where it gathered: one drop, resting right at the heart of it all.
It's fitting, because caladium is also called heart of Jesus and angel wings, for its heart-shaped, paper-thin leaves. It grows from a tuber hidden underground, and when the dry season comes, the leaves fade and the plant rests below the soil, waiting to return.
This moment of noticing was all about capturing the beauty the rain leaves behind. I was focused on white flowers in my garden when this vibrant leaf tucked away close to the ground caught my eye. This moment is what followed. I have many favorite photos of mine, but this one takes the cake. I can’t quite describe what it is, but every time I look at this photo I’m in pure awe. I feel calm, cool and collected, like the angel wings are bringing me home.
What we protect begins with what we notice. My noticing leads to The Wild Land Project.
About This Image
Common name: Caladium (heart of Jesus, angel wings)
Scientific name: Caladium bicolor
Location: Northern Belize
Collection: After the Rain
