Canada Expedition

1845...  

Arethusa bulbosa (dragon's mouth) & Asarum canadesis (wild ginger)

Malaki 1845

The wind being favorable set sail to North Atlantic

destined to arrive in Lower Canada--St. Lawrence River.

Divine Providence has kept all safe during this voyage.  

I am indebted to the First Nation People

for sharing a unique Orchidaceae--the Dragon's Mouth.

Another specimen collected was an 'awapuhi used as a healing root.

I have ground the roots and attached the substance 

to this correspondence to be dissolved in spring water.

Hope they survive the post.

Yours in confidence, L

2012...

L was encouraged by her visit to Canada...leaving the issues she uncovered concerning the prominent Orchid scholars & collectors behind her (temporarily). The indigenous culture and their use of medicinal plants were so similar to her own Hawaiian practices.  
L is attaching concealed samples of her discoveries for Queen Kailani in case the collected specimens are lost during the Expedition.

Side note:  Arethusa bulbosa (called Dragon's Mouth or Moss Nymph)

Arethusa is named for a River Nymph (the Waterer) of Greek Mythology.  

This beautiful simple orchid is found in the cool bogs of Eastern Canada and has been on the endangered list. 

Used Golden coarse pumice gel (to mimic L's ground ginger roots) and handmade papier with grass pieces...Also my 'faves' inktense pencils with a dash of neocolor II's.  

ʻawa.puhi

n. Wild ginger, a forest herb with narrow leaves arranged along a stalk bearing small yellowish fragrant flowers & aromatic underground roots.

Mahalo to all the 'creative ones' who make this challenge so enjoyable...come visit all the FABulousness at Darcy's art-and-sole.blogspot.com. Aloha.

the expedition continues...