The Species That Silently Perfumes the Air: My Encounter with Isabelcristinia aromatica

I began a study of form, details, and aroma.

My encounter with this species happened in a planned way, different from the other encounters I have been experiencing during my expeditions. This time, the meeting happened in the herbarium.

It first introduced itself through its pleasant scent, and perhaps the most intriguing part was this: you touch the leaf, yet the perfume is not transferred to your hands. Then the question immediately arises: does this scent truly belong to the plant?

It is as if the plant breathes and within that breath, the fragrance slowly spreads into the environment.

Touching its leaves, I could feel how soft they were. The tiny hairs covering the entire surface resemble a delicate velvet, adorned with rounded edges that became even more evident when I observed everything much more closely with the help of the microscope.

It was incredible to see the details: the stronger shine, the clearly defined hairs, and the intense aroma filling the space.

Now, in my studio, I keep a small branch of Isabelcristinia aromatica in a vase a gift from the researcher. Fortunately, there is one open flower and two others beginning to bloom. Having such a rare species with me brings a very special feeling.

So far, no one has drawn or painted it in watercolor. Because of this, I believe I may be the first person to observe it with such intensity, seeking to learn how to best represent it.

I am beginning with the leaves and, later, I will move on to the flower, which has unusual characteristics. I want to present it afterward, when my attention is entirely devoted to it.

Today, I am still immersed in the intense green of these leaves.