Calathea Veitchiana

The plant
Calathea Veitchiana (growing behind the granite rock) is a species of plant in the Marantaceae family.

The picture was again taken at the national library. I think the granite rock feature intended to break up the monotony of the arrangement. Although it was more effective than it looks in the picture, perhaps a sculpture would have made it look more visually interesting.

After all, the planter was filled with so much short foliages, that even the dull brownish-purple patterns of the calathea is a welcomed treat for the eyes.

The personal take
I think the calatheas are a plant that requires... acquired taste. If it had a taste, i think it'd taste like brinjal or yam. It has a peculiar look that makes the plant look exotic and difficult to place but is rather pleasing after some observation.

Philodendron Xanadu

The Plant
Philodendron Xanadu's name reminds me of a happy place or Citizen Kane.

The Photo was taken outside of the National Library at Bugis. Nice arrangement of varied plants there. Will show more of the photos next week. The photo right shows the close-up a young leaflet unfurling.

I think the leaves and the way they hold themselves up from the stem have a really nice neat shape. I mean, despite being jagged and all.

The Personal-take
Handling the cut leaves would leave a smell on your hands. My mother thinks it smells pleasant. From my experience, I think it's foul. So I would refer to them, to the Malays at the farm, as "Daun Bau" (pronounced Dah-wun Bah-Wu) meaning something like "leaf with a funky smell".