Senescence no. 9 (Reproduction & Death)

The Amaryllis contains both male & female reproductive organs, both visible in the centre of the bloom or flower. The male organs are the stamens which hold...
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The Amaryllis contains both male & female reproductive organs, both visible in the centre of the bloom or flower. The male organs are the stamens which hold the anthers & filament - they produce pollen & look like soft yellow pads & long tubes. The pistils is the female reproductive part of the plant which projects directly from the centre of the flower, follows through to the back of the flower & consists of three parts -- the ovule, the style & stigma. The style & stigma are located underneath the male reproductive organs & facilitate in catching & carrying the pollen to the female ovule to complete the reproductive cycle. Seen here - flecks of pollen on the left most stamen have come off & are sitting on the filament. Ready to pollinate, the stigma will open like a flower to receive the pollen & carry it through the style to the ovule. The reproductive process & process of death have both begun.

(Hippeastrum), from bloom, to reproduction, wilting & finally death. -- 'Senescence' captures in 25 photographs, the process of life, reproduction, death & decay before new growth & is told through expressive, abstract photography that chronicles the life & death of an Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) in an intimate & poetic study. -- Senescence as a scientific term describes biological aging, the deterioration of functional characteristics & the cessation of cellular division & growth. In short, senescence is the process of functional deterioration with age & dying. -- The descriptions in this series are based on my own observations & mixed with personal, armchair research I have done on the Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) & senescence. I accept that my information may be off or misguided. Please feel free to add to or correct any of this information.

- Taxonomy Research Source, Global Biodiversity Information Facility @gbifs

"This project is a reflection of age, deterioration & death in nature & in us all."
- Bruce Davis, Photographer

See my portfolio in bio to experience the rest of this series & to learn more about me & my work. -- DM me if you have any questions about my work or would like to commission me for a project. -- I will be selling this series as signed & numbered limited edition 16x24 & 8x12 prints & as unsigned, unnumbered open edition prints in various sizes very soon. -- Follow my framed & un-framed prints @brucedavisphotographs, on Instagram to learn more about the availability of this series.
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