ART PRINTS FLOWERS

These leaves growing in a sunny spot have turned a deep, dark red. The color is caused by anthocyanins, phenolic pigments synthesized in the leaf cells and stored inside their vacuoles. Once the leaves on the trees come out and shade the forest floor, these leaves will turn green again.

Galax grows in the forested higher elevations of the Appalachian Mountains and its leaves are very popular with florists to add as decorative material to bouquets and floral arrangements. They are one of a select few plants that are still gathered from the wild for commercial use as they are very hard to grow outside of their natural habitat, and they are sold in bunches of leaves. Federal restrictions on harvest help to protect it, and it is not yet considered an endangered plant, but demand has increased to the point that it may exceed sustainable supply. They are often poached from the wild for their commercial value, often at rates of 4000-5000 leaves per harvester per day, beyond federal regulations. Please leave them growing where they are if you see them in the wild, and you can help protect these plants by asking your florist to refrain from using Galax leaves in your floral arrangements until research has figured out a way how to cultivate these for commercial use.

A technical question to my photographically more experienced friends: As you can see, these leaves are very shiny. If I get a polarizer, will that cut down on the light reflection on these?

JUANITA'S BEAUTY SALON / BAIL BONDING / BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

-Make-Up
-Spa
-Cologne
-Health Supplies
-24 Hr. Service
-800-502-9717
-Wedding Equipment
-Tuxedo Rental
-Formal Dresses
-Floral Arrangements

AND, the door reads "Please, ABSOLUTELY NO CHILDREN, FOOD OR DRINKS."

I whipped off the road with a quickness when I saw this place. Had to get the photo. So here you go. Your one stop shop for marital bliss, or bustin' out of the joint-- Juanita's!

(Greenwood, MS)