Zygophyllum simplex colouring

The colour palette used for Zygophyllum simplex in nature surprises in the richness of its nuances. The artist choosing this plant as a subject has much experimenting to do in mixing for matching the hues on offer.

Careful observation of these forms and textures reveal subtle variations until no two leaves appear equally shaped or coloured and not all fruit display the standard number of segment bulges. Holding the focus for a while on a coppery fruit adds more detail in instalments as wondrous inner colouring is unveiled.

Sourcing sample specimens from different geographic regions, like the Namib Desert in Namibia versus the Namaqua Klipkoppe or the Knersvlakte extends the range of leaf colour and even shape. Some are more cylindrical than globose while still rounded at tip and base (Smith, et al, 2017; Le Roux, et al, 2005; iNaturalist).