Images Dated 11th August 2011

Vanilla planifolia orchid plant illustration 1880

Vanilla planifolia is a species of vanilla orchid. It is native to Mexico and Central America, and is one of the primary sources for vanilla flavouring, due to its high vanillin content. Common names are flat-leaved vanilla, Tahitian vanilla, and West Indian vanilla
Original edition from my own archives
Source : Lehrbuch der Botanik 1880

© by Ralf Hettler

A six meter whale shark swims just outside Hanifaru Bay of Maldives remote Baa Atoll

A six meter whale shark swims just outside Hanifaru Bay of Maldives remote Baa Atoll, August 10, 2011. Every year, hundreds of whale sharks and giant manta rays gather for their annual feeding frenzy of plankton in July and August, in the geologically unique Hanifaru Bay. For reasons of conservation, Maldives is likely to shut down Hanifaru Bay to divers, making this the last season divers can see this one-of-a-kind phenomenon. Photo taken August 10, 2011. REUTERS/David Loh (MALDIVES - Tags: ANIMALS SOCIETY ENVIRONMENT IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Snowdrop Galanthus nivalis plant illustration 1880

Steel engraving Galanthus nivalis, the snowdrop or common snowdrop, is the best-known and most widespread of the 20 species in its genus, Galanthus. Snowdrops are among the first bulbs to bloom in spring and can form impressive carpets of white in areas where they are native or have been naturalised
Original edition from my own archives
Source : Handbuch der Botanik 1880

© by Ralf Hettler