"Detail of a Leaf" - Botanical Art

I walked this section of the Garfield Park Conservatory over and over. I looked at this plant and touched it to feel the texture; It looks so rough but is very soft. I was amazed at how first appearances can be deceiving. I decided to take an image of the leaf because I just wanted to remember that unique experience. When I saw the slide, my first reaction was sheer amazement. The color, the texture, and the combination of the natural and artificial lighting that all create this purple color were just a great surprise.