Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Hawaiian Goose and Hibiscus" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This is the original painting which was originally published on the Fleetwood commemorative cover for Balke's Birds and Flowers of the 50 States, cancelled August 21, 1985.

High on the mountain slopes of Hawaii, one may hear the thin uck-uck calls of the Hawaiian Goose, the world's rarest goose. Its rarity is due to its curiosity and gentle nature that make it all too easy to kill. Lacking plumes, they were not highly regarded by the Polynesians, for they could contribute nothing to the feather cloaks of the chieftains. Villagers and explorers hunted them for food. This species, also called Nene, dwindled until by the 1940s probably fewer than a dozen wild Nene remained. But state authorities joined forces with a local rancher to breed a successful and substantial flock, thus preserving the species. The beautiful wild Nene or Hawaiian Goose dwells only on the islands of Hawaii and Maui. The Hibiscus is Hawaii's most outstanding flower. More than thirty-three varieties have been brought from other countries, and by crossing these with one another and with three native species, more than five thousand horticultural varieties have now been produced. One such native variety, known as the Hawaiian flag, has red petals striped with white. In Hawaii, bouquets are sometimes made by mounting the flowers on midribs of coconut leaflets and on strips of bamboo, or by grouping them in flat decorations on tables. They do not need to be placed in water to last. Hibiscus buds are often picked in the early morning, put in an ice box, and brought out to open in the evening for a special celebration.

Image Size: 11.25 x 12.25 in.
Overall Size: 19.25 x 21 in.
Unframed.
(B09676)

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19.25 x 21 in