Mysterious imprint
AMYSTERIOUS face appearing on the leaf of a rubber plant left relatives and friends of a family in Tamavua speechless with wonder, an article in The Fiji Times on November 1, 1983, stated.
The family could not provide an answer as to what had formed or created the imprint which had similar features to a dead man’s face.
Ephraim Whippy lived in Tamavua with his wife and four children and said the impression appeared a little over three weeks before.
The article stated the print stood out against the dark green leaves of the plant which had a height of 80cm.
The imprint looked like a long-pointed nose and mouth with large hollow eyes.
However, the picture taken for the article when it was published showed it had its eyes closed.
Features of the imprint gave a blood shot appearance because of the rusty brown colour.
When it first appeared, it looked like a hollowed skull, but later it filled out, Mrs Whippy said.
She then said its eyes, ears, mouth, and nose were quite visible but some of these features were slowly fading.
The imprint was first discovered by friends who wanted to know who had been drawing on the leaf.
Members of the family said they were not afraid when asked about the mysterious imprint.
Mrs Whippy said they were not scared nor superstitious about it.
They were then expecting the print to fade as the leaf started to wither.
The pot plant was displayed on the porch by the double-glass sliding door just by the living room of the family.
“Did the impression on it carry a message for the family? Was it mystical or merely a stain?”
The article ended by stating this may never be confirmed.