auricula

The fleshy auriculae protruding on either side of my head are a caricature artist’s dream.

It turns out these pieces—also called pinnae or auricula—act like funnels: They collect, amplify and direct sound waves to the ear canal.

They weaved figures from life, working in bright, steamy attics — sealed with paper to keep in the moisture — that teemed with dahlias, auriculae, tulips and caged songbirds.

Her neck was quite bare, and in her bosom she had a fine nosegay of tulips, roses, anemones, ranunculuses, hyacinths, and auriculas.

Give auriculas and carnations abundance of air, but keep the roots rather dry to prevent damping off.