Botany · 19th century
€ 240
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Very good, given age. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.
The two prints depict vibrant and distinctively shaped flowers, rendered with the meticulous detail characteristic of chromolithography from the 19th century. Here’s a description of each plant:
1. Salvia roezlii:
- Latin Name: Salvia roezlii Schlechter (= Salvia dieltrioidea Roezl.)
- Common English Name: Roezl's Sage
- Description: This print showcases Roezl's Sage, a Salvia species known for its elongated, tubular red flowers with a striking contrasting base that ranges from yellow to orange. Native to Mexico, it is admired for its ornamental value and vibrant flowers that attract pollinators such as hummingbirds.
2. Kniphofia uvaria (also known as Tritoma uvaria):
- Latin Name: Kniphofia uvaria
- Common English Name: Red Hot Poker or Torch Lily
- Description: The second print features the iconic Red Hot Poker, renowned for its dense, spike-like inflorescences composed of numerous tubular flowers that transition in color from red at the tip to a pale yellow near the base. This South African native is a popular garden plant, appreciated for its dramatic and colorful spikes that serve as a focal point in many temperate gardens.
Special Features and Cultural Significance:
- Salvia roezlii: This plant is special for its unusual coloration and shape, making it a favorite among gardeners looking to add a splash of color and attract wildlife to their gardens.
- Kniphofia uvaria: Known for its unique, bold inflorescences, Red Hot Poker is often used in garden designs for its height and striking color gradient, which make it stand out in floral displays and borders.
Both prints are from a period where botanical illustration was not only a scientific tool but also a form of art, capturing the beauty of the plant world in vivid detail. These prints would have served as both educational resources and decorative art, reflecting the Victorian era’s fascination with exotic plant species and their cultivation in European gardens.
