Smilax ornata, sarsaparilla, native to Mexico
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Smilax ornata, sarsaparilla, native to Mexico
Smilax ornata, sarsaparilla, native to Mexico.. Hand-coloured botanical illustration drawn by Matilda Smith and lithographed by E. Bates from Joseph Dalton Hookers Curtiss Botanical Magazine, 1889, L. Reeve & Co
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Media ID 14200176
© Florilegius / Mary Evans
1889 Curtis Matilda Mexico Ornata Sarsaparilla Smilax Smith
EDITORS COMMENTS
This exquisite hand-colored botanical illustration showcases the beauty and intricacy of Smilax ornata, also known as Mexican Sarsaparilla. Drawn by the skilled hand of Matilda Smith and lithographed by E. Bates, this illustration was published in the renowned Curtis Botanical Magazine in 1889 by L. Reeve & Co. Smilax ornata, native to Mexico, is a climbing plant belonging to the Smilax or Aralia family. The plant is characterized by its long, slender stems adorned with sharp thorns and bearing alternate, ovate-shaped leaves. The flowers are small and greenish-white, borne in clusters, and give way to red or purple berries. Botanical illustrations like this one played a crucial role in the scientific discovery and documentation of new plant species during the 19th century. The meticulous attention to detail in this illustration allows us to appreciate the unique features of Smilax ornata and understand its taxonomic classification. Matilda Smith was a prominent botanical artist of her time, known for her precise and detailed illustrations. She worked on various botanical projects, including the Curtis Botanical Magazine, where she produced numerous illustrations of plants from around the world. The lithographic process used to reproduce this illustration involved drawing on a limestone plate with a greasy crayon, then treating the areas to be printed with a solution that repelled water. The plate was then inked and wiped, and water was applied to the areas to be printed, causing the ink to adhere only to the drawn areas. The image was then transferred to paper, resulting in a high-quality, detailed print. This historical illustration not only showcases the beauty of Smilax ornata but also provides us with a glimpse into the rich history of botanical art and the scientific discoveries of the past.
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