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Alfalfa, Medicago sativa, and rose of Jericho
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Alfalfa, Medicago sativa, and rose of Jericho
Alfalfa, Medicago sativa, and rose of Jericho, Anastatica hierochuntica. Handcoloured woodblock engraving of a botanical illustration from Adam Lonicers Krauterbuch, or Herbal, Frankfurt, 1557. This from a 17th century pirate edition or atlas of illustrations only, with captions in Latin, Greek, French, Italian, German, and in English manuscript
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Media ID 23192334
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Adam Captions Edition Herb Herba Herbal Jericho Krauterbuch Lonicer Medica Pirate Rosa Sativa Woodblock Woodcut Alfalfa Medicago
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: A Botanical Encounter of Alfalfa and the Rose of Jericho in the 16th Century This handcoloured woodblock engraving, taken from Adam Lonicer's Krauterbuch or Herbal, published in Frankfurt around 1557, showcases two fascinating plants: Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and the Rose of Jericho (Anastatica hierochuntica). The intricately detailed illustration, which is part of a 17th-century pirate edition or atlas of botanical images, is adorned with vibrant colors and meticulously crafted lines that bring the plants to life. Alfalfa, also known as lucerne, is depicted on the left side of the image. This valuable forage crop, native to south-central Asia, has been widely cultivated for centuries due to its high nutritional value for livestock. The plant's trifoliate leaves and small purple flowers are beautifully rendered in the engraving. On the right, the enigmatic Rose of Jericho (Anastatica hierochuntica) captivates our attention. This desert plant, native to the Sinai Peninsula and the Arabian Peninsula, is renowned for its unique ability to roll up into a ball when dried and then unroll when rehydrated. The rose's delicate white flowers and sprawling foliage are depicted in the engraving, adding to its allure. The captions in this botanical illustration are written in Latin, Greek, French, Italian, German, and English manuscripts, reflecting the international reach of botanical knowledge during the Renaissance period. The Latin name for Alfalfa is "Medicago sativa," while the Rose of Jericho is labeled as "Anastatica hierochuntica," "Rosa hierosolymitana," "Medica," "Herba," "Foenum," or "Burgundiense," depending on the language. This exquisite woodblock engraving offers a glimpse into the rich history of botany and the fascination with the natural world during the 16th century.
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