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Lizard orchid, Himantoglossum hircunum
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Lizard orchid, Himantoglossum hircunum
Lizard orchid, Himantoglossum hircunum. Handcoloured lithograph from Diederich von Schlechtendals German Flora (Flora von Deutschland), Jena, 1871
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Media ID 23201502
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Deutschland Diederich Flora Lizard Orchid Schlechtendal
EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning handcoloured lithograph depicts the Lizard Orchid, Himantoglossum hircunum, a captivating and elusive flower belonging to the Orchidaceae family. The intricate details of the Lizard Orchid are beautifully rendered in this botanical illustration from Diederich von Schlechtendal's German Flora (Flora von Deutschland), published in Jena in 1871. The Lizard Orchid, also known as the Bee Orchid, is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It derives its common name from its unique appearance, which resembles the head and body of a small lizard. The orchid's labellum, or lower lip, is shaped like a lizard's head, complete with a forked tongue, while the petals resemble the lizard's scales. This exquisite illustration showcases the Lizard Orchid in all its glory, with its vibrant green leaves and intricately patterned petals. The delicate details of the flower's structure are captured in meticulous detail, from the tiny hairs on the labellum to the veining on the petals. The use of handcolouring adds an additional layer of beauty to the image, bringing out the rich colours and textures of the flower. Botanical illustrations like this one were an essential tool for the scientific community during the 19th century, as they provided accurate records of plant species and facilitated the study and classification of new discoveries. Today, they continue to be appreciated for their artistic merit and historical significance, making them valuable additions to any botanical or art collection.
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