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Persian violet, Exacum macranthum. Critically endangered
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Persian violet, Exacum macranthum. Critically endangered
Persian violet, Exacum macranthum. Critically endangered. Handcoloured lithograph from Louis van Houtte and Charles Lemaires Flowers of the Gardens and Hothouses of Europe, Flore des Serres et des Jardins de l Europe, Ghent, Belgium, 1856
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Media ID 23174860
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Ceylon Critically Endangered Flore Hothouses Houtte Jardins Lanka Lemaire Persian Serres Violet
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This stunning handcoloured lithograph depicts the critically endangered Persian violet, Exacum macranthum, a captivating flower native to Sri Lanka. The image is taken from the hallowed pages of Louis van Houtte and Charles Lemaires' Flore des Serres et des Jardins de l Europe, published in Ghent, Belgium, in 1856. The Persian violet, with its elongated, tubular flowers and vibrant blue-purple hue, was a prized addition to the exotic flora of European gardens and hothouses during the Victorian era. The Persian violet is critically endangered in its natural habitat due to habitat loss and over-collection for the horticultural trade. This beautiful lithograph serves as a testament to its former glory and the fascination it held for botanical enthusiasts of the past. The intricate details of the flower's structure are expertly rendered in the handcolouring, showcasing the delicate balance of form and colour that makes the Persian violet such a captivating specimen. The rich history of this image is evident in the meticulous attention to detail and the high-quality production techniques used by Van Houtte and Lemaires. The lithographic process, which involved the transfer of an image from a limestone plate to paper using a water-based ink, allowed for the creation of detailed and accurate botanical illustrations. The handcolouring further enhanced the vibrancy and realism of the image, making it a valuable addition to any botanical collection. Today, the Persian violet remains a symbol of the rich biodiversity that exists in Sri Lanka and the importance of preserving endangered species and their habitats. This exquisite lithograph serves as a reminder of the beauty and rarity of this flower and the role that botanical illustrations play in documenting and celebrating the natural world.
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