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Widdow-wail and mezereon
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Widdow-wail and mezereon
Widdow-wail, or pepper of the mountain, Thymelaea sanamunda, and mezereon, Daphne mezereum. 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 23192198
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Adam Daphne Edition Herb Herbal Krauterbuch Lonicer Mezereon Mezereum Olive Pepper Pirate Spurge Woodblock Woodcut
EDITORS COMMENTS
This exquisite handcoloured woodblock engraving, taken from the 16th century botanical atlas "Krauterbuch" or "Herbal" by Adam Lonicer, showcases two intriguing plants: Widdow-wail, also known as Thymelaea sanamunda, and Mezereon, or Daphne mezereum. The Widdow-wail, often referred to as the pepper of the mountain or spurge, is a small shrub native to the Alps and other mountainous regions in Europe. Its vibrant red berries were traditionally used as a substitute for pepper in medieval European cuisine. The plant's common name, Widdow-wail, may have derived from its association with mourning and sorrow, as its berries were also believed to have medicinal properties to alleviate grief. The Mezereon, or Daphne mezereum, is a beautiful shrub with clusters of pinkish-white flowers that bloom in early spring. It is native to the Balkans and the Carpathian Mountains. The plant's common name, Mezereon, is derived from the Greek word "mezein," meaning to intoxicate, due to its reportedly intoxicating fragrance. The Mezereon was also used in traditional medicine for various ailments, including gastrointestinal issues and as a diuretic. This particular engraving is a pirate edition or atlas of illustrations only, with captions in Latin, Greek, French, Italian, German, and English manuscript. The intricately detailed woodblock engraving showcases the unique characteristics of both plants, with their leaves, flowers, and berries depicted in stunning detail. The handcolouring adds an additional layer of beauty and depth to the illustration, making it a valuable addition to any botanical collection.
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