Botanical Art Gallery

Aerides quinquevulnera, 1838

Original drawing for plate XXX in John Lindley's Sertum orchidaceum: a wreath of the most beautiful orchidaceous flowers; selected by John Lindley, published in 1838. Illustration shows part monochromatic, part colour study of leaves, roots and flowers. Drawing inscribed by Drake across top edge, Thick, fleshy, bright green leaves, veins indistinct - use German blue for the green & a little body colour to give a waxy effect['] Aug 8.1839'. Also inscribed by Drake Cuming's...[']'. Several creases on drawing as a result of being poorly mounted. Also inscribed lower left corner in different hand Rec'd Sept. 15 1925'. According to Lindley, Mr Hugh Cuming, who has been passing some time in the Philippines, and who has investigated the Botany of those rich islands with great zeal and industry, sent the plant now published to Messrs. Loddiges: with whom it flowered in August last'. This date corresponds with Drake's inscription (Lindley's publication was printed as ten fascicles beginning in 1838) The reference to German blue probably means a colour close to Prussian blue, which was used as a dye to colour German military uniforms at the time

© The Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Spathodea campanulata P. Beauv. (Bell-flowered Spathodea)

Original illustration from Curtis's Botanical Magazine, published as plate 5091, 1st January 1859. Watercolour and pencil on paper. This species is a native of western tropical Africa. The plant here figured was raised from seeds sent from Ashantee to Mr Osborne of the Fulham nursery. Schumacher also found it in Guinea. Kew possessed several fine specimens previously gathered by Mr Ansell on the Stirling Hills during the Niger Expedition

© RBG KEW

Ophrys tenthredinifera (Saw-fly Ophrys, Bee Orchid), 1930

Original illustration from Curtis's Botanical Magazine, published as plate 1930, 1st September 1813. Watercolour and pencil on paper. This species is a native of Barbary and Sicily. The specimen here figured was sent from Sicily by Mr Swainson to the President of the Linnean Society, who then transmitted it to Mr Anderson at the Apothecaries-Garden in Chelsea

© The Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew