Botanical illustrations Gallery

Calanthe versicolor

Watercolour on paper. Original drawing for plate XLII 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 and flowers. Side figure represents lip and ovary with the sepals and petals cut away. Inscribed in pencil by Miss Drake along top edge, 'The upper bracts slightly hairy, sweet scented', and 'Sion Gardens Aug. 31 18..'[date has been cropped]. There is a semi-circular blob of red paint or possibly sealing wax on the top edge of drawing. Also inscribed in a different hand 'Rec'd. 15.9.1925' lower right corner. Drawing taken from flower held in the collection of His Grace the Duke of Northumberland at Sion. According to Lindley's publication 'It is a native of the East Indies, whence it has also been sent from the Botanic Garden, Calcutta, to the Horticultural Society'

© RBG KEW

Indigofera tinctoria (Indigo), 1826

Illustration by unknown artist. True indigo is a shrub one to two meters high. It may be an annual, biennial, or perennial, depending on the climate in which it is grown. It has light green pinnate leaves and sheafs of pink or violet flowers

© RBG Kew

19th Century, Botanical Art, Dye, Economic Botany, Indigofera Tinctoria, Pink, Useful Plants