More Botanical Illustrations Gallery

Flowers and Fruit of Prunus mume

Flowers and Fruit of Prunus mume from "The Useful Plants of Japan, described and illustrated" published by the Agricultural Society of Japan, 1895. Prunus mume, the Chinese plum or Japanese apricot, traditionally heralds early spring. Ume were originally cultivated for their fruits, and used to make pickles, but the beauty of the trees blossoms led to associations including resilience, longevity and good health, as well as inspiring poets and artists

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

Lyreleaf nightshade with green berries (Solanum lyratum Thunb), 1828

Wood block print and manuscript on paper, Japan, 1828. The wood block prints meassure approximately 25 cm in height. The wood block print is from Honzo Zufu or Illustrated manual of medicinal plants by Iwasaki Kan'en, also known as Iwasaki Tsunemasa, 1786-1842. This botanical manual was compiled during the Tokugawa era (1603-1867)

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