Exploration Gallery
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Choose from 25 images in our Exploration collection.
Featured Image
No. 767. Study of the Bunya-Bunya
Oil on board, no date. Study of the Bunya-Bunya. This noble Conifer, Araucaria Bidwillii, Hook., is perhaps the most valuable food-tree indigenous in Australia, and only grows on one semi-circle of hills, within 100 miles in stretch, between the Brisbane and Burnett rivers, Queensland. The larger of the older trees are nearly 200 feet high, with a circumference of trunk of about twenty-five feet; and the horizontal markings on the pillar-like trunks make them very conspicuous amongst other trees. But what is most remarkable about these trees is that they are the only hereditary property any of the aborigines are known to possess. Each tribe has its own group of trees, and each family a certain tree or trees; and any interference with these rights leads to a bloody fight. The larger cones are a foot long and nine inches in diameter; and they are full of edible nuts (seeds) as large as chestnuts. Every third year there is an extra large crop, when the natives assemble from all parts to collect it. By an act of the Colonial Government the Bunya-Bunya is strictly preserved for the use and sustenance of the aborigines. Look at 713, 771, 773'. [Entry from the Official Guide to the North Gallery'. Fifth Edition, 1892]
© RBG KEW
Featured Image
The Great Tree-Aloe of Damaraland (Aloe dichotoma)
Oil on canvas. Inscribed in paint on verso of canvas The Great Tree-Aloe of Damaraland, South West Africa, about 20 feet in height, the crown of leaves and flowers more than 20 feet in Diameter: the Stem about 12 feet in circumference. Near Anison or horned Owl peaks on Andersson's New Road. Sketched May 25th 1861. T.BAINES'. The original field sketch for this painting is also held in Kew's collections. This oil painting was almost certainly executed later, possibly even in London; the result of which being that the date given for the sketch is different from that of the painting, which is unknown. Baines didn't mention ostriches in his journal at the time of sketching this aloe, but he had attempted, unsuccessfully, to shoot one around two weeks earlier, and again in August of the same year. The scientific name of this species is Aloidendron dichotomum
© RBG KEW
