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Davallia canariensis (L. ) Sm. hares foot fern
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Davallia canariensis (L. ) Sm. hares foot fern
Sketch 18, Newfoundland Volume. From a collection of original drawings and sketches by Georg Dionysius Ehret (1708-1770). Held in the Botany Library at the Natural History Museum, London
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Media ID 20160443
© Bubblepunk / Natural History Museum
Canariensis Dionysius Ehret Epitheria Eutheria Fern Foot Georg Hare Hares Lagomorph Lagomorpha Leporidae Lepus Mammalia Placental Polypodiales Polypodiophyta Pteridophyta Pteridophyte Pteridopsida Theria
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This exquisite 18th-century sketch, titled Sketch 18, Newfoundland Volume, depicts the Davallia canariensis, also known as the Canary Island Haresfoot Fern. The drawing is part of a collection of original works by the renowned botanical artist, Georg Dionysius Ehret (1708-1770). The Davallia canariensis is a species of fern belonging to the Davalliaceae family, within the Polypodiophyta division, and the Pteridopsida class. This fern is native to the Canary Islands and is characterized by its distinctive, lobed fronds that resemble the footprints of a hare, hence its common name. Ehret's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the intricate rendering of the fern's veins, the delicate texture of its fronds, and the precise shading that brings the image to life. The artist's mastery of anatomy is also evident in his accurate representation of the fern's structure, including the rhizome and the sori, which are located on the underside of the fronds. At the time of Ehret's work, the classification of organisms was still in its infancy, and the scientific names of animals and plants were undergoing constant revision. The Davallia canariensis was initially classified as a mammal due to its fern fronds resembling the footprints of a hare. However, it is now recognized as a non-mammalian, placental plant. This misclassification highlights the importance of accurate taxonomic illustrations, which were crucial in the development of modern scientific nomenclature. Ehret's sketch is a testament to the beauty and diversity of the natural world, as well as the artist's skill and dedication to capturing its intricacies. The Natural History Museum in London is fortunate to hold this and other precious works by Ehret in its Botany Library, providing a valuable resource for researchers and scholars alike.
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