Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Fashion
Great American Aloe in bloom, 1844. Creator: Unknown
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
Great American Aloe in bloom, 1844. Creator: Unknown
Great American Aloe in bloom, 1844. A very fine specimen of the Agave Americana, or Great American Aloe, in a state of blossoming... in the garden of the Rev. E. Duke, at Lake House, near Amesbury, Wilts. Such an event always attracts a good deal of attention...the plant being somewhat uncommon, and requiring many years in this climate - from 70 to 100 - to enable it to flower, after which it dies. The flower stem...shot upward with astonishing rapidity, sometimes amounting to a growth of six inches in twenty-four hours. Thirty-six lateral branches...spring from the central stem, much after the fashion of a candelabrum. These branches are laden at their extremities with a profusion of flower buds, averaging, as we believe, 150 in a bunch. Our engraving shows the plant, with a temporary staircase, by which visitors may ascend, the more closely to inspect the flowers. From " Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol V
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 20551779
© The Print Collector/Heritage Images
Agave Botanical Botany Enormous Exotic Flowering Huge Large Staircase Stairs Stairway Step Steps Tropical Agave Americana American Aloe Century Plant Illustrated London News Maguey
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Realistic drawings
> Nature art
> Botanical artwork
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Fashion
> Historic
> Historical fashion trends
> Victorian fashion trends
> Historic
> Victorian era fashion
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the majestic beauty of a Great American Aloe in full bloom. Taken in 1844, this image showcases a remarkable specimen of the Agave Americana, also known as the Great American Aloe, flourishing in the garden of Rev. E. Duke at Lake House near Amesbury, Wilts. The rarity of such an event has drawn significant attention to this plant. It is uncommon and requires several decades - from 70 to 100 years - to reach its flowering stage before eventually perishing. The astonishing growth rate of its flower stem is highlighted here; it can shoot up six inches within just twenty-four hours. The central stem gives rise to thirty-six lateral branches that resemble a candelabrum, each adorned with an abundance of flower buds. On average, there are about 150 buds clustered together on these branches. To allow visitors a closer look at this botanical wonder, a temporary staircase has been erected beside the plant in the photograph. This stairway enables people to ascend and admire the intricate details of these magnificent flowers. Originally featured in "Illustrated London News" during the Victorian era, this engraving serves as both scientific documentation and tourist attraction for nature enthusiasts and botany lovers alike. This extraordinary snapshot offers us a glimpse into nineteenth-century Britain's fascination with exotic plants while reminding us of nature's ability to captivate our hearts and minds across generations.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.