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Cape gorse, Aspalathus angustifolia
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Cape gorse, Aspalathus angustifolia
Cape gorse, Aspalathus angustifolia (Borbonia lanceolata). Handcoloured copperplate engraving by George Cooke from Conrad Loddiges Botanical Cabinet, Hackney, 1817
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Media ID 23191352
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Angustifolia Cabinet Cape Conrad Cooke Gorse Lanceolata Loddiges Nursery
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This exquisite handcoloured copperplate engraving showcases the beauty of Cape gorse, Aspalathus angustifolia, also known as Borbonia lanceolata. The illustration was created by the skilled hand of George Cooke for Conrad Loddiges' Botanical Cabinet in Hackney, London, in 1817. The intricate details of the Cape gorse's leaves and flowers are masterfully captured in this work of art. Cape gorse is a small, evergreen shrub native to the southwestern tip of Africa. Its narrow, lanceolate leaves are a bright, vibrant green, and its yellow flowers bloom in dense, flat-topped clusters. The plant is well-adapted to its rocky, nutrient-poor habitat, making it a common sight in the fynbos vegetation of the Western Cape region. The Cape gorse has historical significance as well. It was one of the first plants collected by the Dutch explorers who arrived in the Cape in the late 17th century. The plant was used by the Khoekhoe people for medicinal purposes and as a source of food for their livestock. The engraving is a testament to the early European interest in the unique flora of the Cape. The botanical illustration was produced during the height of the Age of Discovery, a time when Europeans were exploring the world and documenting new plants and animals. The meticulous attention to detail in this engraving reflects the importance placed on accurate record-keeping and scientific discovery during this period. Today, the Cape gorse remains an iconic symbol of the Cape Floristic Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional biodiversity.
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