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Dead horse arum lily, Helicodiceros muscivorus
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Dead horse arum lily, Helicodiceros muscivorus
Dead horse arum lily, Helicodiceros muscivorus (Dracunculus crinitus) with blow flies. Handcoloured lithograph from Louis van Houtte and Charles Lemaires Flowers of the Gardens and Hothouses of Europe, Flore des Serres et des Jardins de l Europe, Ghent, Belgium, 1870
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Media ID 23176414
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Arum Blow Carrion Dead Dracunculus Flore Hothouses Houtte Lemaire Lily Serres Crinitus
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This handcoloured lithograph depicts the Dead Horse Arum Lily, Helicodiceros muscivorus (also known as Dracunculus crinitus), in all its intrigue and mystery. The Dead Horse Arum is a thermogenic plant, meaning it generates heat in its spadix to attract blow flies, which play a crucial role in its pollination process. The flies are drawn to the plant's foul odour, reminiscent of decaying meat, and are lured deeper into the spadix, where they come into contact with the sticky pollen. The image showcases the Arum in full bloom, with its distinctive hooded, red bracts resembling a dead horse's head, giving the plant its common name. The flies, attracted to the plant, are seen buzzing around the spadix, adding an element of life and movement to the otherwise still scene. This beautiful and intricately detailed print is from the renowned horticultural publication "Flowers of the Gardens and Hothouses of Europe," authored by Louis van Houtte and Charles Lemaire. Published in Ghent, Belgium, in 1870, this work was a comprehensive and accurate record of the flora of Europe during that time. The high-quality lithographs, such as this one, were produced to showcase the beauty and diversity of the plants and provide inspiration for gardeners and botanists alike. The Dead Horse Arum is a rare and fascinating plant, and this exquisite print serves as a testament to its allure and the intricate relationship it has with its pollinators. The blend of artistry and scientific accuracy in this lithograph makes it an invaluable addition to any botanical collection.
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