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Phormium tenax, New Zealand flax
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Phormium tenax, New Zealand flax
A watercolour commissioned by Sir Joseph Banks and sketched by Sydney Parkinson during the Endeavour Voyage. Parkinson died at sea before he could complete it, and it was finished by Frederick Nodder years later
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Media ID 8611360
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10713461
1743 1820 18th Century Asparagales Australasia Banks Dianellaceae Eudicot Eurosid Fabidae Flax Linum Malpighiales Monocot Monocotyledon New Zealand Rosid Angiospermae Common Flax Dicot Dicotyledon Linaceae Linum Usitatissimum Magnoliophyta New Zealand Flax Phormium Phormium Tenax
EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning watercolour depicts Phormium tenax, commonly known as New Zealand Flax, an iconic plant native to New Zealand and Australia. The illustration was commissioned by Sir Joseph Banks during the historic Endeavour Voyage (1743-1744) and sketched by Sydney Parkinson. Unfortunately, Parkinson passed away at sea before he could complete the work. Later, it was finished by Frederick Nodder, adding intricate details and vibrant colors. Phormium tenax is a monocotyledon, belonging to the family Dianellaceae, order Asparagales, and class Liliopsida. It is an evergreen perennial herb with long, sword-shaped leaves that can grow up to 2 meters long. The plant is known for its bright red flowers that appear in spikes, blooming from late autumn to early winter. This illustration is an essential record of the early botanical exploration of the Southern Hemisphere. Sir Joseph Banks, a renowned botanist, amassed an impressive collection of plant specimens during the Endeavour Voyage, which significantly expanded European knowledge of the natural world. The illustration showcases the intricate details of the plant's structure, including its veins, hairs, and flowers. The vibrant red color of the flowers contrasts beautifully with the rich green of the leaves, making it a striking representation of the plant. The watercolour is a testament to the artistry and scientific precision of the time, demonstrating the meticulous attention to detail and dedication to documenting the natural world. It is a valuable addition to any botanical collection and a reminder of the rich history of exploration and discovery that shaped our understanding of the natural world.
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