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Platycladus orientalis, oriental arborvitae
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Platycladus orientalis, oriental arborvitae
Sketch 205 from the Ehret Collection of Sketches (unbound) by Georg Dionysius Ehret (1708-1770). Held in the Botany Library at the Natural History Museum, London
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Media ID 8581047
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10709236
18th Century Conifer Coniferae Coniferophyta Coniferous Cupressaceae Ehret Georg Dionysius Georg Dionysius Ehret Gymnosperm Pinales Pinophyta Pinopsida Potted Histories
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This exquisite sketch, numbered as Sketch 205 in the Ehret Collection of Unbound Sketches, showcases the enchanting beauty of Platycladus orientalis, commonly known as the Oriental Arborvitae or Chinese Cedar. Dated back to the 18th century, this remarkable drawing was created by the renowned botanical artist, Georg Dionysius Ehret (1708-1770). The sketch is currently held in the esteemed Botany Library at the Natural History Museum in London. Platycladus orientalis is a coniferous evergreen tree belonging to the Cupressaceae family, which is part of the larger group of coniferophytes, also known as conifers. This particular species is native to eastern Asia, specifically in China, Japan, and Korea. The tree's name derives from the Greek words "platys," meaning broad, and "klados," meaning branch, referring to its broad, flat branches. Ehret's meticulous sketch captures the tree's unique features, including its slender, cylindrical shape, and the distinctive, scale-like leaves that form dense, flat sprays. The tree's cones, which are not visible in this drawing, are small, cylindrical, and borne in clusters. As a member of the Pinophyta division, which also includes pine trees, Platycladus orientalis is a gymnosperm, meaning it produces naked seeds. This tree is an essential member of the Pinopsida class, which includes all conifers, and the Pinales order, which includes pine trees and their allies. The Oriental Arborvitae was a popular subject for botanical artists during the 18th century due to its ornamental value and its ability to thrive in pots, making it a prized possession for wealthy collectors. Ehret's sketch is an invaluable contribution to the historical record of this beautiful and intriguing tree. The intricate details and lifelike representation of the Oriental Arborvitae in this sketch continue to captivate viewers and inspire appreciation for the natural world.
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