F. Guimpel, Saffron Crocus, Crocus Sativus, 1819, Hand-Colored Engraving

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An original old hand-colored copperplate engraving of the plant "Oxalis stricta", commonly known as yellow wood sorrel or common yellow … Read more An original old hand-colored copperplate engraving of the plant "Oxalis stricta", commonly known as yellow wood sorrel or common yellow oxalis. This botanical illustration is detailed, showing various parts of the plant, including leaves, flowers, roots, and seeds, highlighting its structure and botanical characteristics. - Title of Plant: *Oxalis stricta* (Common English names: Yellow Wood Sorrel, Common Yellow Oxalis) - Engraver: F. Guimpel, whose name appears in the lower right corner of the engraving. - Author/Botanist: Dr. Friedrich Gottlob Hayne, a noted German botanist and professor of pharmaceutical botany at Berlin University. - Publication: This engraving is part of the 6th edition of "Getreue Darstellung und Beschreibung der in der Arzenykunde gebrauchlichen Gewächse", which translates to "Faithful Representation and of Plants Used in Medicine." - Edition and Year: 6th Edition, published in 1819. Habitat and Uses of Oxalis stricta: The image is a hand-colored copperplate engraving of "Crocus sativus," commonly known as the saffron crocus. This detailed illustration shows the flowering plant with its distinctive violet petals and the long, orange-red stigmas, which are harvested to produce saffron. The engraving also includes botanical details, such as the bulb, roots, and other anatomical features of the plant. Details of the Work: - Title of Plant: *Crocus sativus* (Common English name: Saffron Crocus) - Engraver: F. Guimpel, whose name appears in the lower right corner of the engraving. - Author/Botanist: Dr. Friedrich Gottlob Hayne, a renowned German botanist, professor of pharmaceutical botany, and author of botanical works. - Publication: This engraving is part of the 6th edition of "Getreue Darstellung und Beschreibung der in der Arzenykunde gebrauchlichen Gewächse", which translates to **"Faithful Representation and of Plants Used in Medicine." - Edition and Years: 6th Edition, published in 1819. Habitat and Uses of Crocus sativus: Habitat: - Geographical Distribution: Crocus sativus is believed to have originated in Greece or Southwest Asia. It is now cultivated in various regions around the world, including Iran, India (particularly in Kashmir), Spain, and Italy. - Growth Environment: Saffron crocus grows best in well-drained soils with a lot of sunlight. It is typically cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions, thriving in Mediterranean climates with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Uses: - Culinary Uses: Saffron, the spice derived from the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus, is highly valued for its unique flavor, color, and aroma. It is used in a variety of cuisines, including Indian, Persian, Spanish, and Italian, to flavor and color dishes like paella, biryani, and risotto. - Medicinal Uses: Historically, saffron has been used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits. It has been used as an antispasmodic, antidepressant, and sedative. Modern research explores its potential effects on mood disorders, inflammation, and as an antioxidant. - Cultural and Economic Importance: Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world due to the labor-intensive harvesting process. Each flower produces only a few stigmas, requiring thousands of flowers to produce a small amount of saffron. This engraving demonstrates the high level of botanical detail and artistry characteristic of the works produced under Dr. Friedrich Gottlob Hayne's guidance, highlighting the importance of Crocus sativus in both historical and modern contexts. See less