Guimpel,Yellow Wood Sorrel, Oxalis Stricta, 1819, Hand-Colored Engraving

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The image depicts an original old hand-colored copperplate engraving of the plant "Oxalis stricta", commonly known as yellow wood sorrel … Read more The image depicts 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: - Geographical Distribution: Oxalis stricta is native to North America but has spread to various parts of the world, including Europe and Asia. - Growth Environment: It commonly grows in gardens, lawns, woodlands, roadsides, and disturbed areas. It prefers moist, well-drained soils but can adapt to various environmental conditions. Uses: - Culinary Uses: The leaves, flowers, and seed pods of Oxalis stricta are edible and have a tangy, sour taste due to their oxalic acid content. They are often used in salads, soups, and as a garnish to add flavor. - Traditional Medicine: In traditional herbal medicine, it has been used for its potential astringent, diuretic, and antiseptic properties. It has been used to treat fever, stomachaches, and sore throats. - Cultural and Ornamental: Beyond its uses in food and medicine, Oxalis stricta is appreciated for its ornamental value due to its attractive, clover-like leaves and small yellow flowers. This engraving illustrates Hayne's commitment to documenting medicinal plants with precision, providing both a scientific resource and an artistic piece. See less