Linaceae Collection

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

Linum usitatissimum, flax
Illustration from the Botany Library Plate Collection held at the Natural History Museum, London

Tui, Ngunguru, Tutukaka, Northland, North Island, New Zealand, Australasia

Page 52. Linum marginale, c. 1803-06 (w / c, pen, ink and pencil)
5670358 Page 52. Linum marginale, c.1803-06 (w/c, pen, ink and pencil) by Lewin, John William (1770-1819); Mitchell Library

Page 182. Linum sp allied to augustifolium, c. 1803-06 (w / c, pen, ink and pencil)
5670544 Page 182. Linum sp allied to augustifolium, c.1803-06 (w/c, pen, ink and pencil) by Lewin, John William (1770-1819); Mitchell Library

Close up of flax blossoms (Linum usitatissimum); Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Close-up of Crimson Flax flower
Close-up of a Crimson Flax flower (Linum grandiflorum) with its showy center pattern; Astoria, Oregon, United States of America

Sticky Flax (Linum viscosum) close-up of flowers, Spanish Pyrenees, Spain, June

Golden Flax (Linum flavum), Linaceae, herbaceous perennial plant for rocky gardens, spontaneous in Italy, watercolor
Herbal, 18th-19th century. Iconographia Taurinensis. Volume XXXVIII, Plate 55 by Angela Rossi Bottione, Golden Flax (Linum flavum), Linaceae

1) Common Flax (Linum usitatissimum), annual plant, 2) Flax (Linum tenuifolium), perennial plant (Linaceae)
Herbal, 18th-19th century. Iconographia Taurinensis. Volume II, Plate 143-150 by Francesco Peyrolery: Common Flax (Linum usitatissimum), annual plant; 2) Flax (Linum tenuifolium)

Reinwardtia trigyna, yellow flax
Plate 1143 from the Fleming Collection of Indian Drawings, 1800. Held in the Botany Library at the Natural History Museum, London

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

Linaceae, also known as the flax family, encompasses a diverse group of plants found in various parts of the world. One prominent member is Linum usitatissimum, commonly referred to as flax or linseed. This versatile plant has been cultivated for centuries and is renowned for its valuable fibers and nutritious seeds. In New Zealand, another notable species belonging to Linaceae is Phormium tenax, commonly known as New Zealand flax. Its long leaves were traditionally used by Māori people for weaving baskets and mats. Today, it adds a touch of beauty to gardens with its vibrant foliage. The Linaceae family also includes several wildflower composites that grace landscapes around the globe. From Tui to Ngunguru and Tutukaka in Northland, North Island of New Zealand to Calgary in Alberta, Canada - these flowers bring color and life wherever they bloom. Dating back to 1891, a chromolithograph showcases various plants from both Cannabaceae and Linaceae families on page 52. The intricate details captured through watercolor highlight their unique characteristics. Further exploration reveals stunning illustrations on pages 182 depicting Linum marginale and an allied species resembling augustifolium dating back to c. 1803-06. These delicate renderings using watercolor, pen, ink, and pencil showcase the artist's skillful hand. Close-up photographs capture the enchanting beauty of flax blossoms (Linum usitatissimum) in Calgary while showcasing the captivating crimson hues of Crimson Flax flowers up close. Venturing into Spanish Pyrenees during June offers an opportunity to witness Sticky Flax (Linum viscosum) up close - its sticky flowers adding intrigue amidst breathtaking scenery. Golden Flax (Linum flavum), yet another member of this botanical family native to Italy surprises with its herbaceous perennial nature perfect for rocky gardens; depicted beautifully through a watercolor painting from 1802-1806.