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Alpinia zerumbet, shell ginger
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Alpinia zerumbet, shell ginger
Plate 1037 from the John Reeves Collection of Botanical Drawings from Canton, China. Held in the Botany Library at the Natural History Museum, London
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Media ID 8605963
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10711266
Alpinia Beautiful Canton Commelinid Ginger John Reeves Monocot Monocotyledon Amomum Zingiber Angiospermae Magnoliophyta
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Plate 1037 from the John Reeves Collection of Botanical Drawings from Canton, China, showcases the exquisite beauty of Alpinia zerumbet, also known as shell ginger or getto ginger. This stunning illustration, created in the nineteenth century, captures the allure of this monocotyledonous flowering plant native to Asia. John Reeves, a British merchant residing in Canton, China, meticulously documented various plant species during his tenure from 1792 to 1812. His extensive collection, held in the Botany Library at the Natural History Museum in London, includes this remarkable drawing of Alpinia zerumbet. The plant is a member of the Commelinid family, Angiospermae, and is closely related to Amomum zingiber, commonly known as ginger. Alpinia zerumbet is characterized by its long, slender rhizomes and distinctive pink flowers. The plant's common names, shell ginger and butterfly ginger, are derived from the intricate, shell-like bracts that surround the flowers, which resemble the wings of a butterfly. This illustration provides an invaluable record of the plant's appearance during the 19th century. The delicate details, such as the veining on the leaves and the intricate patterns on the flowers, are rendered with exceptional precision and artistry. The use of light and shadow adds depth and texture to the drawing, making it a captivating work of botanical art. Alpinia zerumbet remains a popular ornamental plant today, prized for its attractive foliage and striking flowers. This beautiful illustration serves as a testament to the enduring allure of the natural world and the importance of documenting its wonders for future generations.
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