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Greater tooth-wort, Lathraea squamaria
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Greater tooth-wort, Lathraea squamaria
Greater tooth-wort, Lathraea squamaria. Handcoloured copperplate engraving after an illustration by James Sowerby from James Smiths English Botany, London, 1792
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Media ID 23202860
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Greater Herbal Sowerby Smith Toothwort
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Greater Tooth-wort, Lathraea squamaria: A Rare and Fascinating Botanical Curiosity This exquisite hand-coloured copperplate engraving showcases the intricate beauty of Greater Tooth-wort, Lathraea squamaria, a rare and fascinating botanical curiosity. Drawn from nature by the renowned botanical illustrator James Sowerby and published in James Smith's English Botany, London, 1792, this image invites us to explore the intricacies of this enigmatic plant. The Greater Tooth-wort, also known as toothwort or adder's tongue, is a parasitic plant native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Its unique structure allows it to attach itself to the roots of other plants, deriving nutrients and water from its host. The plant's name derives from the tooth-like projections on its roots, which resemble the teeth of an adder. The hand-coloured copperplate engraving reveals the delicate details of the Greater Tooth-wort's flowers, which bloom in early spring. The plant's small, white, tubular flowers are arranged in dense clusters, with each flower featuring a distinctive, three-lobed labellum. The plant's leaves are long and narrow, with a distinctive midrib and veining pattern. The Greater Tooth-wort has a rich history of medicinal use, with records dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. It was believed to have various therapeutic properties, including the ability to alleviate toothache, hence the plant's common name. Today, the plant is of interest to botanists, gardeners, and naturalists alike for its unique parasitic nature and intriguing appearance. This beautiful and intricate botanical illustration serves as a testament to the artistry and scientific curiosity of the past, providing us with a glimpse into the natural world and the wonders it holds.
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