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Creeping wheat-grass or couch grass, Triticum repens
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Creeping wheat-grass or couch grass, Triticum repens
Creeping wheat-grass or couch grass, Triticum repens. Handcoloured copperplate engraving after a drawing by James Sowerby for James Smiths English Botany, 1801
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Media ID 23203516
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Couch Creeping Fodder Repens Sowerby Triticum Smith Wheat Grass
EDITORS COMMENTS
Creeping Wheat-grass or Couch Grass, Triticum repens, is depicted in this exquisite hand-coloured copperplate engraving from James Smith's English Botany, published in 1801. The image is based on a drawing by the renowned botanical artist, James Sowerby. Creeping wheat-grass is a versatile and tenacious perennial species, belonging to the Poaceae family. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and has since spread to other parts of the world due to its adaptability and ability to thrive in various environments. The plant is characterized by its creeping rhizomes, which allow it to spread and form dense mats, making it an effective groundcover. The leaves are long and slender, with a distinctive rolled edge, while the inflorescence is a panicle of spikelets. The seeds are small and grain-like, resembling those of wheat, hence the common name. Creeping wheat-grass has both ornamental and practical uses. It is often used as a lawn substitute in areas with poor soil or heavy foot traffic. Additionally, it is valued as a fodder crop for livestock, particularly in areas where other forage is scarce. This botanical illustration is a testament to the meticulous attention to detail and artistic skill of the time. The intricate engraving technique, combined with the delicate hand-colouring, captures the beauty and complexity of the Creeping wheat-grass in a way that words alone cannot convey. The natural history of Creeping wheat-grass and other plant species was a subject of great interest during the 18th and 19th centuries, as botanical exploration and documentation expanded. Botanical gardens, such as the one depicted in the background of the engraving, played a crucial role in the study and classification of new plant species. This illustration is a valuable record of our natural heritage and a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating the diversity of the natural world.
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