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Common dittany, Cunila mariana, and sweet
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Common dittany, Cunila mariana, and sweet
Common dittany, Cunila mariana, and sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum. Handcoloured woodblock engraving of a botanical illustration from Adam Lonicers Krauterbuch, or Herbal, Frankfurt, 1557. This from a 17th century pirate edition or atlas of illustrations only, with captions in Latin, Greek, French, Italian, German, and in English manuscript
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Media ID 23191658
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Adam Basil Basilicum Captions Common Edition Herb Herbal Krauterbuch Latin Lonicer Mariana Ocimum Officinarum Pirate Sweet Woodblock Woodcut Dictamnus Dittany
EDITORS COMMENTS
This exquisite handcoloured woodblock engraving is a botanical illustration of Common Dittany (Cunila mariana) and Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum), taken from the Herbal, or Krauterbuch, of Adam Lonicer, published in Frankfurt in 1557. The intricate detail of the engraving showcases the distinctive features of both herbs, with the Common Dittany depicted as a bushy plant with small, white flowers, while Sweet Basil is illustrated as a tall herb with purple stems and green leaves. Common Dittany, also known as Mariana Dittany or Mediterranean Dittany, was believed to have medicinal properties in ancient Greece and Rome. It was used to treat various ailments, including wounds, fever, and digestive issues. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region and is characterized by its creeping rhizome and small, white flowers. Sweet Basil, on the other hand, is a well-known herb used for culinary purposes, particularly in Italian cuisine. However, it also has a long history of medicinal use, with properties that include anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. The herb is native to tropical regions of Central Africa and Southeast Asia and is characterized by its sweet, aromatic leaves. This botanical illustration is a rare survival from a 17th century pirate edition or atlas of illustrations only, with captions in Latin, Greek, French, Italian, German, and English manuscript. The use of multiple languages reflects the international reach of botanical knowledge during this period, as well as the importance of accurate record-keeping and communication between scholars and practitioners of medicine and botany across Europe and beyond.
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