Carica papaya, Papaya
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Carica papaya, Papaya
Hand-coloured engraving based on Maria Sibylla Merian watercolour. From Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium, 1726 edition. Date: 1726
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Media ID 14238272
© Mary Evans / Natural History Museum
1726 18th Century Brassicales Carica Edition Eudicot Eurosid Hand Coloured Malvidae Maria Sibylla Merian Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium Papaya Rosid Watercolor Angiospermae Carica Papaya Caricaceae Dicot Dicotyledon Magnoliophyta
EDITORS COMMENTS
This exquisite hand-coloured engraving, based on a watercolour painting by the renowned naturalist Maria Sibylla Merian, showcases the Carica papaya, also known as papaya or pawpaw. The illustration is taken from Merian's seminal work, "Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium," published in 1726. The papaya, as a member of the Caricaceae family, is an angiosperm, or flowering plant, belonging to the order Brassicales and the class Eudicotyledons. It is further classified as a rosid and a member of the Malvidae family. The papaya tree is depicted here with its large, glossy, green leaves and its distinctive elongated fruit. The fruit, which grows directly on the trunk and branches, is a popular tropical delicacy and a rich source of vitamins and minerals. The papaya's unique feature is its monocarpic habit, meaning it bears only one large fruit per tree before dying. Merian's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the intricate engraving, which captures the textures and forms of the papaya's leaves, fruit, and flowers with remarkable accuracy. Her work was groundbreaking for its time, providing some of the most detailed and accurate records of the natural world, particularly the insects that inhabited it. This engraving is a testament to Merian's artistic and scientific achievements, offering a glimpse into the natural history of the 18th century. It remains an invaluable resource for botanical research and a stunning example of the beauty and diversity of the plant kingdom.
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