Hortus Indicus Malabaricus

Our CFA  Edition Giclee prints are printed on Somerset Velvet acid free cotton rag paper imported from England. We use archival inks that have a light fastness of 200 years.

 

Hortus Indicus Malabaricus, originally published in 1678, is an extensive botanical work that provides a comprehensive account of the flora of the Malabar region of India, which includes the present-day states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. It is considered one of the most important and elaborate works on Indian botany.

 

Printed in 12  Volumes that were the result of the collaborative efforts of numerous scholars, physicians, and botanists led by Hendrik van Rheede, who was the Governor of Dutch Malabar at the time. Van Rheede recognized the rich biodiversity of the region and decided to document its flora in great detail.

 

 With over 740 illustrations and descriptions of around 742 plants. Each volume is dedicated to a specific group of plants, such as medicinal plants, ornamental plants, spices, and fruit-bearing trees. The descriptions are written in Latin and provide information on the plants' taxonomy, morphology, local names, medicinal properties, and various traditional uses.

 

This series also highlighted their significance in indigenous medical systems like Ayurveda. The book includes information on the preparation of medicinal formulations and the therapeutic applications of the plants described. This aspect of the work made it invaluable not just to botanists but also to physicians and pharmacists.

 

The illustrations are intricate and meticulously detailed, often depicting the entire life cycle of the plant, including roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds. They were drawn by local artists who were trained by the Dutch. Their artistic skills captured the essence of the plants and helped in accurate identification.