Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Towns > Leaves Green
Sketches from Madagascar - the Traveller's-tree (Urania speciosa), 1858. Creator: Josiah Wood Whymper
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
Sketches from Madagascar - the Traveller's-tree (Urania speciosa), 1858. Creator: Josiah Wood Whymper
Sketches from Madagascar - the Traveller's-tree (Urania speciosa), 1858. The tree rises from the ground with a thick succulent stem...It sends out...long, broad leaves...rising...in lines on opposite sides, so that as the leaves increase, and the lower ones droop...or extend horizontally, the tree presents the appearance of a large open fan...[It is] celebrated for containing, even during the most arid season, a large quantity of pure fresh water, supplying to the traveller the place of wells in the desert...One of my bearers struck a spear four or five inches deep into the thick, firm end of the stalk of the leaf...and on drawing it back a stream of pure, clear water gushed out, about a quart of which we caught in a pitcher, and drank of it on the spot...Its leaves form the thatch of all the houses on the eastern side of the island. The stems of its leaves form the partitions...and the hard outside bark is stripped from the inner and soft part, and...is laid for flooring...The leaf, when green, is used as a wrapper for packages, and keeps out the rain. Large quantities are also sold every morning in the markets, as it serves the purpose of table-cloth, dishes, and plates at meals, and...is used instead of spoons and drinking vessels'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 36353601
© The Print Collector/Heritage Images
Collecting Drinking Water Exotic Joshia Wood Whymper Josiah Wood Whymper Jungle Madagascar Palm Tree Palm Trees Palms Rainforest Ravenala Travellers Palm Travellers Tree Tropical Water Supply Ravenala Madagascariensis
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Africa
> Madagascar
> Related Images
> Animals
> Mammals
> Hippopotamidae
> Madagascariensis
> Animals
> Mammals
> Muridae
> Desert Mouse
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> Josiah Wood Whymper
> Arts
> Landscape paintings
> Forest and woodland scenes
> Forest artwork
> Arts
> Landscape paintings
> Forest and woodland scenes
> Nature-inspired art
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Boroughs
> Barking and Dagenham
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Towns
> Leaves Green
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Towns
> Lower Place
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Towns
> Welling
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph print is a beautiful representation of the Traveler's Tree, or Urania speciosa, as depicted in a sketch by renowned English botanical artist Josiah Wood Whymper in 1858. The tree, native to Madagascar, is distinguished by its thick succulent stem and long, broad leaves that fan out in opposing lines, creating an impressive and unique appearance. The Traveler's Tree is celebrated for its remarkable ability to store large quantities of fresh water within its leaves, making it an invaluable resource for travelers in the arid regions of the island. In the sketch, we see a laborer demonstrating this by piercing the stem of a leaf with a spear, releasing a gush of clear water. This natural well-like property of the tree was a lifesaver for explorers and travelers, providing them with much-needed hydration in the harsh desert conditions. The versatility of the Traveler's Tree extends beyond its water-holding capabilities. Its leaves serve as thatch for local houses, partitions, and flooring. The hard outer bark is stripped and used for various purposes, including roofing and flooring materials. The green leaves are also used as wrapping for packages to protect them from the rain. Furthermore, the leaves are utilized as makeshift tablecloths, dishes, and plates during meals, as well as serving the function of spoons and drinking vessels. The Traveler's Tree is a testament to the incredible adaptability and resourcefulness of nature, providing essential resources for both the local population and intrepid explorers alike. This evocative sketch by Josiah Wood Whymper offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the beauty and utility of this remarkable tree from Madagascar.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
