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Dyers lichen or crabs eye lichen, Lichen perellus
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Dyers lichen or crabs eye lichen, Lichen perellus
Dyers lichen or crabs eye lichen, Lichen perellus. Handcoloured copperplate engraving after a drawing by James Sowerby for James Smiths English Botany, 1800
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Media ID 23203088
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Crabs Dyers Lichen Sowerby Litmus Smith
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This exquisite hand-colored copperplate engraving showcases the intricate beauty of Dyers Lichen, also known as Crabs Eye Lichen (Lichen perellus). The image is based on a drawing by the renowned English botanist and artist, James Sowerby, for James Smith's English Botany, published in the early 19th century. The Lichen perellus is a fascinating organism that forms symbiotic relationships with algae and fungi. Its unique appearance is characterized by its bright orange-red discs, which resemble the eyes of a crab, hence the common name 'Crabs Eye Lichen.' These discs contain a pigment called usnic acid, which was historically used as a natural dye, particularly for wool and silk, giving them a vibrant yellow or orange hue. The natural history of lichens has been a subject of fascination for botanists and scientists for centuries. Lichens are not plants, but rather a symbiotic partnership between fungi and photosynthetic organisms, primarily algae or cyanobacteria. They are found in various habitats, from arctic tundra to tropical rainforests, and play a crucial role in ecosystems by contributing to soil formation and providing food for various organisms. This engraving not only showcases the beauty of the Dyers Lichen but also highlights the importance of natural history in documenting and understanding the natural world. The intricate details and vibrant colors captured in this print are a testament to the skill and dedication of James Sowerby and James Smith in documenting the natural world for future generations.
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