Australian False Sarsaparilla, Hardenbergia monophylla vine. Original lithograph c1896

by Maiden, J.H.

Antique print of Australian native Hardenbergia vine c1898.

Original botanical lithograph of the delicate Hardenbergia, named in honour of Frances, Countess of Hardenberg, sister of Austrian, Baron Huegel (1795-1870), who discovered and named many new botanicval specimens when travelling in New Holland. Named monophylla from Greek mono (single and phylla (leaves), because the leaves are always solitary. The Hardenbergia is found mainly in coastal and coastal mountain districts throughout Australia, except in Western Australia.

For greater appreciation by the public of the Colony's principal flowering shrubs, plants, ferns, and forest trees of economic importance, between 1895 and 1898 the New South Wales Department of Mines and Agriculture (Forest Branch) published groups of botanical lithographs with both botanical and common names. J. H. Maiden, F.L.S. was assisted by W.S. Campbell, F.L.S. in selecting and compiling 28 botanical specimens for this work.

The page size is 24 x 18 cm (9.5 x 7 inches).