PURPLE MELIC-GRASS 1872 John Edward Sowerby PLANT PRINT

Original 1872 6 1/2 inch x 9 7/8 inch coloured print titled MOLINIA CAERULEA. PURPLE MELIC-GRASS.

Molinia caerulea, known by the common name purple moor-grass, is a species of grass that is native to Europe, west Asia, and north Africa. It grows in locations from the lowlands up to 7,546 ft in the Alps. Like most grasses, it grows best in acid soils, however, it can continue to live under more extreme conditions. It is common on moist heathland, bogs and moorland throughout Britain and Ireland. Introduced populations exist in northeastern and northwestern North America.The specific epithet caerulea means "deep blue" and refers to the purple spikelets.

Drawn by John Edward Sowerby (1825 - 1870). A British botanical illustrator and publisher born in Lambeth, London.

From a disbound copy of English Botany; or, Coloured Figures of British Plants edited by John T. Boswell Syme

Third Edition Published in London in 1872 by by Robert Hardwicke, 192 Piccadilly.

The print is in very good condition. Reverse side blank.