Ceriops decandra 15118 172 European art; part 1

The botanical illustration presents a single stem with foliage against a plain background. The artist has rendered the subject with meticulous detail, focusing on the precise form and coloration of the leaves and stem. Here we see a central, upright stem from which several branches extend, each bearing rounded, ovate leaves. The leaves exhibit subtle variations in tone, suggesting an attempt to capture the play of light across their surfaces.
The color palette is restrained, dominated by shades of green ranging from pale chartreuse to deeper forest hues. This limited range contributes to a sense of quiet observation and scientific accuracy. The stem itself appears slender and slightly curved, with a texture that suggests smooth bark. At the base of the plant, the root structure is faintly visible, hinting at its subterranean anchoring.
Beneath the depiction, handwritten script provides what seems to be a botanical name – Dichaendra Meegynaa – followed by another phrase: “Rakrah. Rhizophorae conjugata. J. Kennar.” This textual element underscores the work’s purpose as a scientific record, likely intended for identification and classification.
The composition is straightforward; theres no attempt at narrative or symbolic layering. The focus remains firmly on the accurate representation of the plant’s morphology. This emphasis on detail suggests an intention to document the specimen with precision, prioritizing clarity over aesthetic embellishment. The work exemplifies a tradition of botanical illustration aimed at contributing to scientific knowledge and understanding of the natural world.