“Billeder af Nordens Flora” (Pictures of Nordic Flora) is a comprehensive botanical work co-authored by Professor August Mentz and botanist Carl Emil Hansen Ostenfeld. First published between 1917 and 1927, this multi-volume series offers an in-depth exploration of the diverse plant life across the Nordic countries, including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Spitsbergen. The first volume, “Bind 1,” delves into various plant families, providing detailed descriptions and illustrations that serve both scientific and educational purposes.

In “Bind 1,” the authors focus on plants with fused petals, known as sympetalous flowers. The volume meticulously describes species such as thistles, cornflowers, and chamomiles, highlighting their unique characteristics and ecological significance. Additionally, it covers families like Campanulaceae (bellflowers), Valerianaceae (valerians), and Primulaceae (primroses), offering insights into their morphology, habitats, and distribution across the Nordic regions.

The book is renowned for its detailed illustrations, which were originally part of C.A.M. Lindman’s “Bilder ur Nordens Flora” and are based on Palmstruch’s “Svensk Botanik.” These illustrations enhance the textual descriptions, providing readers with visual representations that aid in plant identification and appreciation. The collaboration between Mentz and Ostenfeld, both esteemed botanists, ensures that the information is both accurate and comprehensive, reflecting the botanical knowledge of the early 20th century.

Beyond its scientific value, “Billeder af Nordens Flora” serves as a historical document, capturing the state of Nordic flora during its time of publication. It offers contemporary readers a window into the past, allowing for comparisons with current botanical studies and environmental conditions. The work remains a valuable resource for botanists, ecologists, and anyone interested in the rich plant diversity of the Nordic countries.