Curtis’s Botanical Magazine, established in 1787 by William Curtis, is the world’s longest-running periodical dedicated to botanical illustration.

Volume 91, published in 1865, continues this legacy by showcasing a diverse array of plant species through detailed illustrations and accompanying descriptions. Each entry typically includes the plant’s scientific classification, common names, origin, flowering period, and cultivation notes, providing valuable insights for botanists, horticulturists, and gardening enthusiasts.

The magazine has historically employed talented artists to ensure the accuracy and aesthetic quality of its illustrations. In Volume 91, many of the plates were crafted by Walter Hood Fitch, who served as the principal artist for the magazine for forty years.

His meticulous work played a significant role in maintaining the publication’s reputation for high-quality botanical art.

Under the editorship of Sir William Jackson Hooker, who led the magazine during this period, the publication expanded its scope to include more exotic plant species from around the world.

This broadened perspective not only enriched the content of Volume 91 but also reflected the growing interest in global plant diversity during the 19th century. The detailed descriptions and illustrations in this volume continue to serve as valuable references for the study and appreciation of plant species.