​Plantarum seu stirpium historia, authored by Matthias de l’Obel and first published in 1576, stands as a monumental work in the history of botany. This comprehensive botanical text, printed in Latin, comprises two volumes: the Stirpium observationes and the Nova stirpium adversaria. The former introduces a fresh compilation of plant observations, while the latter revises and expands upon his earlier work, Stirpium adversaria nova. L’Obel’s meticulous approach is evident in the inclusion of over 2,000 woodcut illustrations, many original to this publication, depicting a vast array of plant species known to him. These illustrations are accompanied by plant names in multiple languages, including Latin, German, English, French, Flemish, Italian, and Spanish, reflecting the multicultural context of botanical studies during the Renaissance.​

A significant aspect of Plantarum seu stirpium historia is its attempt to classify plants based on their natural characteristics rather than solely on medicinal properties. L’Obel’s classification system emphasized the structure of plant leaves, distinguishing between monocotyledons and dicotyledons—a pioneering effort in plant taxonomy. This approach marked a departure from the traditional methods of classification prevalent at the time, laying the groundwork for future developments in botanical science.​

The work was printed by Christophe Plantin, a renowned printer in Antwerp, whose workshop was instrumental in producing major botanical works of the period. The high-quality engravings and the comprehensive nature of the text contributed to the book’s success and enduring influence in botanical literature. In 1581, l’Obel translated the work into Flemish under the title Kruydtboeck, further expanding its accessibility and impact. The publication was well-received, with l’Obel’s hometown of Lille recognizing his contribution to botanical science with a gift of 50 pounds.​

Plantarum seu stirpium historia not only serves as a botanical reference but also reflects the Renaissance spirit of inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge. L’Obel’s work exemplifies the era’s commitment to empirical observation and systematic classification, bridging the gap between ancient herbal traditions and modern scientific approaches. Its legacy endures in the field of botany, influencing subsequent generations of botanists and herbalists in their study and understanding of plant life.