Hydnora africana Thunb. (Jackal-food plant) Possibly 1777 - 1786

This watercolor illustration of the Hydnora africana, also known as the Jackal-food plant, was created by Robert Jacob Gordon between 1777 and 1786. The botanical illustration, typical of the 18th-century European scientific tradition, depicts the plant with meticulous detail. Gordon’s drawing captures the unique form of the parasitic plant, which is known for its fleshy, reddish-brown flower and its dark, tuberous root system. The artist's careful rendering of the Hydnora africana highlights the intricate details of its morphology and demonstrates his keen observation of the natural world.