The Maho Tree. Phalaena fusca 1731 - 1743

"The Maho Tree. Phalaena fusca" is a hand-colored engraving from Mark Catesby's "Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands," published between 1731-1743. This intricate print captures the beauty of a yellow-flowered Maho tree with a detailed depiction of a "Phalaena fusca," or dark moth, nestled among its leaves. Catesby, a renowned naturalist, meticulously documented the flora and fauna of the American South, providing a valuable glimpse into the natural world of the 18th century. The print's scientific accuracy and aesthetic appeal make it a cherished example of botanical illustration.