Mesembryanthemum testiculare Possibly 1777 - 1786

This watercolor painting by Robert Jacob Gordon, created between 1777 and 1786, depicts the "Mesembryanthemum testiculare," a species of flowering plant. The illustration showcases three plants, with one blooming flower in pink and two closed buds. Gordon’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the rendering of the leaves, roots, and soil. His work demonstrates the scientific precision and artistic beauty of botanical illustration, capturing the essence of the plant for scientific and aesthetic purposes.