Orbea verrucosa (Masson) L.C. Leach. (Hirsute Stapelia) Possibly 1777 - 1786

This is Robert Jacob Gordon's botanical study of the Orbea verrucosa, or hirsute stapelia, made during his time in South Africa. As a Dutch military officer and explorer in the late 18th century, Gordon's identity was deeply entwined with the colonial project. During this period, scientific expeditions were often extensions of imperial power, with natural history becoming a tool for understanding and exploiting new territories. Gordon's delicate watercolor captures the unique morphology of the stapelia, a succulent known for its star-shaped flower and carrion-like scent. Yet, his work exists within a complex historical context. The classification and representation of indigenous flora was directly linked to colonial economic interests. Gordon's work also reflects the Enlightenment's fascination with cataloging the natural world, but it also serves as a reminder of the human cost of this pursuit. The plant's silent beauty invites us to consider the complex interplay between science, power, and the natural world during this transformative era.