Malus domestica Bietigheimer
1905
Imagine trying to save a fruit from extinction using only paint and paper—that was the mission of Ellen Isham Schutt in 1905. This precise cross-section of a Bietigheimer apple showcases the pale, creamy flesh and blushing red skin, acting as a scientific record for the USDA. Schutt was a prolific botanical illustrator documenting thousands of fruit varieties for farmers across America, many of which have sadly vanished today. The handwritten notes at the bottom even credit the grower, E.O. Wright from Takoma Park, D.C., turning a simple apple slice into a historical snapshot of American agriculture.
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