Masdevallia Backhousiana - The Chimaera Dracula

by Henry Frederick Conrad Sander

Dive into the world of Victorian botany with this exquisite botanical drawing. Initially part of Henry Frederick Conrad Sander's renowned book titled "Reichenbachia," this drawing depicts the Masdevallia Backhousiana plant, now better known by the name of The Chimaera Dracula.

The reason why Dracula got this name is that it has long tails which resemble a dragon's wings, and also an eerie face at its center. What makes this botanical drawing so special is the way it has been done with such attention to detail that the petal colors come alive.