African redwood from Köhler’s Medicinal Plants / Hagenia abyssinica

File-size: 5600 x 8000 Pixel. 

Digital image of the African redwood, scientifically referred to as Hagenia abyssinica, is a remarkable illustration sourced from Köhlers Medicinal Plants, or Köhlers Medizinal Pflanzen in its original language. This drawing dates back to approximately 1887.

This piece of botanical art is versatile and can be utilized for various purposes, including printing for posters or incorporating into creative and professional projects. Its high-quality resolution and intricate details make it an excellent addition to any project requiring botanical imagery.

Hagenia abyssinica is a single and exceptional species in the Rosaceae family, indigenous to the highlands of Ethiopia. This tree is well known for its medicinal, conservation, and economic values. Its bark, leaves, and roots are widely used in traditional medicine to treat diverse ailments such as stomach pains, diarrhea, wound healing, and coughs. Moreover, Hagenia abyssinica has significant ecological value as it can control soil erosion due to its expansive network of roots. The tree also plays a critical role in improving the fertility of degraded lands by fixing nitrogen through the symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria that reside in nodules found on its roots. Additionally, Hagenia abyssinica products such as twigs and leaves are used for natural dyes and basketware respectively; they have considerable potential for developing rural income-generating activities while reducing pressure on forest resources.