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Description

A Phytogeographic Map of the Western Hemisphere

This map is a phytogeographic map categorizing various regions of the Western Hemisphere (primarily America) based on the dominant plant species or types of vegetation. The map is an example of early biogeographical mapping, delineating the Earth's regions according to plant distributions.

The map divides the regions into several distinct botanical regions, each labeled with the types of plants characteristic of that area. These include:

  • Reich der Cinchonen: This region, shown in pink, likely includes areas where Cinchona trees are prevalent. Cinchona is known for its bark, which produces quinine, a treatment for malaria.

  • Reich der Ericacoinen, Vaccinien und Wintern: Shown in brown, this region encompasses parts of North America and highlights the prevalence of heathers (Ericaceae), blueberries (Vaccinium), and winters.

  • Reich des Saxifragen: Located at the top center, this region includes areas where Saxifraga plants are dominant.

  • Reich der Asterarten und Solidaginen: Centered in the northeastern United States, this green region is identified with asters and goldenrods (Solidago), indicating a predominance of these flowering plants.

  • Reich des Magnolien: In the center right, shown in yellow, this region is characterized by the presence of magnolia species.

  • Reich der Cactusarten, Melastomen und Piperaceen: Also shown in yellow in the center right, this area includes regions where cactus species, melastomes, and pepper plants (Piperaceae) are prevalent.

  • Reich der baumartigen Syngenesisten: Located at the bottom left, this region includes areas where tree-like syngenesist plants dominate.

  • Chilisches Reich: This region, noted for its unique flora, covers parts of Chile, indicating a diverse range of plant species adapted to the local climate and geography.

  • Antarcticisches Reich: This region, presumably encompassing the flora found in Antarctic environments, indicates the unique vegetation found in extreme southern latitudes.

  • Neuseelandisches Reich: This region, including New Zealand, highlights the significant presence of breadfruit and other characteristic plant species in these locales.

  • Reich des Brodfurcht-baumes: This area signifies the regions where breadfruit trees are dominant, further indicating the botanical variety of the tropics.

 This map is a fascinating example of 19th-century scientific cartography, showcasing the period's efforts to categorize and understand the distribution of plant life on Earth. It reflects the early stages of biogeography and phytogeography, disciplines that explore the relationships between the Earth's physical environment and the distribution of plant species.

While unsigned, the map would seem to be part of a mid-19th Century study of the the topic.  During the 19th century, a number of German (and German speaking) scientists made significant contributions to the study of phytogeography, the branch of biogeography that deals with the geographic distribution of plant species. This period saw the development of foundational theories and methodologies in the field, influenced by the broader context of scientific exploration and the natural sciences' advancement. Key figures in this domain included:

Alexander von Humboldt (1769–1859)

Alexander von Humboldt is often regarded as the father of phytogeography. His extensive travels in Latin America from 1799 to 1804 led to groundbreaking observations on plant distributions and the relationship between vegetation and climate. Humboldt's seminal work, "Essai sur la géographie des plantes" (Essay on the Geography of Plants), published in 1807, introduced the concept of plant geography and the idea that similar climates support similar plant species, regardless of geographic location. 

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott (1794–1865)

Heinrich Schott, an Austrian botanist whose work was closely associated with German scientific circles, made substantial contributions to the understanding of plant distribution, particularly in the tropical regions. His extensive studies in Brazil provided valuable data on the diversity and distribution of tropical plants. 

Anton Kerner von Marilaun (1831–1898)

An Austrian botanist, Anton Kerner von Marilaun made significant contributions to phytogeography and plant ecology. His work, "Pflanzenleben: Der Pflanzenwelt" (Life of Plants: The Plant World), provided an in-depth analysis of plant ecology and distribution, highlighting the adaptive strategies of plants in different environments.

Philipp Maximilian Opiz (1787–1858)

A Bohemian botanist, Opiz's contributions to phytogeography included detailed floristic studies and the establishment of botanical gardens that served as centers for research and education in plant geography.