Honey Flower of New South Wales.

Rare c.18th engraving of Lambertia formosa published 22nd December 1798.

Common names: Mountain devil or Honey flower
Modern binomial name: Lambertia formosa
First described: 1798 James Edward Smith in 1798
Distribution:  It is endemic to New South Wales, and found in on or east of the Great Dividing Range from the vicinity of Braidwood north to Port Stephens, as well as some parts of Northern New South Wales around Grafton and between Red Rock and Yamba.

The source of this illustration as noted by the publisher;
Of these botanical productions, and other rare objects of natural history, by the friendship of a gentleman in an official department, who was for many years resident, we possess a very valuable collection of original drawings, executed with admirable accuracy and taste.

From; The Naturalist’s Pocket Magazine; or, Compleat Cabinet of the Curiosities and Beauties of Nature

References:
George, A. Capturing Flora / 300 Years of Australian Botanical Art. Ballarat 2013 p.42 ill. p.44.

Collections:
National Library Australia: Bib ID 3202841