This is a painting of the Magnolia Grandiflora blossom. The Magnolia is a beautiful flowering tree native to the Carolinas.

Mark Catesby (1682-1749), the naturalist and explorer made drawings of the Magnolia tree when he was exploring North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia around 1715.

Catesby made drawings of the Magnolia tree and other plants and wildlife when he was exploring North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia around 1715. Later Catesby published a book of his drawings called The Natural History. This book showed people living in England the beautiful and strange wildlife in the New World.

Catesby's orginal drawings were sold to King George III and Queen Charlotte of England.