Economic Botany Collection

Catalogue no.:

37742

Botanical classification:

FAGACEAE Quercus sp.

Common name:

Oak

Geographical description:

Ireland

Item description:

Brooch made from Irish bog oak

Size:

6.5cm high, 7.5cm wide

Additional information:

Bog oak is the term given to peat-impregnated woods such as oak, fir, pine and yew that have been buried in peat bogs, for as long as 10,000 years. Bog oak jewellery and other objects were popular during the Victorian era.

Plant information:

600 species of deciduous and evergreen trees found widely in the northern hemisphere.

Donor date:

06/01/1857

Donor:

Lady Doneraile (1836-1907) - Actually a Viscountess, ‘May Doneraile’ had an interest in gardening and donated examples of ‘vegetable lace’ to Kew in 1855. She corresponded with Sir William Hooker and donated pieces as a thank you for plants sent from Kew.