Bottle Gourd

The Qur’ānic word Yaqtīn, mentioned once in the Qur’ān, is believed by some authorities to refer to a Gourd. It is mentioned in reference to Jonah, who was swallowed by a whale. Upon repenting and being cast ashore, he rests beside a yaqtīn plant.

Bottle Gourd or Lagenaria siceraria was common in the ancient regions of Babylonia and used widely for medicinial purposes.

When mature, the dried woody shells are used for a multitude of objects such as water carriers and musical instruments.

Painted from specimens found in the Jebel Akhdar area of Oman. The artist also grew the plant from seed in New Zealand.

Grows at Kew in Edible Science: Kew’s Kitchen Garden.

Completed painting size: 52 x 75cm
Main painting and flowers natural size, detail x 5
Watercolour on paper