[thunder]

Originally Posted by Hobjob

Bulrush - Typha latifolia
The respective names of this plant, and that of its close relative, Typha angustifolia, have been the source of confusion for many years. This one was once almost always called reedmace but became known as bulrush (or sometimes bull-rush) after a painting by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema. His Moses in the Bulrushes showed the baby in a basket among plants which are clearly of the genus Typha. After that, the name bulrush, formerly applied exclusively to Scirpus (or Schoenoplectus) lacustris attached itself to Typha latifolia (and lesser bulrush to T. angustifolia) and many botanists have now given up the argument that these are incorrect.

Bulrush - Typha latifolia - Natural England


Support, not definitive proof though

This story is spoilt by the fact that Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema does not seem to have painted a picture of this title or appearance. He did paint "The Finding of Moses" but the baby is not hidden in a basket among plants of any kind. He is being carried in a basket by two young ladies - some white flowers dangle from the basket, and the bottom of the picture is framed with what appear to be delphiniums. Not a Reedmace in sight.

henrya