Divergence and convergence - an illustrated guide to the evolution of plants
Paintings by Kailin Weitkämper and Carolina M. Correia in the Green Room
02.08.2025 - 05.10.2025 ,
Botanischer Garten München-Nymphenburg (Botanical Garden Munich-Nymphenburg)
Botanical illustration has always brought together natural science and art. The almost unbelievable diversity is documented in drawings and watercolours and has been an essential part of our idea of the plant kingdom since the time of Linnaeus.
"Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution," says evolutionary biologist Theodosius Dobzhansky. The emergence of natural diversity is driven by selection, which requires the constant adaptation of species to their environment - this leads to divergence. Different plant lineages often develop similar solutions to the same problems independently of each other. This phenomenon is called "convergent evolution".
With their exhibition, Carolina M. Correia and Kailin Weitkämper are continuing the long tradition of collaboration between natural science and art. Through the lens of botanical art, they examine divergent and convergent evolution, which is responsible for the astonishing diversity of forms within the plant kingdom.
Last edited on 24.11.2025
