The identification of plant reliefs in the Lalitavistara story of Borobudur temple, Central Java, Indonesia

A groundbreaking analysis of Borobudur Temple's Lalitavistara reliefs reveals at least 63 plant species, surpassing the diversity described in the original sutra. This discovery suggests that ancient Javanese artisans possessed advanced knowledge of local flora and used plant figures creatively to enhance the narrative atmosphere. The study, conducted by Metusala et al. (2020), indicates that these reliefs reflect the region's plant diversity during the 9th century, offering a unique lens into the ecological and cultural perceptions of ancient Javanese communities. By integrating botanical identification with historical art analysis, this research provides new insights into the intersection of religious iconography and environmental awareness.

Metusala, D., Fauziah, Lestari, D. A., JANIS DAMAIYANI, SHOFIYATUL MAS’UDAH, & HARI SETYAWAN. (2020). The identification of plant reliefs in the Lalitavistara story of Borobudur temple, Central Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity, 21(5). https://doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d210549