Botanical model-making
For more than two decades, Reco-Brandt has been producing botanical models at a nature-identical level. Under the direction of Sebastian Brandt, a custom-developed production method enables the creation of resin-based replicas precise down to the microscopic detail. Reco-Brandt exhibits combine scientific accuracy with aesthetic quality.
For the first time, plants and their habitats can be presented as permanent museum exhibits with permanent stability in shape and color. A new standard for natural history exhibitions.
Nature-identical plant exhibits
Plant and flower replicas
Our models offer an opportunity to bring botanical and ecological themes into exhibition focus, closing the gap in natural history displays. Botanical exhibits have long been underrepresented, especially in comparison to zoological displays. Reco-Brandt 100% nature-identical plant replicas make it possible to present plants as fully intact organisms and to reveal their structures, relationships, and ecological interactions in an accessible way.
All plant models are handcrafted in our workshop in Germany. Each piece is a bespoke commission, developed specifically for the requirements of the respective institution. The production process is based on direct casts of real plants, preserving structures, surfaces, and forms down to microscopic detail.
The result are true-to-nature botanical replicas that are durable and light-resistant, ideally suited for long-term museum use. By combining biological accuracy, refined craftsmanship, and advanced materials, Reco-Brandt creates exhibits that remain stable in form and color while bringing together research and education.
Species list, species catalogue, and module catalogue available for download
Orchid exhibits
Examples of available life-size resin orchid models (1:1 scale)
Bee Orchid model (Ophrys apifera)
Cyprus Bee Orchid model (Ophrys kotschyi )
Late spider-orchid model (Ophrys holoserica)
Sebastian’s models are so remarkably lifelike that they are almost indistinguishable from real plants. It is especially striking that, in this way, orchids can “bloom” all year round.
Prof. Johannes Vogel, Ph. D., director Natural History Museum Berlin, Germany
★★★★★
Lady orchid model (Orchis purpurea)
Elder-flowered orchid model (Dactylorhiza sambucina)
Ghost orchid model (Epipogium aphyllum)
Punctate orchid model (Orchis punctulata)
Pyramidal orchid model (Anacamptis pyramidalis)
Greuter's helleborine model (Epipactis greuteri)
Frog orchid model (Dactylorhiza (Coeloglossum) viride)
Common spotted-orchid model (Dactylorhiza fuchsii)
Lady's-slipper orchid model (Cypripedium calceolus)
Download the species list, species catalogue, and module catalogue here
We have a wide range of Sebastian’s orchid models at the Natural History Museum Erfurt. They are indistinguishable from the originals and a true highlight of our exhibition.
Matthias Hartmann, director Natural History Museum of Erfurt
★★★★★
Arabian desert plants
Examples of available life-size (1:1) botanical resin models from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates
Arabian puncture vine model (Tribulus arabicus) National plant United Arab Emirates
Sand button model (Neurada procumbens)
Soft-haired bindweed model (Convolvulus pilosellifolius)
Common glasswort model (Salicornia europaea)
Small-flowered mallow model (Malva parviflora)
Eastern marsh helleborine model (Epipactis veratrifolia)
Saffron crocus model (Crocus sativus)
Desert hyacinth model (Cistanche tubulosa)
Maltese mushroom model (Cynomorium coccineum)
Blue stork's-bill model (Erodium glaucophyllum)
Download the species list, species catalogue, and module catalogue here
Alpine flora
Examples of available life-size (1:1) botanical resin models from the Alpine region, Nepal, Bhutan, and China.
Himalayan blue poppy model (Meconopsis betonicifolia)
Christmas rose model (Helleborus niger)
Stemless gentian model (Gentiana clusii)
Hungarian gentian model (Gentiana pannonica)
Globeflower model (Trollius europaeus)
Star daffodil model (Narcissus radiiflorus)
Bohemian gentian model (Gentianella bohemica)
Willow gentian model (Gentiana asclepiadea)
Examples of available life-size resin orchid models (1:1 scale)
Common nettle model (Urtica dioica)
Plants from around the world
Common foxglove model (Digitalis purpurea)
Common evening-primrose model (Oenothera biennis)
Mountain avens model (Dryas octopetala)
Common ragwort model (Jacobaea vulgaris)
Fine-leaved water dropwort model (Oenanthe conioides)
Pasque flower model(Pulsatilla vulgaris)
