Helichrysum humile Less. var. grandiflorum purpurea

See Helichrysum humile Less. for a description of the type.  The variety grandiflorum is of a dwarf habit compared with the type, freely branching, the flower heads larger, and purpureum has flower heads of dark purple [RHSD].  Grandiflorum purpurea presumably combines all of these characteristics to some degree.

Horticultural & Botanical History

No additional data.

History at Camden Park

Included among desiderata in a letter to John Lindley, 15th February 1848, but not recorded as ‘arrived’ in Macarthur’s copy [MP A2933-1, p.157].  It was also requested of Kew Gardens on 1st February, 1849 [MP A2933-1, p.177].  It may not have been grown in the gardens.

Notes

Another, perhaps less likely possibility is Helichrysum grandiflorum D.Don.  Its flowers are creamy white in colour and so a variety purpureum seems unlikely.

Published Sep 10, 2009 - 05:00 PM | Last updated Feb 23, 2010 - 01:49 PM


More details about Helichrysum humile Less. var. grandiflorum purpurea
Family Asteraceae
Category
Region of origin

South Africa

Synonyms
  • Aphelexis humilis D.Don var. grandiflorum purpurea
Common Name

Straw flower, Everlasting flower, Immortelle

Name in the Camden Park Record

Aphelexis grandiflora purpurea 

Confidence level medium