Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Commersonia echinata Forst.

‘A low shrub, with tomentose, irregularly-twisted branches.  leaves cordate […].  Flowers small, white, in lateral panicles, coming out opposite the leaves.’  [BM t.1813/1816].  ABR t.603/1810.

Horticultural & Botanical History

According to Johnson’s Dictionary introduced to Britain in 1820, but as Commersonia is given as a synonym for Barringtonia it may not be the same plant.

History at Camden Park

The only reference is a handwritten note in an 1850 catalogue in the Mitchell Library but it was almost certainly grown at Camden Park at this time.  [MP A2947A].  It was probably sent as seed from Tahiti by Bidwill and raised by Macarthur.  One plant was presented to the Sydney Botanic Gardens by William Macarthur on 27th September 1847.  [RBGS AB].

Notes

Published Mar 12, 2009 - 04:26 PM | Last updated Mar 06, 2010 - 05:18 PM

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Illustrated are cordate, toothed leaves and small white flowers. Curtis's Botanical Magazine t.1813, 1816.

Commersonia echinata Forst. | BM t.1813/1816 | BHL

Family Sterculiaceae
Category
Region of origin

Tropical Asia including the Moluccas
Synonyms
  • Commersonia platyphylla Andr.
Common Name
Name in the Camden Park Record

Commersonia echinata 
Confidence level high