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.

Cyclopia genistoides Vent.

Frost-tender, evergreen, broom-like shrub with trifoliate leaves and axillary yellow flowers.  To 2.5m.  [RHSD]. 

Horticultural & Botanical History

Frost-tender, evergreen, broom-like shrub with trifoliate leaves and axillary yellow flowers.  To 2.5m.  [RHSD].

‘A native of the Cape of Good Hope, introduced in 1774. […] It is a shrubby plant of moderate size, and flowers freely in April and May; the blossoms are bright and shewy, especially when the plant is vigorous.’  [LBC no.1111/1826]. 

‘Mr. Salisbury, in the ninth volume of the Transactions of the Linnean Society, has very judiciously remarked that the genus Sophora, as framed by Linnaeus, contains several very distinct genera, and that Sophora genistoides, to which, he says, may probably be added ternata and triphylla of Thunberg, will constitute one genus, of which, however, he has not favoured us either with the characters or a name.  These deficiencies we have attempted to supply; wishing to dedicate this genus to Mrs. Agnes Ibbetson, the author of several very ingenious and instructive papers on vegetable physiology published in Nicholson’s Philosophical Journal.  Besides Thunberg’s species, we think two or three very distinct ones have hitherto been confounded under the name genistoides.  Native of the Cape of Good Hope.  Flowering with us at Midsummer, and requiring the protection of a greenhouse.  Our drawing was taken at Mr. Whitley’s, Old-Brompton.’  [BM t.1259/1810].  Don.

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1843, 1845 and 1850 catalogues.

Notes

Cyclopia genistoides Sieber ex C.Presl (1844) = Cyclopia galioides E.Mey. ex Benth.

Published Dec 15, 2009 - 03:19 PM | Last updated Jul 21, 2010 - 11:51 AM

Shown are narrow, trifoliate leaves and bright yellow pea flowers with red markings.  Curtis's Botanical Magazine t.1259, 1810.

Cyclopia genistoides Vent. | BM t.1259/1810 | BHL

Family Fabaceae
Category
Region of origin

South Africa

Synonyms
  • Ibbetsonia genistoides Sims
  • Sophora genistoides L.
  • Podalyria genistoides Willd.
Common Name
Name in the Camden Park Record

Cyclopia genistioides

Confidence level high