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.

Escallonia montevidensis DC.

Evergreen shrub or small tree, often confused with the closely allied E. floribunda H.B.&K.  The leaves are narrowly oval and finely toothed, the flowers white in flattened panicles.  [RHSD, Hortus].

Horticultural & Botanical History

The plants figured in Curtis’s Botanical Magazine [BM t.6404/1879] and Loddiges’ Botanical Cabinet are Escallonia montevidensis DC.  The Loddiges’ publication makes it likely that this is the plant grown by Macarthur.  ‘This is a native of Monte video: we received it a few years since from France.  It is nearly or quite hardy, and flowers in the month of September, when it makes a pretty appearance.’  [LBC no.1772/1833].  Introduced to Britain in 1827.  [PD].

History at Camden Park

Listed only in the 1857 catalogue [T.436/1857].

Notes

Escallonia floribunda H.B.& K. synonym Escallonia paniculata Phil. var. floribunda (Kunth) J.F.Macbr. is a tree-like shrub with sticky branches and narrow, oval leaves, to 10cm, entire or finely toothes, and panicles of fragrant white flowers in summer.  Some authors consider the plants described here as geographical forms of a single species.

Published Mar 17, 2010 - 05:16 PM | Last updated Mar 17, 2010 - 05:22 PM

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Figured are oval, finely toothed leaves and dense terminal panicle of white flowers. Curtis's Botanical Magazine t.6404, 1879.

Escallonia montevidensis DC. | BM t.6404/1879 | BHL

Family Escalloniaceae
Category
Region of origin

Brazil
Synonyms
  • Escallonia floribunda Rchb.
  • Escallonia bifida Link & Otto ex Engl. 
Common Name
Name in the Camden Park Record

Escallonia floribunda 
Confidence level high