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.

Hoffmania discolor (Lem.) Hemsl.

Frost-tender herbaceous perennial or sub-shrub with opposite, ovate leaves, shining green above and purple beneath, and axillary racemes, to 14cm, of small red flowers.  To 2m.  [RHSD, Hortus].

Horticultural & Botanical History

Introduced to Britain in 1850.  [JD].  ‘Under the name here preserved we have received at the Royal Gardens of Kew, from the Paris Jardin des Plantes, the very beautiful plant now represented, accompanied by the information that it is a native of Bahia; while in a Belgian nursery catalogue it stands as a native of Mexico.  We nowhere find such a name taken up by scientific botanists; and, on the other hand, we are unable to refer it satisfactorily to any published genus.  It is treated as a stove-plant, and is remarkable for the lurid green yet satiny surface or velvety gloss of the upper side of the leaves, and the rich red-purple tints of the branches and under side of the foliage, and the still more pronounced red colour of the peduncles and flowers and teeth of the calyx.  We have never seen the fruit.’  [BM t.4530/1850].

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1857 catalogue only [T.278/1857].

Notes

Published Feb 19, 2009 - 08:53 AM | Last updated Aug 13, 2010 - 12:21 PM

Illustrated are shiny. ovate leaves and racemes of bright red flowers.  Curtis's Botanical Magazine t.4530, 1850.

Hoffmania discolor (Lem.) Hemsl. | BM t.4530/1850 | BHL

Family Rubiaceae
Category
Region of origin

Mexico

Synonyms
  • Campylobotrys discolor Ch.L.
Common Name
Name in the Camden Park Record

Camphylobotrys discolor 

Confidence level high