Ixora coccinea L. var. grandiflora
See Ixora coccinea L. for a basic description. There are many garden cultivars of Ixora coccinea in a wide range of growth forms and flower colour, reflected in its common name of ‘Jungle geranium’. Grandiflora is described as having large red flowers. [JD].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘This is a native of India whence it was introduced some years since. We have raised it several times from Indian seeds. The seedling plants are several years before they flower; but those raised from cuttings come into blossom when quite small. […] The blossoms are beautiful and last a long time: they are produced at various seasons. We learn that they are used by the natives as ornaments and offerings to their idols.’ [LBC no.314, 1819].
Johnson’s Dictionary describes it as having large red flowers, introduced to Britain in 1814. ‘[Ixora grandiflora was] Recently introduced by Sir Abraham Hume (and) native of various parts of India, where it is said to flower nearly all year round.’ [BR f.154/1816].
History at Camden Park
Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [T.584/1850]. It was requested of Loddiges’ on 13th February,1848, a probable source [MP A2933-1, p.172]. It could also have been obtained from the London Horticultural Society as it was included among desiderata in a letter to John Lindley dated 15th February 1848, although Macarthur’s copy is not endorsed ‘arrived’ [MP A2933-1, p.157].
Notes
Ixora grandiflora Hook.f. (1880) = Ixora notoniana Wall. This is not Macarthur’s plant.
See also Ixora coccinea L.
Published Feb 08, 2010 - 11:35 AM | Last updated Feb 08, 2010 - 11:43 AM
Ixora coccinea L. | BR f.154/1816 | BHL
| Family | Rubiaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Tropical Asia |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Flame of the woods, Jungle flame, Jungle geranium |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Ixora grandiflora |
| Confidence level | high |
