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.

Romulea rosea (L.) Eck.

Cormous perennial with 3-6 narrow basal leaves, grooved and very tough, and pink or white flowers with a yellow throat.  Leaves to 15cm, flowers much shorter.  [Hortus].

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘Our drawing was taken from the rich collection at George Hibbert’s, Esq. Clapham, who received it by his collector from the Cape; it flowered also this year at Mr. CoIville’s, who had it from Holland, under the name of an Amaryllis.  Found by Thunberg in various parts around Cape-Town, flowering in our summer months.’  [BM t.575/1802]. 

‘Said to have been cultivated here in 1758.  It is a minute bulbous plant, producing its pretty flowers in the months of May and June.’  [LBC no.1370/1829].

History at Camden Park

Received per ‘Sovereign’ February 1831 as Ixia rosea.  [MP A2948].  Naturalised around Camden, particularly prevalent on road sides, parks and recreation fields.  Found in large numbers at Camden Park, particularly on the Blarney bank.  Interestingly it is not listed in any of the published catalogues.  The bulbs are a favourite food of the local cockatoos.

Notes

Published Nov 16, 2009 - 05:02 PM | Last updated Jul 24, 2010 - 05:10 PM

Figured are long, wiry leaves and small pink flower.  Curtis's Botanical Magazine t.575, 1802.

Romulea rosea (L.) Eck. | BM t.575/1802 | BHL

Family Iridaceae
Category
Region of origin

South Africa

Synonyms
  • Romulea longifolia (Salisb.) Bak.
  • Ixia rosea Herb.
  • Ixia cruciata Jacq.
  • Ixia bulbocodium Thunb.
  • Trichonema cruciatum Ker-Gawl.
Common Name

Onion grass

Name in the Camden Park Record

Ixia rosea 

Confidence level high