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.

Rothmannia whitfieldii (Lindl.) Dandy

Frost-tender shrub with leaves in whorls of 3, and creamy-white, pendular, trumpet-like, fragrant flowers, up to 7.5cm in diameter.  To 2m.  [RHSD].

Horticultural & Botanical History

It was first recorded as flowering at Kew Gardens in 1847 although it may have flowered a year earlier.  [Gard. Chron. 1848].  FC p.231/1848.  A photograph of flowers and leaves appears in Teysmannia vol.28, p.450/1917.

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [T.512/1850].  It may have been obtained from the London Horticultural Society or Kew Gardens.  It was included among desiderata in a letter to John Lindley dated 15th February 1848 [MP A2933-1, p.157] and to Kew at about the same time [MP A2933-1, p.165] but was not marked ‘arrived’. It was requested again of Kew on 1st February, 1849 [MP A2933-1, p.177] and of John Lindley on the same date [MP A2933-1, p.182a].  Gardenia maliflora was also included among these desiderata.

Notes

Published Feb 08, 2010 - 10:46 AM | Last updated Feb 08, 2010 - 10:50 AM

The photograph is of a silver vase with leaves, buds and white, single flowers.  Teysmannia vol.28, p.450, 1917.

Rothmannia whitfieldii (Lindl.) Dandy | Teysmannia vol.28, p.450/1917 | BHL

Family Rubiaceae
Category
Region of origin

Sierra Leone

Synonyms
  • Randia malleifera Benth. & Hook.f.
  • Gardenia whitfieldii Lindl.
  • Gardenia malleifera Hook.
Common Name
Name in the Camden Park Record

Gardenia Whitfieldii 

Confidence level high