Achimenes patens Benth.
In growth habit similar to Achimenes longiflora DC. which see. The solitary flowers are red-violet, flushed with yellow and dotted with violet on the white throat. To 30cm. It will flower for many months of the year. [Moore, Hortus, GRA p.32].
Horticultural & Botanical History
The London Horticultural Society, quoted in The Gardeners' Chronicle, described it as having ‘the habit and foliage of A. longiflora it bears flowers of so intense a violet that no artificial colours can imitate it.’ It was introduced to the gardens of the Horticultural Society in 1845 by Hartweg. [Gard. Chron. 1846]. E. G. Henderson offered for sale in The Gardeners' Chronicle of 1849 Achimenes patens major, ‘a variety worthy of a place in every collection; the habit of the plant is good, and the flowers a rich dark plum colour.’ MB p.197/1846. FS pl.III 7e Liv./1847.
History at Camden Park
Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [B.12/1850]. Obtained from Kew Gardens, brought out from England by Captain P. P. King in 1849. In the confirmatory list sent by Macarthur to King it is marked with a ‘o’, meaning new to the colony. [ML A1980-3]. It was also requested of James Backhouse on 1st February, 1849 but not recorded as received. [MP A2933 p.183].
Notes
Published Aug 26, 2009 - 04:46 PM | Last updated Aug 25, 2011 - 02:34 PM
Achimenes patens Benth. | MB p.197/1846 | RBGS
| Family | Gesneriaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Central America |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | Achimenes, Hot water plant, Cupid’s bow |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Achimenes patens
|
| Confidence level | high |