Calothamnus species unidentified
Genus of 24 species found in Western Australia. They are bushy, evergreen shrubs, from 1m to 3m in height, with crowded, narrow leaves, often hairy, and are usually found in dry scrub and open forest. Their characteristic flowers, somewhat resembling a one-sided bottle brush, are usually red, sometimes cream. Common names include ‘Net bush’ and ‘One-sided bottle brush’. [RHSE, Blomberry].
Horticultural & Botanical History
A number of species were in cultivation in Victorian Europe, including Calothamnus villosa [LBC no.92/1817]; Calothamnus quadrifida [LBC no.737/1823]; and Calothamnus clavata [LBC no.1447/1828].
History at Camden Park
Listed in all published catalogues [T.190/1843]. It is possible that Macarthur obtained his plant from Loddiges’ nursery but it could have been sourced locally, perhaps from his contacts in the fledgling Swan River colony. It is also possible that Macarthur’s plant was collected on the south west coast of Australia by a ship on route to Hobart via the Cape of Good Hope. Australian plants received by Macarthur from the East India ship Sovereign in 1831 were probably collected in this way. See also ‘Beaufortia species unidentified’ which was probably received by Macarthur at the same time from the same source.
Notes
Published Jan 17, 2010 - 03:16 PM | Last updated Mar 29, 2010 - 03:42 PM
Calothamnus clavata | LBC no.1447/1828 | RBGS. This plant is included as an example of the genus only.
| Family | Myrtaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Western Australia |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | Net bush, One-sided bottle brush |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Calothamnus sp. |
| Confidence level | low |