Conanthera campanulata Lindl.
Half-hardy, bulbous perennial with linear basal leaves which wither during flowering and reappear during winter, and slender branching stems bearing lax panicles of up to 10, blue to dark purple-blue, occasionally almost white, flowers in spring. [RHSD, Grey].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘A native of the higher range of the Cordilleras, where it seems to be far from uncommon, appearing among the earliest of the vernal flowers with which the green-sward is adorned upon the first melting of the snow. Mr. M’Rae found it at Cumbre, one of the passes of the Andes, flowering in November 1825. The roots from which the accompanying figure was taken were sent from Chile by Mr. Miers to Mr. Place, by whom they were presented to the Horticultural Society, in whose Garden our drawing was made in June 1827.
It is a hardy greenhouse plant, remaining in flower for several weeks, and remarkable for the intense bright blue of its nodding blossoms. It requires to be grown in light sandy loam, to be well watered when coming into flower, and after the blossoming is over to be kept dry.’ [BR f.1193/1828].
A difficult species to cultivate. The Indians use the root as food. When cooked it tastes not unlike sweet chestnuts. [Allen].
History at Camden Park
Listed in all published catalogues.
Notes
Published Jan 06, 2010 - 09:52 AM | Last updated Jan 07, 2010 - 01:26 PM
Conanthera campanulata Lindl. | BR f.1193/1828 | BHL
| Family | Tecophilaeaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Chile |
| Synonyms |
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| Common Name | |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Conanthera campanulata |
| Confidence level | high |