Cyclopia genistoides Vent.

Horticultural & Botanical History

Frost-tender, evergreen, broom-like shrub with trifoliate leaves and axillary yellow flowers.  To 2.5m.  [RHSD].

‘A native of the Cape of Good Hope, introduced in 1774. […] It is a shrubby plant of moderate size, and flowers freely in April and May; the blossoms are bright and shewy, especially when the plant is vigorous.’  [LBC no.1111/1826]. 

‘Mr. Salisbury, in the ninth volume of the Transactions of the Linnean Society, has very judiciously remarked that the genus Sophora, as framed by Linnaeus, contains several very distinct genera, and that Sophora genistoides, to which, he says, may probably be added ternata and triphylla of Thunberg, will constitute one genus, of which, however, he has not favoured us either with the characters or a name.  These deficiencies we have attempted to supply; wishing to dedicate this genus to Mrs. Agnes Ibbetson, the author of several very ingenious and instructive papers on vegetable physiology published in Nicholson’s Philosophical Journal.  Besides Thunberg’s species, we think two or three very distinct ones have hitherto been confounded under the name genistoides.  Native of the Cape of Good Hope.  Flowering with us at Midsummer, and requiring the protection of a greenhouse.  Our drawing was taken at Mr. Whitley’s, Old-Brompton.’  [BM t.1259/1810].  Don.

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1843, 1845 and 1850 catalogues.

Notes

Cyclopia genistoides Sieber ex C.Presl (1844) = Cyclopia galioides E.Mey. ex Benth.