Edgeworthia chrysantha Lindl.
Frost hardy, open, rounded, deciduous shrub with supple shoots and lance-shaped leaves, to 15cm long, and spherical heads, to 5cm across, of small, fragrant yellow flowers, covered with silky white hairs, in late winter and spring. To 1.5m. [RHSE, Hortus, Hilliers’].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘This shrub was found by Mr. Fortune in Chusan, and by him sent to the Horticultural Society in April, 1845. It flowered for the first time in February, 1847, in a greenhouse. […] In order to induce it to flower, the Chinese bind the stems so as to form a loop, as is represented in our plate; and this practice has been followed with success in the garden of the Horticultural Society, where it has now flowered in the month of May.’ [BR f.48/1847].
‘The flower-heads at the ends of the shoots are in round balls, covered with hairs; when open they are clear, yellow, and fragrant.’ [JD].
It was used in China and Japan for the manufacture of high class paper for currency, Nepal paper. [BM t.7180/1891]. FS pl.VII 11e Liv./1847.
History at Camden Park
Listed only in the 1857 catalogue [T.407/1857] but certainly grown at Camden by 1853 as plants were sent to the Sydney Botanic Garden in that year. [RBGS AB].
Notes
Published Mar 06, 2010 - 05:03 PM | Last updated Aug 01, 2010 - 02:50 PM
Edgeworthia chrysantha Lindl. | BM t.7180/91 | BHL
| Family | Thymelaeaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | China, Japan |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Paper bush, Mitsumata, Golden Edgworthia |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Edgworthia chrysantha |
| Confidence level | high |