Epidendrum ciliare L.
Frost-tender epiphytic and lithophytic orchid with leafy, pseudobulb-like stems bearing 1 or 2 oblong leaves, and terminal racemes, to 30cm long, of fragrant, white-lipped, pale yellow-green flowers, to 9cm across, sometimes with fringed lobes, in winter. To 50cm by 30cm. [RHSE, Pridgeon].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘The rare and singular species here represented, a native of the warmer parts of America, and the West Indies, flowered with Mr. Whitley, Nurseryman, Old-Brompton, in Feb. 1799, and at irregular periods before that time. […] He propagates it by dividing its limbs or branches, which often put forth small roots; the plant grows in a pot, in a mixture of loam and peat or bog-earth, and is kept constantly plunged in the tan-pit of the stove.’ [BM t.463/1799].
‘The Epidendrums are generally considered a kind of parasitical plants, growing in their natural state upon the decomposed bark and wood of large trees. We formerly found it difficult to imitate such situations; however by a mixture of rotten wood and moss, together with a small portion of sand, we have got them to succeed pretty well.’ [LBC no.9/1817]. Introduced to Britain in 1793. [JD].
History at Camden Park
Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [O.31/1850]. Epidendrum ciliare was included in a consignment of plants sent from Kew by John Bidwill in November 1843 [AJCP]. This is the probable source.
Notes
Published Jan 26, 2010 - 01:01 PM | Last updated Jan 26, 2010 - 01:06 PM
Epidendrum ciliare L. | BM t.463/1799 | BHL
| Family | Orchidaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Central to South America, Caribbean |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Epidendrum ciliare |
| Confidence level | high |