Ferraria crispa Burm.
Cormous perennial with linear-lance-shaped, stem-clasping leaves, to 30cm long, and upward-facing, yellowish-brown, spotted flowers, or uniformly brown flowers with a lighter edge, to 2.5cm across, in spring. To 1m. [RHSE, Hortus, CECB].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘In the vegetable line, it is certainly one of the most singular and beautiful of nature’s productions; much it is to be regretted that its flowers are of very short duration, opening in the morning and finally closing in the afternoon of the same day; a strong plant will, however, throw out many blooms in succession.’ Long known in Holland and first described in 1646, but probably first grown in Britain by Miller at the Chelsea Garden. [BM t.144/1791].
History at Camden Park
The only reference is a handwritten entry in a copy of the 1850 catalogue held at the Mitchell Library, Sydney, and inscribed on the front Wm. Macarthur, 23rd Dec. 1854. [ML 635.9m]. Certainly grown in the gardens at this time.
Notes
Published Oct 19, 2009 - 04:54 PM | Last updated Jul 23, 2010 - 11:52 AM
Ferraria crispa Burm. | BM t.144/1791 | BHL
| Family | Iridaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | South Africa, Cape district |
| Synonyms |
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| Common Name | |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Ferraria undulata |
| Confidence level | high |