Freesia viridis (Ait.) Goldblatt & J.C.Manning
A cormous perennial with many, narrowly sword-shaped leaves to 15cm and a zigzag stem, to 45cm, bearing many green flowers in summer. [RHSE, Grey].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘We are indebted to Messrs. Lee and Kennedy for the opportunity of giving this rare and curious vegetable [Tritonia viridis]. Introduced into Kew Gardens from the Cape of Good Hope by Mr. Masson. Flowered there in 1788.’ [BM t.1275/1810].
History at Camden Park
Listed in all published catalogues [B.169/1843]. Possibly the plant received per ‘Sovereign’ February 1831 as Ixia viridis [MP A2948-2], although this name is usually applied to Ixia viridis Thunb., a synonym of Ixia viridiflora Lam. which see.
Notes
A possible but less likely identification is the plant described in The Gardeners Chronicle as Gladiolus viridis, a ‘member of the Gandavensis or Floribunda tribe’ [Gard. Chron. 1851]. Its relationship to Anometheca viridis is uncertain. Macarthur’s viridis was probably introduced too early to be this hybrid, particularly if it is the plant received per ‘Sovereign’. For a description of these hybrids see Gladiolus x gandavensis Van Houtte.
Published Oct 28, 2009 - 03:27 PM | Last updated Jul 23, 2010 - 11:53 AM
Freesia viridis (Ait.) Goldblatt & J.C.Manning | BM t.1275/1810 | RBGS
| Family | Iridaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | South Africa, Cape district |
| Synonyms |
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| Common Name | |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Gladiolus viridis |
| Confidence level | medium |