Griffinia hyacinthina Ker Gawl.
Bulbous perennial with oblong leaves and umbels of 9 or 10 white flowers, produced in summer, the upper segments tending to blue at the apex. The 4-5 leaves, to 15cm long, have lattice-like veining and are produced after the flowers. To 45cm. [RHSD, Baker Am.].
Horticultural & Botanical History
First botanically described as Amaryllis hyacinthina by Ker Gawler in 1816: ‘A recent and unrecorded introduction [about 1815] of great curiosity, and due with so many others to the zeal and intelligence of Mr. Griffin in his botanical pursuits; which have enabled him to form the most extensive assemblage of this fine tribe of plants of any perhaps in Europe. […] It was discovered in the Brazils, by Mr. E. Woodford, while residing in that country. […] Its general accordance is manifestly more complete with Amaryllis than with any other generic groupe [sic], and its anomalies, in our judgment, are not of a nature to render the separation of it into a new expedient one.’ [BR f.163/1816].
The author later changed his mind: ‘We have withdrawn the Amaryllis hyacinthina […] from the genus where it had been previously deposited, and have founded a new one upon it, under a name intended as an acknowledgement of the benefits derived to botany from the pursuits of Mr. Griffin.’ [addendum to BR f.444/1820]. MB p.171/1845.
History at Camden Park
Listed in the 1845, 1850 and 1857 catalogues [B.198/1845]. Griffinia hyacinthina was part of a consignment of plants sent from Kew by John Bidwill in November 1843 [AJCP]. This is the probable source.
Notes
Published May 08, 2009 - 03:27 PM | Last updated Jul 09, 2012 - 01:23 PM
Griffinia hyacinthina Ker-Gawl. | MB p.171/1845 | RBGS
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Brazil |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Blue Amaryllis |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Griffinia hyacinthinia
|
| Confidence level | high |