Hippeastrum vittatum (L’Hér.) Herb. var. superbum

Horticultural & Botanical History

Hippeastrum vittatum was figured as Amaryllis vittata, ‘Superb Amaryllis’, in Curtis’s Botanical Magazine and this may be the source of the varietal name superbum.  ‘When it blossoms in perfection it truly deserves the name of superb, which Mr. Aiton has given it, the stem rising to the height of three feet or more, and producing from two to five flowers.’  [BM t.129/1790].  Introduced to Europe in 1769.  [Baker Am.]. 

Amaryllis vittata major was described and illustrated in John Lindley’s Collectanea Botanica.  ‘The subject of this article [Amaryllis vittata major] is another of the magnificent Liliaceous plants of South America, aquired by the unwearied exertions of W. Griffin, Esq. who has succeeded in importing so many species of that his favourite family, within a few years.  It was procured several years ago from Brazil, and, though assuredly only a variety of A. vittata, is so fine a plant, and so far superior to its prototype, that we entertain no fear of being censured for publishing it.’  [CB t.12/1821].

History at Camden Park

Desideratum to Loddiges’ Nursery on 6th January 1845.  [MP A2933-2, p.28].  Listed as Amaryllis vittata superba in both the 1830 and 1836 Loddiges’ Nursery catalogues, copies of which are held at Camden Park [CPA], and this is presumably where Macarthur obtained his information.  I have found no further record of this plant.

Notes