Hymenocallis littoralis (Jacq.) Salisb.

Horticultural & Botanical History

First botanically described by Jacquin in 1763 as Pancratium littorale [Select. Stirp. Amer. Hist. p.99/1763] and placed in Hymenocallis by Salisbury in 1812 [THS vol.1, p.338/1812].

‘This variety [Pancratium littorale] flowered, and was probably introduced into the garden of the late Dr. Pitcairn, about 1782; but from whence it came we are not now able to ascertain; [variety alpha] was found by Jacquin near Carthagena in the Island of Tierra Bomba, growing plentifully on the sea-shore: [the variety beta] we have never found figured in any work, but there are several good figures of alpha, as may be seen by the above synonymy.  Requires to be kept in a stove, where it will flower twice a year. It is to be observed that the crown bears the same proportion to the segments in both varieties, although they differ so much in the length of the tube.  The specific character contains all the description necessary to distinguish it from the species at present known to us; an entirely new one of which has lately flowered at Kew, brought from Cayenne; it has broad glossy leaves, exceeding long flowers, and the smallest crown of any we ever yet have seen.’  [BM t.825/1805]. 

Baker considers the plants named by Herbert Hymenocallis disticha and H. acutifolia [BM t.2621/1826] to be merely forms of H. littoralis. 

Various dates are given for its introduction, 1742 [Baker Am.], 1758 [JD, PD], probably reflecting the great variability in the species.  BR f.940/1825.

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1845, 1850 and 1857 catalogues [B.384/1845].

Notes