Ixia curta Andr.

There are several possibilities for Macarthur’s ‘dwarf yellow ixia’ among ixias not considered elsewhere in the Hortus, perhaps the most likely being Ixia curta Andr.  This is a cormous perennial with lance-shaped leaves and crowded spikes of up to 8 red to purple or cream to yellow flowers with a darker centre.  [CECB].

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘This new species of Ixia although low in stature is certainly high in beauty, and surpassed by few of loftier growth.’  [ABR pl.564/1809].  ‘This splendid plant is a native of the Cape of Good Hope: it grows to a height of about six inches, and flowers in May and June: we find it succeeds best in a border close to the front wall of a stove, where it has the advantage of the open air, yet is very rarely frozen.’  [LBC no.1964/1833]. 

History at Camden Park

Specimens were sent to William Macleay in 1843, the only record.  [MP A2948-3].

Notes

For further discussion of Ixias see Ixia hybrid ‘Calypso’.

Published Nov 16, 2009 - 01:16 PM | Last updated Jul 24, 2010 - 04:33 PM


Figured are lance-shaped leaves and yellow salverform flowers with a dark eye.  Loddiges Botanical Cabinet no.1964, 1833.

Ixia curta Andr. | LBC no.1964/1833 | HAAB

More details about Ixia curta Andr.
Family Iridaceae
Category
Region of origin

South Africa, Cape district

Synonyms
  • Ixia monodelpha D.Delaroche var. curta
Common Name
Name in the Camden Park Record

Ixia dwarf yellow 

Confidence level low