Ixora coccinea L. var. grandiflora

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘This is a native of India whence it was introduced some years since.  We have raised it several times from Indian seeds.  The seedling plants are several years before they flower; but those raised from cuttings come into blossom when quite small. […] The blossoms are beautiful and last a long time: they are produced at various seasons.  We learn that they are used by the natives as ornaments and offerings to their idols.’  [LBC no.314, 1819]. 

Johnson’s Dictionary describes it as having large red flowers, introduced to Britain in 1814.  ‘[Ixora grandiflora was] Recently introduced by Sir Abraham Hume (and) native of various parts of India, where it is said to flower nearly all year round.’  [BR f.154/1816].

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [T.584/1850].  It was requested of Loddiges’ on 13th February,1848, a probable source [MP A2933-1, p.172].  It could also have been obtained from the London Horticultural Society as it was included among desiderata in a letter to John Lindley dated 15th February 1848, although Macarthur’s copy is not endorsed ‘arrived’ [MP A2933-1, p.157].  

Notes

Ixora grandiflora Hook.f. (1880) = Ixora notoniana Wall.  This is not Macarthur’s plant.

See also Ixora coccinea L.