Justicia carthaginensis Jacq.
Frost tender evergreen shrub with purple flowers. To 50cm. ‘A native of the West Indies, whence it was introduced into this country a few years since. The blossoms are very beautiful, and of a colour not to be imitated in brightness: they come out with us in the beginning of winter, which of course renders them the more welcome. It is necessary to preserve it in the stove at all times: it increases freely by cuttings, which should be potted in loam, and in smallish pots, as it is not a very large plant.’ [LBC no.724/1823]
Horticultural & Botanical History
First botanically described by Jacquin in 1760 [Jacquin ESP p.11/1760]. Described as Justicia retusa by Vahl in 1805 [Enumerato Plantarum – Vahl vol.1, p.136/1805].
‘Native of the Caribbee Islands; and introduced by Sir Joseph Banks in 1792.
According to Vahl, the species has an herbaceous stem: opposite branches, round at the lower part and smooth at the upper, obtusely four-cornered, and slightly villous. Leaves petioled, from two to three inches long, ovate, tapered to a point at the base, pointed, tender, nerved, nearly without apparent veins, with a few scattered hairs which are thicker on the midrib and nerves. Spikes terminating the branches, generally single, sometimes double, two inches long. Outer bractes scarcely a nail long; inner ones shorter, placed at the bottom of the calyx, cuneate, obtuse. Stigma obtuse. It is said to vary with ovately oblong and elliptically ovate; with the outer bractes roundish oblong or more truly oblong. The lower anther is membranously awned at the base.’ [BR f.797/1824].
History at Camden Park
Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [T.610/1850]. Obtained from Loddiges’ Nursery, brought out from England by Captain P. P. King. [ML A1980-3].
Notes
Published Mar 27, 2009 - 04:43 PM | Last updated Apr 27, 2011 - 05:33 PM
Justicia carthaginensis Jacq. as Justicia retusa | LBC no.724/1823 | RBGS
| Family | Acanthaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | West Indies |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Justicia retusa |
| Confidence level | high |