Phalaenopsis amabilis (L.) Blume var. grandiflora

Horticultural & Botanical History

Phalaenopsis amabilis, the largest flowered species in the genus, is the parent of most modern hybrids.  ‘This very rare and beautiful epiphyte flowered a few weeks since in the Epiphyte House of Messrs. Rollinsons of Tooting, I believe for the first time in Europe.  It had been sent to them from Manilla by Mr. Cumming.’  [BR f.34/1838].  John Lindley commented in The Gardeners Chronicle that Phalaenopsis grandiflora ‘was not supposed to be a distinct species from the well known P. amabilis, but was regarded merely as a fine variety.  Upon a comparison of it with the Manilla species, it proves, however, to possess so many points of difference that no doubt can be entertained of its being really distinct.’  [GC p.39/1848].  Phalaenopsis grandiflora was introduced to Britain in 1847 from Java.  [JD].  ‘It is a native of Java, and said to have been introduced to Europe by Messrs. Veitch and Sons, of the Nurseries, Exeter and Chelsea.  Our figure is taken from a fine flowering specimen in the Royal Gardens of Kew.’  [BM t.5184/1860].  MB p.49/1840.  FS p.85/1845.

History at Camden Park

This plant first appeared as a hand written entry in a copy of the 1850 catalogue held at the Mitchell Library.  This copy bears William Macarthur’s signature.  It was incorrectly placed in the 1857 edition among the trees and shrubs [T.745/1857].  Macarthur requested Phalaenopsis amabilis from Loddiges’ nursery on 1st February, 1849, the first record, although it was probably not received at this time [MP A2933-1, p.185].  At least one plant of Phalaenopsis was obtained from the Sydney Botanic Garden on 17th October 1853 [RBGS AB].  It may well have been P. grandiflora.

Notes

Phalaenopsis amabilis  is often stated as having been recorded from Australia.  Such plants are probably Phalaenopsis rosenstromii F.M.Bailey, synonym Phalaenopsis amabilis var. rosenstromii (F.M.Bailey) Nicholls from northern Queensland, a rare and endangered species.  [Jones].  This is unlikely to be Macarthur’s plant.