Polygala virgata Thunb. var. speciosa Harv.
Frost hardy erect shrub with reed-like stems, narrow leaves and purple flowers borne on conspicuous racemes, to 15cm long. The variety speciosa has purplish flowers with spreading pedicels. To 2m. [RHSD, Hortus, Hilliers’].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘The finest species known of the genus; recently introduced into our gardens, and not incorporated in any systematic arrangement of vegetables. Native of the Cape of Good Hope, where specimens have been collected by the late Mr. Masson, and deposited in Sir Joseph Banks’s Herbarium by the name we have adopted. A greenhouse shrub, growing to the height of six or seven feet, perhaps higher, branching upwards with numerous rushy twigs, generally thickened or swollen towards the end, altogether reminding us of those of the Spanish Broom.’ [BR f.150/1816].
‘In growth it is straggling, and the branches naked: at their extremities they are loaded with flowers during the months of May and June, when it makes a splendid appearance.’ [LBC no.621/1822]. Introduced to Britain in 1814. [PD]. BM t.1780/1815.
History at Camden Park
Listed in all published catalogues [T.774/1843].
Notes
Polygala virgata Vell. = Polygala lancifolia A.St.-Hil., from Brazil.
Published Mar 22, 2009 - 05:08 PM | Last updated Mar 24, 2010 - 03:45 PM
Polygala virgata Thunb. var. speciosa Harv. | BM t.1780/1815 | BHL
| Family | Polygalaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | South Africa |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Milkwort |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Polygala speciosa |
| Confidence level | high |