Renanthera coccinea Lour.

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘It inhabits woods in Cochinchina, and is cultivated in China on account of the richness of the colour of the flowers; if indeed it be not a native of that country; for I have excellent specimens, sent to me by my valued friend Mr. Millett from Canton.  Among a set of Chinese drawings from the same place, presented to me by Mrs. Halket, is a very faithful representation of this parasite.  In this country the plant has been known for some years; but it had never flowered in our stoves till the year 1827, when its blossoming at Claremont was attributed to the skilful management of Mr. Fairburn, gardener to His Royal Highness Prince Leopold, who tried the effect of tying moss around the stems, keeping it constantly damp and exposed as much as possible to the rays of the sun.’  [BM t.2997-8/1830]. 

‘That the Chinese suspend in baskets from the ceilings of their rooms several of the tribe of plants to which this belongs, some for the sake of their fine flowers; some on account of their delightful fragrance, is familiar to everyone.’  [BR f.1131/1828].  Introduced to Britain in 1816.  [PD].  MB p.49/1837.  

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [O.46/1850].  Requested from Loddiges’ Nursery on 1st February, 1849 [MP A2933-1, p.185] and obtained from them, brought out from England by Captain P. P. King.  [ML A1980-3]. 

Notes