Rosa microphylla Roxb.

Horticultural & Botanical History

This is probably identical with Rosa roxburghii Tratt. plena, also known as the ‘Chestnut rose’, ‘Burr rose’; ‘Chinquapin rose’, from China and Japan, introduced prior to 1814.  It is described in recent publications as a vigorous, stiff-growing species with up to 19 narrow leaflets, more usually 7, and solitary, double, lilac-pink flowers, to 8cm across, which open from prickly buds in summer, to 2m by 2m, a description consistent with Gore.  Rivers states that Rosa microphylla rubra was introduced from the east in 1823: ‘It is nearly allied to the Macartney, and is most probably a Chinese hybrid of that rose.’  [Rivers (1854, 1857, 1863)]. 

This rose is undoubtedly synonymous with William Paul’s ‘Rubra’, ‘Old’ or ‘Common’ form of R. microphylla, the flowers described as rosy-carmine, margined with blush, large and full, globular in shape, on a moderate shrub or branching habit.  [Paul (1848, 1863, 1888, 1903)].  George Don describes Rosa microphylla as ‘a charming little shrub, resembling the Macartney rose.’ 

A plant under the name of Rosa microphylla was figured in the Botanical Register by John Lindley:  ‘It was originally supposed to be related to the Macartney Rose, but on a subsequent examination it is ascertained to be referable to the same section as the Rosa indica of the gardens’, a statement consistent with Rivers’ opinion.  Lindley’s figure is consistent with the descriptions given here, the unopened buds very much resembling a burr.  [BR f.919/1825].

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1845, 1850 and 1857 catalogues [T.864/1845].  A plant was presented to the Sydney Botanic Garden by William Macarthur on September 15th 1847 [RBGS AB].

Notes

Rosa microphylla Desf. is a form of Rosa sempervirens.