Sparaxis many varieties
Sparaxis or related species, unidentified. It is likely that these plants were collected in the wild in South Africa although many garden varieties were listed in nursery catalogues from early Victorian times.
Horticultural & Botanical History
There are many descriptions and illustrations of Sparaxis in the 19th century literature. The Ornamental Flower Garden figured three species, versicolor Sw., [OFG f. 241/1854], stellaris D.Don [OFG f.242/1854], and lineata Sw. [OFG f.243/1854]. The British Florist figured three Sparaxis hybrids: purpurea, blue with a yellow and purple eye; picta, orange and red with a yellow eye; and pulchella, variegated purple-lilac with a yellow eye. [BF p.49/1843]. The Floricultural Cabinet figured 4 varieties, venustum, with pink-tipped cream flowers; decora, with blush petals with a yellow centre, deep blue at the base of the petals; formosa, whitish blue with deep blue spots at the base of the petals; and dobreeana, pink-tinged white flowers, with blue spots at the base of the petals. These were all raised by Mr. Dobrae of Guernsey and are illustrated here. [FC p.74/1837].
History at Camden Park
Listed in all published catalogues [B.416/1843]. Macarthur received per ‘Sovereign’ February 1831 bulbs of ‘Sparaxis, various colours.’
Notes
Published Nov 18, 2009 - 10:38 AM | Last updated Jul 24, 2010 - 05:12 PM
Sparaxis many varieties | FC p.74/1837 | RBGS
| Family | Iridaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Probably South Africa but could be of garden origin |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Sparaxis many varieties |
| Confidence level | low |