Strelitzia alba (L.f.) Skeels.
Frost-tender, clump-forming perennial with lance-shaped leaf blades on long leaf stalks and purple-glaucous spathes with white flowers in spring. To 10m. [RHSE, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘A native of Southern Africa, with the other species of Strelitzea. Anteniqua Land, about the neighbourhood of the Pisang River, is the station give for it by Thunberg. According to Hortus Kewensis, it was introduced to Europe in 1791, by Mr. Francis Masson, then Botanical Collector for the Royal Gardens. It is still a rare plant in our collections; not indeed that it is difficult of increase, for it sends out offsets frequently, but it requires the heat of a stove, and more space than most cultivators can generally afford to give it. [BM t.4167/1845, BM t.4168/1845].
History at Camden Park
Listed only in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [B.419/1850]. Strelitzia augusta was part of a consignment sent from Kew by John Bidwill in November 1843 [AJCP]. This is the probable source.
Notes
Published Jan 20, 2009 - 03:44 PM | Last updated Jul 31, 2010 - 04:37 PM
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Strelitzia alba (L.f.) Skeels. | BM t.4168/1845 | BHL
| Family | Strelitziaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | South Africa |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | White bird of paradise flower |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Strelitzia augusta |
| Confidence level | high |