Anchusa capensis Thunb.

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘Our drawing of this rare plant was made at George Hibbert’s, Esq. Clapham-Common, several years ago; into whose collection it was brought from the Cape of Good-Hope by Mr. Niven, his collector, about the year 1800.  Being biennial, and propagated by seeds only, it is very doubtful if it still exists in the country.  As we have no other knowledge of Thunberg’s Plant, than the very short specific character in his Prodromus, and our specimens did not correspond altogether with that, inasmuch as the racemes were not trichotomous, it is very uncertain whether our plant be the same species as his; it is certainly however the same as the one meant by Mr. Aiton in the Hortus Kewensis, and as that figured by Mr. Andrew’s in the Botanist’s Repository.  As in Anchusa angustifolia the calyx is divided only half way down, but the laciniae are more obtuse and shorter than in that; and the whole plant is much less spreading.  Flowers in June and July.  Propagated by seeds.   [BM t.1822/1816].  ABR pl.336/1803.

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [H.7/1843].

Notes