Babiana unidentified species, Crimson flower
A number of species of Babiana have bright red flowers, or occur naturally with red flowers. One such, Babiana ringens was listed in the catalogues from 1843. Of the Cape species, this being the most likely source, Babiana thunbergii Ker-Gawl., which see, and Babiana villosa (Ait.) Ker-Gawl. in its bright crimson form are perhaps the most likely possibilities, although the former is recorded at Camden. [CECB].
Horticultural & Botanical History
No historical data. Babiana villosa is figured in Rice, pl.CCXV.
History at Camden Park
Bulbs of ‘Babiana crimson’ were sent from Camden to Wm. Macarthur Esq. in February 1844, the only reference to this plant. [MP A2948-3]. Wm. Macarthur Esq. is presumably a member of the extended Macarthur family but I have found no other references to him.
Notes
Published Oct 18, 2009 - 02:46 PM | Last updated Aug 17, 2011 - 03:36 PM
Babiana villosa (Ait.) Ker-Gawl. | Rice, pl.CCXV | CM
| Family | Iridaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | South Africa, Cape district |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | Baboon root, Baboon flower |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Babiana crimson |
| Confidence level | low |
