Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Bomarea salsilla (L.) Mirb.

Frost-tender, tuberous-rooted, twining, climbing perennial with 1-4 flowers per stem, pink with green tips outside and copiously spotted with claret brown inside.  It seems to be a very variable plant with descriptions in the literature varying accordingly.  [RHSD, Baker Am.]. 

 

Horticultural & Botanical History

First described by Linnaeus as Alstroemeria salsilla in 1762 [Planta Alstroemeria p.10/1762]. transferred to Bomarea as Bomarea salsilla by Mirbel in 1804 [Hist. Nat. Pl. vol.9, p.71/1804]. This is the generally accepted name today.

‘This elegant climbing plant [Alstroemeria salsilla] is a native of South America and St. Domingo, growing in shady places, twining around other plants: its tuberous roots are said to be eaten as potatoes.  With us it requires the stove, and should be potted in light rich earth, composed of one-half rotten dung and the rest loam and peat.  The stems come up in spring, and will run nearly ten feet in height, producing many flowers, which last a long time.  After flowering the stems decay.  The roots may be divided in spring, and thereby sparingly increased.’  [LBC no.1683/1832]. 

Considered by some authors to be synonymous with Alstroemeria edulis but usually separated. ‘This species [Alstroemeria edulis] very much resembles the A. salsilla.  The principal and almost only distinction is that the roots of the Salsilla are long and ligneous, while those of the edulis are round and succulent, about the size of young potatoes, and when boiled are said to be a light and delicate food.’  It was introduced by Timothy Evans, who received it from Dr. Anderson of the St Vincent Botanic Garden in 1801.  [ABR pl.649/1812].  In its native habitat the tubers of B. edulis are eaten like those of the Jerusalem artichoke.  [JD].

 

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1845, 1850 and 1857 catalogues.  [B.29/1845]. 

 

Notes

See also Bomarea salsilla (L.) Mirb. var. oculata.

 

Published Jan 11, 2009 - 02:01 PM | Last updated Mar 24, 2012 - 01:50 PM

Depicted are stem, leaves and funnel-shaped, greenish-pink, brown-spotted flowers.  Loddiges Botanical Cabinet no.1683, 1832.

Bomarea salsilla (L.) Mirb. | LBC no.1683/1832 | HAAB

 

Family Alstroemeriaceae
Category
Region of origin

South America

Synonyms
  • Bomarea granatensis M.Roem.
  • Bomarea oculata (Lodd.) M.Roem.
  • Bomarea praecipua Herb.
  • Bomarea subfalcata Herb.
  • Alstroemeria salsilla L.
  • Alstroemeria oculata Lodd.

 

Common Name
Name in the Camden Park Record

Alstroemeria salsilla 

 

Confidence level high