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.

Catasetum macrocarpum Rich. ex Kunth

Epiphytic orchid with oblong pseudo-bulbs, to 20cm long, plicate leaves, to 45cm long, and variable flowers, usually green to yellow, spotted with brown or purple.  [RHSD, Hortus].

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘Catasetum is a very splendid genus of plants, belonging to the natural order of Orchidae, a family, of which a larger number has been in our garden since their cultivation has been better understood, than, till of late years, was supposed possible. […] Our drawing was taken at the Chelsea Botanic Garden, in September 1824.  Native of the island of Trinidad, and sent from thence to Mr. Anderson, by his excellency Sir Ralph J. Woodford, the Governor.’  [BM t.2559/1825].  

History at Camden Park

Catasetum tridentatum was included in a consignment of plants sent from Kew by John Bidwill in November 1843 [AJCP].  It seems likely that these plants were forwarded to William Macarthur at Camden but there is no direct evidence of this plant being grown there.

Notes

Published Jan 27, 2010 - 02:44 PM | Last updated Jan 27, 2010 - 02:50 PM

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Figured are plicate leaves and greenish-yellow flowers spotted with purple. t.2559, 1825.

Catasetum macrocarpum Rich. ex Kunth | BM t.2559/1825 as Catasetum tridentatum | BHL

Family Orchidaceae
Category
Region of origin

Tropical America
Synonyms
  • Catasetum tridentatum Hook.
  • Catasetum claveringii Lindl. ex Van Geel
Common Name
Name in the Camden Park Record

Catasetum tridentatum 
Confidence level high