Cestrum corymbosum Schltdl.

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘A very handsome species of Habrothamnus, native of Mexico, sent to the Royal Gardens of Kew by Mr. Low of Clapton, quite distinct from the H.fasciculatus, figured at Tab. 4183 of our present volume.  It is everywhere glabrous, apparently a much taller plant, and with the corolla of a very different shape, widening upwards and then suddenly contracted, so as to have an urceolate tube; and having the segments of the corolla much longer acuminated and at length reflexed.  Its growth appears to be much more rapid, and it is more easily cultivated, only requiring the protection of a greenhouse in the winter.  In the sunmer it does best in the open air, and may readily be increased by cuttings.  As far as can be judged from the description it seems to be the Meyenia corymbosa of Schlechtendahl.’  [BM t.4201/1845].

Cestrum endlicheri is described as a ‘new’ plant, grown by Louis Van Houtte in Ghent.  [Gard. Chron. 1844].  Introduced to Britain in 1844.  [JD].  FS pl.X 2e Liv./1846.

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [T.532/1850].  Obtained from Kew Gardens, brought out from England by Captain P. P. King in 1849.  Believed by Macarthur to be new to the colony.  [ML A1980-3].  

Notes