Crinum scabro-pedunculatum ‘Augusta’

Crinum zeylanicum Herb. x Crinum pedunculatum R.Br.  Originally Crinum scabro-pedunculatum hybrid no.2 in Macarthur’s notebook. 

Much the same as the preceding [‘Cleopatra’] except that the flowers are larger, petals longer and more reflexed.  The stripe in the centre of each is narrower, not so well defined and of lighter carmine, and the outside of each, at the point, is of a rich purplish crimson gradually shading off into the ground colour.  [MP A2948 Notebook no.4, p.3].

‘Augusta’ was also described in John Bidwill’s notebook.  This suggests that this variety at least, and possibly all of them, was hybridised by Bidwill, although he does not specifically make this claim.

Raised at Camden 1841, first flowered Christmas 1844.  Bulb somewhat pear-shaped with a thick column, not naturally above ground, stained with red.  Leaves scabrous 4 to 5 feet long, 5½ inches at their broadest point, the greater portion pendulous, resting on the ground, very like scabrum but much more robust.  Scape 2 ft 6 ins high bearing 17 or 18 flowers which are sessile.  The tube 5 inches, petals 4½ to 5 inches, outer about 1 inch, inner 1¼ ins broad, reflexed when fully expanded.  Shape nearly that of pedunculatum but broader, not elliptic like scabrum, and 8 or 10 open at once.  The flower when fully expanded 7½ ins across, pure white with a distinct stripe rather paler and brighter than that of scabrum.  About 1 inch of the outside of the inner segments is coloured like the stripe, lips green.  Anthers yellow, pollen apparently perfect.  Filaments dark red approaching one another as in scabrum.  A superb variety superior to either parent in almost every respect. [Bidwill p.7].