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.

Derwentia perfoliata (R.Br.) Raf.

Frost hardy, woody-based, evergreen perennial with arching stems, paired, ovate, toothed leaves, to 5cm long, and racemes of saucer-shaped blue flowers, to 1cm across, in late summer.  To 75cm.  [RHSE, FNSW, Hilliers’].

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘It grows to two feet and upwards in height, flowering near the top in long clusters of many blossoms, which continue in succession throught he spring and summer.  It is a kind of herbaceous plant, but constantly retains some folioage, as it does not lose the preceding year’s growth till new shoots have been formed.’  [LBC no.781/1823]. 

Probably introduced to Britain in 1815 by Mr. Jenkins of Gloucester Place, London, raised from seed sent from New South Wales.  [BM t.1936/1817].

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [T.985/1850].  Quite widely spread from the south coast of NSW north and west and probably collected by Macarthur or one of his friends.

Notes

Published Feb 18, 2010 - 03:37 PM | Last updated Jul 31, 2010 - 03:26 PM

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Figured are paired ovate leaves and axillary spike of bright blue flowers. Curtis's Botanical Magazine t.1936, 1817.

Derwentia perfoliata (R.Br.) Raf. | BM t.1936/1817 | BHL

Family Scrophulariaceae
Category
Region of origin

South East Australia
Synonyms
  • Parahebe perfoliata (R.Br.) B.G.Briggs
  • Veronica perfoliata R.Br. 
Common Name

Digger’s speedwell
Name in the Camden Park Record

Veronica perfoliata 
Confidence level high