Hedychium coronarium J.G.Koenig.
Half-hardy, upright rhizomatous perennial with long lance-shaped leaves and terminal racemes of fragrant, butterfly-like white flowers, with greenish-white basal marks, in summer. To 3m. [RHSE, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘The whole flower is snow white, except sometimes a greenish spot in the centre of the largest segment. […] This plant, probably of Chinese origin, is very much cultivated in the Malaccas for its fragrant flowers, and is frequently worn in the hair by the Indian belles, and, in the symbolic language so much used by the Malays, when sent as a present to a young man, is meant to reproach him with inconstancy in love.’ [BM t.708/1803]. ‘This very elegant plant is a native of various parts of Bengal and the neighbouring provinces, where it flowers during the summer season: the blossoms are extremely fragrant.’ [LBC no.507, 1821. Introduced to Britain in 1791. [JD].
History at Camden Park
Listed in all published catalogues [B.206/1843]. The first introduction may have failed as Macarthur included Hedychium coronarium among desiderata to Loddiges’ nursery, 6th January 1845. [MP A2933-2, p.28].
Notes
Published Jan 16, 2009 - 03:36 PM | Last updated Aug 01, 2010 - 03:29 PM
Hedychium coronarium J.G.Koenig. | BM t.708/1803 | BHL
| Family | Zingiberaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | India |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | Garland flower, White ginger lily, Fragrant garland flower, Butterfly lily |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Hedychium coronarium |
| Confidence level | high |
