Hedychium gardnerianum Ker-Gawl.

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘This very striking plant was introduced about the year 1823 from India, where it was discovered by Wallich in Nepal, in the Valley of Katmandoo.  […] Dr. Wallich, in a valuable monograph of the genus quoted above, justly commends it to cultivators in the following terms:-“This is the queen of the genus, if not of the whole order, both as regards the general aspect, the stature and the foliage, and the exquisite elegance as well as fragrance of the ample inflorescence.’  [BM t.6913/1887].  BR f.774/1824. 

History at Camden Park

Hedychium gardnerianum was certainly sent to Australia by John Bidwill, probably to Camden, as part of a consignment from Kew, in November 1843 [AJCP] but is never referred to by name in the Camden Park records.  The only reference to ‘Hedychium sp.’ is a handwritten note in a copy of the 1850 catalogue held at Camden Park, inscribed on the front Wm. Macarthur 1855-51.  This plant was certainly grown as Macarthur gave it a reference number of 208/2.  [CPA].  There is insufficient data to be sure of the identification but Hedychium gardnerianum is now naturalised in moist habitats north from Sydney [FNSW] and is certainly a likely identification. 

Notes