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.

Hippeastrum vittatum (L’Hér.) Herb.

A spring flowering bulbous perennial with 3-6 funnel-shaped, red-striped flowers, the strap-shaped leaves emerging after the flowers.  To 90cm.  [RHSE, Hortus, Baker Am.].  

Horticultural & Botanical History

First botanically described as Amaryllis vittata by L' Héritier [Sert. Angl. p.13/1789]. Placed in Hippeastrum by Herbert in 1821 [Herbert’s Appendix p.31/1821].

‘Linnaeus, the Son, took much pains in new modelling the generic and specific characters of this genus; as may be seen in the Hort. Kew: Mons. L' Héritier, when in England a few years since, saw this species, described and named it Vittata.  Of what country it is a native is not known with certainty, most probably of the Cape, was first introduced into England by Mr. Malcolm.  Our figure was drawn from a fine specimen which flowered this spring with Messrs. Grimwood and Co. Kensington.  It usually flowers in April or May, but may be forwarded by artificial heat.  It rarely puts forth offsets from the root, but readily produces seeds, by which it is propagated without difficulty.  When it blossoms in perfection it truly deserves the name of superb, which Mr. Aiton has given it, the stem rising to the height of three feet or more, and producing from two to five flowers.’  [BM t.129/1790].

The Botanical Register figures Amaryllis vittatum var. Harrisoniae, ‘Mrs Harrisons’s striped Amaryllis’.  This plant differs from the species in having larger and more tubular flowers, more faintly striped with red.  [BR f.988/1826].  Amaryllis vittatum was introduced to Britain in 1769.  [PD].

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [B.222/1843]. 

Notes

Published May 10, 2009 - 05:03 PM | Last updated Jul 13, 2012 - 03:04 PM

Illustrated are the trumpet-shaped flowers, white, striped red with a green back.  Curtis's Botanic Magazine t.129, 1790.

Hippeastrum vittatum (L’Hér.) Herb. | BM t.129/1790 as Amaryllis vittata | BHL

 

Family Amaryllidaceae
Category
Region of origin

Peru

Synonyms
  • Amaryllis vittata L’Hér.
  • Amaryllis lineata Colla
  • Amaryllis superba Bury
  • Chonais vittata (L’Hér.)  Salisb.
  • Hippeastrum ambiguum var. tweedianum Herb.

 

Common Name

St Joseph’s lily

Name in the Camden Park Record

Hippeastrum vittatum 

 

Confidence level high