Ismene amancaes (Ruiz & Pav.) Herb.

Horticultural & Botanical History

First botanically described by Ruiz and Pavon as Narcissus amancaes in 1802 [Fl. Peruv. vol.3, p.53/1802]. Placed in Ismene by Herbert in 1821 [Herbert’s Appendix p.46/1821].

‘It produces its elegant flowers in the month of May, after which the leaves decay, and the bulbs remain six months or more in a dormant state.’  [LBC no.1266/1828]. 

‘A species that has not yet found its way into any general enumeration of vegetables known to us, and a stranger to our collections till lately imported from the Brazils, by Messrs. Middlemast and Co. Shepherd's-Bush, in whose hot-house it flowered, for the first time, this summer.  Most probably a native of the Brazils, but certainly of Peru, where it is known by the appellation Amancaes or Hamancaes, and is found in abundance on hills in the neighbourhood of Lima that bear the same name.  The flowers, which are exceedingly fragrant, are used by the women of those parts by way of ornament for their hair.’  [BM t.1224/1809]. 

Ismene amanceas var sulphurea, a hybrid ‘raised 4 years ago from a seed of Ismene amanceas and I. calathina’ is figured in the Botanical Register.  [BR f.600/1822) and BR f.1665/1834].  Introduced to Britain in 1808 from Brazil by the nurserymen Middlemist and Wood.  [MB p.267/1836].  IH p.28 vol.1/1854.  FS f.449/1849.

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [B.265/1843].

Notes