Ixia curta Andr.
There are several possibilities for Macarthur’s ‘dwarf yellow ixia’ among ixias not considered elsewhere in the Hortus, perhaps the most likely being Ixia curta Andr. This is a cormous perennial with lance-shaped leaves and crowded spikes of up to 8 red to purple or cream to yellow flowers with a darker centre. [CECB].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘This new species of Ixia although low in stature is certainly high in beauty, and surpassed by few of loftier growth.’ [ABR pl.564/1809]. ‘This splendid plant is a native of the Cape of Good Hope: it grows to a height of about six inches, and flowers in May and June: we find it succeeds best in a border close to the front wall of a stove, where it has the advantage of the open air, yet is very rarely frozen.’ [LBC no.1964/1833].
History at Camden Park
Specimens were sent to William Macleay in 1843, the only record. [MP A2948-3].
Notes
For further discussion of Ixias see Ixia hybrid ‘Calypso’.
Published Nov 16, 2009 - 01:16 PM | Last updated Jul 24, 2010 - 04:33 PM
Ixia curta Andr. | LBC no.1964/1833 | HAAB
| Family | Iridaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | South Africa, Cape district |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Ixia dwarf yellow |
| Confidence level | low |
