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.

Köelreuteria paniculata Laxm.

Fully hardy, spreading tree with large pinnate leaves, consisting of up to 15 or more finely-toothed leaflets, and large panicles, to 30cm long, of red-spotted yellow flowers, to 1cm across, in summer and autumn, followed by red-brown fruits.  To 10m.  [RHSE, Hortus, Hilliers'].

 

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘A hardy chinese treelike shrub, said to have been introduced by Lord Coventry about 1763.’  [BR f.330/1818].  ‘Its compound leaves and fine large terminal spikes of yellow Oncidium-like flowers contrasted admirably with the different plants in its vicinity; stamping it at once as a plant well adapted for a style of gardening now becoming deservedly popular.’  [Gard. Chron. 1858].  Its common name of ‘Varnish tree’ suggests uses other than ornament.  Saint-Hilaire Tr. pl.93/1825.

 

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [T.617/1843].

 

Notes

Published Mar 19, 2009 - 03:51 PM | Last updated Oct 21, 2011 - 03:07 PM

Illustrated are the pinnate leaves and panicles of yellow flowers.  Saint-Hilaire Tr. pl.93, 1825.

Köelreuteria paniculata Laxm. | Saint-Hilaire Tr. pl.93/1825 | BHL

 

Family Sapindaceae
Category
Region of origin

China, Korea

Synonyms
  • Köelreuteria japonica Hassk.

 

Common Name

Golden rain tree, Pride of India, Varnish tree

Name in the Camden Park Record

Koelruteria paniculata 

 

Confidence level high