Laelia crispa (Lindl.) Rchb.f.
Frost-tender epiphyte with a strong habit, a solitary leaf, to 30cm long, and spikes of 5-6 fragrant white flowers in summer, sometimes with a faint purplish blush, the labellum stained with a rich crimson-violet, and the petals waved and crisped. [RHSD, Hortus, Jennings].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘Drawn at the Royal Botanic Garden of Kew, where this truly handsome species flowered in July, 1841. It is a native of Brazil, and has now been sent home by many Collectors from that fertile region, and seems to have been first introduced to our gardens by Sir Henry Chamberlayne, Bart., in 1826. It may be numbered among the most beautiful of a highly beautiful Genus.’ [BM t.3910/1841].
‘It remains in perfection about 2 weeks if kept dry.’ [Gard. Chron. 1851]. Sent to the Horticultural Society in 1826 by Sir Henry Chamberlayne, from Rio de Janeiro. [MB p.5/1838]. BR F.1172/1828.
History at Camden Park
Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [O.6/1850]. Cattleya crispa was requested from Loddiges’ Nursery on 1st February, 1849 [MP A2933-1, p.185] and obtained from them, brought out from England by Captain P. P. King in that year. [ML A1980-3].
Notes
Cattleya crispa Beer = Schomburgkia crispa Lindl., a species from northern South America. Unlikely to be Macarthur’s plant.
Published Jan 24, 2010 - 03:09 PM | Last updated Jan 24, 2010 - 03:18 PM
Laelia crispa (Lindl.) Rchb.f. | BM t.3910/1841 | BHL
| Family | Orchidaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Brazil |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Cattleya crispa |
| Confidence level | high |
