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.

Lisianthus splendens Hook.

Tender, drooping evergreen with pendant red flowers.  [JD].

Horticultural & Botanical History

Introduced to Britain in 1846.  [JD].  Discovered by Purdie c.1845.  ‘A most lovely and very distinct species of the extensive genus Lisianthus, with long climbing glabrous teret stems and branches, ovate, acute leaves not much unlike in shape and texture those of the great Periwinkle, and terminal umbels of red drooping flowers, each flower nearly two inches long.’  [London Journal of Botany vol. vi, p.264 and tab.8/1847].

History at Camden Park

The only reference to this plant is a desideratum to Loddiges’ nursery on 13th February, 1848 [MP A2933-1, p.172] and to John Lindley on 1st February, 1849 [MP A2933-1, p.182a].  It is not known if it was received and grown in the gardens.

Notes

Published Feb 08, 2009 - 02:53 PM | Last updated Jul 21, 2010 - 02:57 PM

The line drawing shows leaves and pendant flowers.  London Journal of Botany vol. vi, tab.8, 1847.

Lisianthus splendens Hook. | London Journal of Botany vol. vi, p.264 and tab.8/1847 | BHL

Family Gentianaceae
Category
Region of origin

New Grenada

Synonyms
Common Name
Name in the Camden Park Record

Lisianthus splendens 

Confidence level high