Phaius maculatus Lindl.

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘At tab. 2719 of this work may be seen a representation of this plant, from a drawing communicated by Mr. Aiton, but which gives so imperfect an idea of the beauty of this species, that I am sure our readers will not regret the appearance of the present figure.  I was further led into the the error of considering it a native of Trinidad, and communicated by Sir Ralph Woodford to the Royal Gardens of Kew.  It is, like all its congeners, of Indian origin, and our present drawing was made from one of the many fine plants sent to Kew by Dr. Wallich, and which flowers more or less copiously all winter through.  It would be included in Bletia of Brown and other authors; but it differs from the true Bletia in having a spur to the lip, and that lip connate with the base of the column, not articulated upon it.’  [BM t.3960/1842].  Introduced to Britain in 1837.  [JD].

History at Camden Park

Phaius maculatus was included in a consignment of plants sent from Kew by John Bidwill in November 1843 [AJCP].  It seems likely that these plants were forwarded to William Macarthur at Camden but there is no direct evidence of this plant being grown there.

Notes