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.

Podalyria calyptrata Willd.

Half-hardy shrub with elliptic, grey-green leaves, to 5cm, and light pink to lavender-purple flowers with a white keel, to 4cm across, in spring and summer.  To 3m.  [RHSD, Hortus].

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘It has been long cultivated in this country, and grows with us to five or six feet in height, flowering in the spring.  The flowers are delicately fragrant, resembling the odour of the sweet pea.’  [LBC no.649, 1822]. 

‘This plant, though rarely seen in blossom, has been long known in our nurseries, where it was generally called biflora.’  [BM t.1580/1813].  Introduced to Britain in 1792.  [Don].

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [T.769/1843].

Notes

Published Dec 24, 2009 - 04:31 PM | Last updated Jul 21, 2010 - 12:39 PM

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Figured are elliptic, grey-green leaves and light pink flowers with a white keel. Curtis's Botanical Magazine t.1580, 1813.

Podalyria calyptrata Willd. | BM t.1580/1813 | BHL

Family Fabaceae
Category
Region of origin

South Africa
Synonyms
  • Podalyria styracifolia Sims 
Common Name
Name in the Camden Park Record

Podalyria styracifolia
Confidence level high