Rhododendron indicum ‘Formosa’

Horticultural & Botanical History

Wilson & Rehder [p.45] relate Rhododendron indicum Sweet var. formosanum Hayata to Rhododendron simsii Planch., probably as a variety, although this is not clear. Rhododendron simsii was frequently sold as Rhododendron [Azalea] indica at this time.  ‘For nearly a century and a quarter this plant has usurped the name indicum, and in books is almost hopelessly confused with the true R. indicum Sweet, with R. obtusum Planchon and its varieties, and with R. scabron D. Don. […] Sims was the first to figure the Chinese species (Bot. Mag. t.1480/1812) under the erroneous name of Azalea indica, and states that it was a rare plant in England and that the only one that had flowered was in the collection of James Vere Esq.  In the Kew Herbareum there are two specimens from the Jardin de Luxembourg collected in 1822 and 1823.  These are the oldest cultivated specimens I have seen.  Sweet in 1832 gave it a varietal name, and says that the plant was imported in the East India company’s ship “Orwell” from China by Mr. Tate.’  [Wilson & Rehder p.46]. 

History at Camden Park

Desideratum to Loddiges’ Nursery on 13th February 1848 [MP A2933-1, p.172].  Although not notated as died it was requested again on 1st February 1849 [MP A2933-1, p.185].  Macarthur had mixed fortunes with plants received from Loddiges’ and elsewhere at this time and many were dead on arrival.  Some of these are listed in a subsequent letter but it is possible that others arrived alive and were planted in the gardens although never listed in the catalogues.

Notes

Azalea indica Formosa may be synonymous with Rhododendron formosum Wall. which see.