Rosmarinus officinalis L.
Hardy evergreen shrub with downy shoots and opposite, narrow, lance-shaped leaves, dark above and pale beneath. The pale violet flowers are borne in the leaf axils of the previous years growth. To 2m. [RHSD, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
A culinary and medicinal herb from ancient times. ‘Rosemary. Rosmarinus. This shrub grows larger in England than in most countries; the leaves are hoary underneath and a dark green above, and the flowers a pale purple. It grows wild in Spain & ye southern parts of France; but it is planted here in gardens flowering in April. It is accounted good for affections of the head & nerves. It strengthens ye sight and memory, and opens obstructions of the liver and spleen. The dried herb burnt is good to sweeten the air. Official preparations are, Conserva anthos, Aqua Reginae Hungariae, the Chymical Oil and fix’d salt.’ [Blackwell pl.159/1837].
History at Camden Park
Rosmarinus officinalis was marked with a ‘c’, indicating grown at Camden, in an 1836 Loddiges’ catalogue held at Camden Park [CPA]. Certainly grown in the gardens from at least this time, probably earlier.
Notes
Published Feb 15, 2009 - 04:01 PM | Last updated Jul 25, 2010 - 03:26 PM
Rosmarinus officinalis L. | Blackwell pl.159/1837 | BHL
| Family | Lamiaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Mediterranean |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | Rosemary |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Rosmarinus officinalis |
| Confidence level | high |
