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.

Smithiantha zebrina (Paxton) Kuntze var. geroltiana (Kunth & Bouche) Voss

‘The flowers are green and yellow, beautifully freckled.  Very interesting and blooms freely.’  [FC p.235/1846].  ‘Highly valuable plant for autumn and winter decoration.  Long (2 feet) pyramidal-formed spikes, with numerous laterals of scarlet and yellow flowers.  Similar to Gesnera zebrina.’  [FC p.6/1849].

Horticultural & Botanical History

In 1851 the Floricultural Cabinet described a plant seen at Kew Gardens: ‘Large plants, in fine bloom, the flowers of a bright scarlet and rich yellow colours, beautifully spotted inside.  The tube is wide, and the front limb fully expanded, which shows the flower fully.  These will bloom the entire winter and are very handsome.’  [FC p.8/1851].  FS pl.IV 4e Liv./1846.  MB pl.??/1847.

History at Camden Park

Only listed in the 1857 catalogue [B.114/1857].  Obtained from Kew Gardens, brought out from England by Captain P. P. King in 1849.  In the confirmatory list sent by Macarthur to King it is marked with an ‘o’, meaning new to the colony.  [ML A1980-3].  

Notes

See also Smithiantha zebrina Kuntze.

Published Aug 30, 2009 - 04:43 PM | Last updated Jul 21, 2010 - 05:20 PM

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Figured is a zebra-marked leaf and tubular red and yellow flowers. MB/1847.

Smithiantha zebrina (Paxton) Kuntze var. geroltiana (Kunth & Bouche) Voss | MB/1847 as Gesneria gerardiana | http://www.gesneriads.ca

Family Gesneriaceae
Category
Region of origin

South America
Synonyms
  • Smithiantha geroltiana Kunthe
  • Gesneria geroltiana Kunth & Bouché
  • Gesneria gerardiana Hort. ex Lem.
  • Gesneria herbertiana Lem.
  • Naegelia zebrina (Paxton) Regel var. geroltiana Regel
Common Name
Name in the Camden Park Record

Gesnera Herbertiana 
Confidence level high