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.

Strelitzia alba (L.f.) Skeels.

Frost-tender, clump-forming perennial with lance-shaped leaf blades on long leaf stalks and purple-glaucous spathes with white flowers in spring.  To 10m.  [RHSE, Hortus]. 

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘A native of Southern Africa, with the other species of Strelitzea.  Anteniqua Land, about the neighbourhood of the Pisang River, is the station give for it by Thunberg.  According to Hortus Kewensis, it was introduced to Europe in 1791, by Mr. Francis Masson, then Botanical Collector for the Royal Gardens.  It is still a rare plant in our collections; not indeed that it is difficult of increase, for it sends out offsets frequently, but it requires the heat of a stove, and more space than most cultivators can generally afford to give it.  [BM t.4167/1845, BM t.4168/1845]. 

History at Camden Park

Listed only in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [B.419/1850]. Strelitzia augusta was part of a consignment sent from Kew by John Bidwill in November 1843 [AJCP].  This is the probable source. 

Notes

Published Jan 20, 2009 - 03:44 PM | Last updated Jul 31, 2010 - 04:37 PM

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The image is a close up of a white Bird of Paradise flower with red spathes. Curtis's Botanical Magazine t.4168, 1845.

Strelitzia alba (L.f.) Skeels. | BM t.4168/1845 | BHL

Family Strelitziaceae
Category
Region of origin

South Africa
Synonyms
  • Strelitzia augusta Thunb. 
Common Name

White bird of paradise flower
Name in the Camden Park Record

Strelitzia augusta 
Confidence level high