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.

Thysanotus isantherus R.Br.

Frost-hardy, tuberous-rooted perennial with purple, fringed flowers.  

Horticultural & Botanical History

Thysanotus isantherus was introduced to Britain in 1822.  [JD].

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [B.422/1850].  ‘Fringed Violet’ is recorded as received per ‘Sovereign’ February 1831.  Several Australian natives were imported on the ‘Sovereign’, an East India Company ship of 362 tons which left London/Plymouth on the 9th October 1830 bound for Sydney via the Cape of Good Hope and Hobart.  This journey would have involved rounding the coast of Western Australia and South Australia.  It seems likely that the opportunity was taken to collect flora on the journey to Hobart and thence Sydney.  [MP A2948].

Notes

Thysanotus isantherus Lindl. = Thysanotus tuberosus R.Br.  ‘Native of the south coast of New Holland and of Van Diemen’s Land; whence the species was first obtained by Mr. Frederick Bower.’  [BR f.655/1822].  This is a possibility as Macarthur had good contacts in Van Dieman’s Land and received many plants from there.

Published Jan 09, 2010 - 05:22 PM | Last updated Jul 14, 2010 - 11:37 AM

Family Anthericaceae
Category
Region of origin

South Western Australia, including southern South Australia

Synonyms
  • Chlamysporum isantherum (R.Br.) Kuntze
Common Name

Fringed Violet, Fringe lily

Name in the Camden Park Record

Thysanotus isantherus 

Confidence level medium