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.

Tibouchina heteromalla Cogn.

Shrub with broadly ovate leaves and purplish-violet flowers, to 3cm across.  To 1.5m.  [RHSD].

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘This very beautiful species of Melastoma is a native of Brazil.  Flowered first in this country as we are informed at Sion House.’  [BM t.2337/1822 as Melastoma heteromalla].  Introduced to Britain in 1819.  [JD].  

History at Camden Park

Certainly grown at Camden as it appeared in a handwritten note in an 1850 catalogue held in the Mitchell Library [MP A2947A]. Plants of Pleroma heteromallum were part of a consignment sent by John Bidwill from Kew in November 1843.  [AJCP].  These were probably either dead on arrival or subsequently lost and it may have later been obtained from the London Horticultural Society as it was included among desiderata in a letter to John Lindley dated 15th February 1848 but not marked ‘arrived’ on Macarthur’s copy.  [MP A2933-1, p.157].

Notes

Published Mar 20, 2009 - 05:06 PM | Last updated Mar 24, 2010 - 02:02 PM

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Illustrated are the broadly ovate leaves and purplish-violet flowers. Curtis's Botanical Magazine t.2337, 1822.

Tibouchina heteromalla Cogn. | BM t.2337/1822 | BHL

Family Melastomataceae
Category
Region of origin

Brazil
Synonyms
  • Pleroma heteromallum D.Don
  • Melastoma heteromallum D.Don
Common Name
Name in the Camden Park Record

Pleroma heteromallum 
Confidence level high