Tigridia pavonia (L.f.) DC.

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘It flowers in succession for a considerable time in the latter part of summer, though its splendid blossoms singly last but a few hours.’  [LBC no.1424/1830]. 

‘We are informed by [Cavanilles] that it grew wild about Mexico, and was much cultivated for its excessive beauty and for the medicinal virtues of its roots; being, as he terms it, “a Frigefacient” in fevers, and “also a promotor of fecundity in women”. […] For the posession of this superb flower, this country, and perhaps Europe, is indebted to Ellis Hodgson, Esq. of Everton, near Liverpool, with whom it flowered and produced ripe seeds about five years ago.  From this gentleman, seeds were communicated to Messrs. Grimwood and Wykes, and by them it has been dispersed among other Nurserymen.

There is little fear butt that it will soon become very common, as it flowers freely, produces seeds in abudance, and may be likewise increased by offsets fom the roots.  It has no scent, but in splendid beauty it appears to us, at least when assisted by rarity and singularity, to surpass every competitor.’  [BM t.532/1801].  Introduced to Britain in 1796.  [JD]. 

It was figured in Andrews’ Botanical Repository as Ferraria pavonia.  [ABR pl.178/1801].  Tigridia species are known as ‘el cacomite’ in Mexico and grown for food rather than ornament.

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [B.426/1843].  Received per ‘Sovereign’ February 1831.  [MP A2948-2].

Notes