Zygopetalum mackaii Hook.
An epiphytic orchid with small. 2-3-leved pseudo-bulbs, the leaves to 45cm long, and spikes of 7 or more fragrant, greenish-yellow flowers, marked with purple or brown. [RHSD, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘This was received in February, 1827, along with the Fragrant Pleurothallis. given in the preceding number, from Mr. Mackay, of the Dublin College Botanic Garden, and was by him imported from Brazil. It is a plant of great beauty, and may be numbered amongst the most shewy of the highly interesting family of Orchidaceous plants. It is so unlike in the structure of its flower to any described plant, that I have no hesitation in constituting of it a new genus.’ [BM t.2748/1827].
History at Camden Park
Zygopetalum mackayii was included in a consignment of plants sent from Kew by John Bidwill in November 1843 [AJCP]. It seems likely that these plants were forwarded to William Macarthur at Camden but there is no direct evidence of this plant being grown there.
Notes
Published Jan 27, 2010 - 02:37 PM | Last updated Jan 27, 2010 - 02:42 PM
Zygopetalum mackeyii Hook. | BM t.2748/1827 | BHL
| Family | Orchidaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Brazil |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Zygopetalum mackaii |
| Confidence level | high |
