19th C plantings of
Herbertia lahue in NSW Australia
From : Scott Hill <scotth@sydneylivingmuseums.com.au>
Hello,
By way of introduction I am the curator for Rouse Hill House and Elizabeth Farm, with Sydney Living Museums.
At Rouse Hill we have a large number of
Herbertia lahue growing across a paddock, which likely seeded from the nearby 19th century garden and naturalised.
I am researching their history, and wonder if they could have been acquired as
H. pulchella which I understand they were sometimes confused with. This means that references in 19th century lists could actually be for
H. lahue.
I wonder whether any of your members had a particular interest in the history of the introduction of bulbs to NSW and might have any insights, that you could put me in touch with? Also as to the early nomenclature of this species and whether it may have been sold as
H. pulchellaKind regards,
Scott Hill
Curator
Rouse Hill House & Farm, Elizabeth Farm and Meroogal
http://sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/ edit to add Scott's photos of the plant in question