59. Pieris formosa (Wallich) D. Don ERICACEAE

This attractive, but poisonous, evergreen member of the heather family is a widespread Sino-Himalayan species occurring from Nepal to Central China. It was first introduced to gardens from the Himalaya in the mid-nineteenth century. Later introductions, of more spectacular forms (some with bright red juvenile foliage), came from China.

Hand coloured lithograph of Pieris formosa from Curtis’s Botanical Magazine t. 8283

     

    RBGE Living Collections Accession Factsheet
    Accession Number:19734168
    Scientific Name:Pieris formosa (Wall.) D.Don
    Family:Ericaceae
    Genus:Pieris
    Epithet:formosa
    Collector:Ludlow, Frank; Sherriff, George & Elliot, H.H.
    Year:1947
    Origin:Outer China incl. Tibet:Xizang (Tibet) Aut. Reg., SE:Po Tsangpo Valley; Showa
    Elevation:2,743m
    Plant:19734168B
    Location:/Living Collections/Unplaced
    Plant:19734168C
    Location:/Living Collections/Unplaced
    Plant:19734168A
    Location:/Living Collections/Inverleith/W04/S/C030
    Location: 55.964438709,-3.207601146
    See full details in the Living Collections Catalogue >>