This page is for any interesting snippets of the history of Streptocarpus in New Zealand (NZ).
I would also be interested if anyone could help provide info for this page. When did they first arrive here, for example? What did they look like back then? Does anyone have photos of Streptocarpus down the decades? If anyone can help, please email me at andersons@streptocarpus.co.nz.
For earlier, non-NZ history of the rise of Streptocarpus hybrids, the Streptocarpus section in the book entitled "Hortus Veitchii" is very interesting.
I've selected below some historical references to Streptocarpus in NZ. The National Library has captured some of these in the form of scanned newspaper adverts and articles, which you can see by clicking on the links.
- In 1867, mention was made in the Timaru Herald of Streptocarpus (rexii): http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=THD18671221.2.8. Last quarter of text.
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In 1870, the Wanganui Horticultral Society ran a public notice in the Wanganui Herald about a horticultural show that would take place. One of the prizes was listed as 1x Streptocarpus Rexii, which was donated by a "gentleman amateur": http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=WH18700315.2.15.3. About half way down. This is a link to an 1886 article in the "Otago Witness" newspaper. It describes Streptocarpus dunnii as "one of the most extraordinary plants of recent introduction" at Kew Gardens, England: http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=OW18860903.2.16. About three quarters of the way down.
- Here is an 1892 advert from the "Inangahua Times" selling Streptocarpus seeds under the "Novelties" section for two shillings sixpence: http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=IT18921223.2.16.6&cl=CL2.1892.12. Near the top.
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- In 1899, the "Star" ran an article entitled "Horticultural Novelties of 1898", which talks about an improved, large-flowered strain of Streptocarpus: http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=TS18990426.2.66. About half way down.
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In 1900, a "Timaru Herald" gardening article praised Veitch and Sons new Streptocarpus hybrids and the increased variety they brought. With this in mind, the writer stated that they would be "sure to be grown more extensively". The writer then goes on to describe some of the cultivation characteristics of Streptocarpus. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=THD19000331.2.43.
- In 1900, Mrs Stubbs put an ad in the "Daily Telegraph" to sell up everything, including her Streptocarpus and "thirty sows and weaners" to move out of the Clive district: http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=DTN19000417.2.45.6. Near the top.
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In December 1901, Wellington's "Evening Post" noted that the "Cape primrose (Streptocarpus rexii)" was "one of the prettiest things in flower just now". It also commented that Streptocarpus colours ranged from all the blues and purples and white, and had markings that heightened the colour. http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=EP19011214.2.77. About three quarters down.
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- In December 1915 in Wellington's "Evening Post", F. Cooper Ltd of Willis Street invited people to do their Xmas shopping at a nursery in "the Lower Hutt". On offer were potted plants from one shilling sixpence, including Streptoparpus: http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=EP19151218.2.136.2. About a third of the way down.
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