Chordospartium stevensonii

This is the year of the Homecoming; a year when the Scots Diaspora are encouraged to return to the country of their roots. Over the weekend of 25 – 26th July there is an opportunity to experience and celebrate Scotland’s culture at the Gathering in Edinburgh.

A colleague emigrated to New Zealand eight years ago and has a successful life near Auckland; growing Yams, Passion fruit, Pumpkins and Bananas in his North Island garden.

Chordospartium stevensonii

South Island has a cooler climate than North Island and is the home of Chordospartium stevensonii. The red data book lists its status as vulnerable in the area near Marlborough, where it is endemic, due to habitat deterioration. It has a pendulous habit growing to eight metres in the wild. In Edinburgh it appreciates a sunny sheltered position a south or west facing aspect is ideal. The main stems producing leafless green shoots hanging down towards the ground.

The plant does belong to the Leguminosae family but grouped in a raceme, 80mm in length, the individual flowers resemble a miniature Cymbidium in shape. Emitting a slight scent white striated pink, each a gem.