Agapetes serpens explained

Agapetes serpens is a species of flowering plant in the heath family Ericaceae, that is native to the Himalayas. Growing to tall, this semi-climbing shrub is cultivated as an ornamental for its shiny evergreen leaves and branches of attractive pendulous tubular red flowers, blooming over a long period. It is grown in climates from warm temperate to sub-tropical, but does not survive prolonged freezing (RHS hardiness rating H2). It requires a sheltered position in acid or neutral soil.

The Latin specific epithet serpens means "snake-like".[1]

This plant has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[2]

Taxonomy

It was first described in 1847 as Vaccinium serpens by Robert Wight.[3] [4] In 1851 Johann Klotzch redescribed it as Pentapterygium serpens (a name which is not accepted).[3] [5] In 1939 Hermann Sleumer transferred it to the genus, Agapetes, to give the species its currently accepted name of Agapetes serpens.[3] [6]

References

Notes and References

  1. Book: Harrison, Lorraine . RHS Latin for Gardeners . 2012 . Mitchell Beazley . United Kingdom . 978-1845337315 .
  2. Web site: Agapetes serpens . www.rhs.org . Royal Horticultural Society . 5 September 2021.
  3. Web site: Agapetes serpens (Wight) Sleumer Plants of the World Online Kew Science . 2024-03-13 . Plants of the World Online . en.
  4. Wight, R.. Calcutta Journal of Natural History, and Miscellany of the Arts and Sciences in India . 8. 171 . 1847. Notes on Indian Botany.
  5. Klotzsch, J.F.. Linnaea . 24. 47 . 1851. XXIII. Pentapterygium*) Kl..
  6. Sleumer, H.O.. Hermann Otto Sleumer. Botanische Jahrbücher für Systematik, Pflanzengeschichte und Pflanzengeographie . 70. 105 . 1939. Agapetes serpens.