Retrieving gallery information. This may take a few seconds.
Overview
Short description of Crocosmia pottsii x aurea = C. x crocosmiiflora, Montbretia
It forms clumps similar in appearance to those of the yellow iris, but with bright orange flowers. There are several related species and hybrids.
Description of Crocosmia pottsii x aurea = C. x crocosmiiflora, Montbretia status in GB
Montbretia is established in the wild from garden throw-outs and spreading vegetatively, especially in the west, but rarely reproducing by seed.
Habitat summary: Crocosmia pottsii x aurea = C. x crocosmiiflora, Montbretia
Usually in woodland edges or on roadsides where garden refuse has been dumped.
Overview table
| Environment: |
Terrestrial
|
| Species status: |
Hybrid GB
|
| Functional type: |
Land plant
|
| Status in England: |
Hybrid GB
|
| Status in Scotland: |
Hybrid GB
|
| Status in Wales: |
Hybrid GB
|
| Location of first record: |
v.c.83
|
| Date of first record: |
1907
|
Invasion history: Crocosmia pottsii x aurea = C. x crocosmiiflora, Montbretia
Origin
It is a horticultural cross derived (in France) from species brought originally from South Africa.
First Record
Introduced to gardens in 1880 and first recorded in the wild in 1911.
Pathway and Method
Very commonly grown in gardens, where it tends to spread and form large clumps. Many gardeners dump the excess plants on roadsides and in woods.
Species Status
It is mildly invasive in the west of GB, especially on coastal slopes and on hedgebanks in Cornwall. In Ireland it is much more widespread in similar habitats, and in New Zealand it is considered an 'environmental weed.'
Ecology & Habitat: Crocosmia pottsii x aurea = C. x crocosmiiflora, Montbretia
Dispersal Mechanisms
Reproduction by seed is unusual, so most spread is by gardeners. Once established, clumps grow vegetatively, sometimes forming large colonies.
Reproduction
A monoecious plant, occasionally producing viable seed. More commonly reproducing by producing rhizomes that give rise to new corms a short distance form the parent plant.
Known Predators/Herbivores
Montbretia is highly resistant to pests and does not suffer serious herbivory.
Resistant Stages
All stages are resistant to pests and herbivory.
Habitat Occupied in GB
Mostly roadsides and woodland edges, as it can tolerate only partial shade. It is more abundant in western parts, as it is susceptible to severe frost, and it is typical of hedgebacks and coastal habitats, including the upper reaches of saltmarshes.
Distribution: Crocosmia pottsii x aurea = C. x crocosmiiflora, Montbretia
Widespread throughout GB, mainly in urban areas and close to the west coast.
Impacts: Crocosmia pottsii x aurea = C. x crocosmiiflora, Montbretia
Environmental Impact
Cornwall Wildlife Trust suggested that montbretia 'pushes out native flowers'.
Health and Social Impact
There are no adverse impacts from Montbretia, but it is a popular feature of hedgebanks owing to its colourful flowers.
Economic Impact
None known.
References & Links: Crocosmia pottsii x aurea = C. x crocosmiiflora, Montbretia
Identification
Stace, C.A. (2010) New flora of the British Isles, Third Edition, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Plantfinder: http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/
Biology, ecology, spread, vectors
Howell, C. (n.d.) Consolidated list of environmental weeds in New Zealand. http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/science-and-technical/drds292.pdf.
Management and impact
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/6577593.stm
General
Chater, A.O. (2010) Flora of Cardiganshire, Aberystwyth.
Gallery: Montbretia
