| Presidio Park Plant Survey |
|
Encyclopedia | Parish Rye - 2018 Survey | A Historical Reference | Historic Surveys |
Lagunaria patersonii COW ITCH/PRIMROSE TREE
The Lagunaria genus was given in honor of Andre Laguna (1494-1560), Spanish botanist and a physician to Pope Julius III. The patersonii genus references William Patterson (1755-1810), British naturalist and plant collector. Native to Lord Howe Island and eastern Queensland this species is known for its irritating fibers that fall from its beautiful lavender flowers, causing itching of the skin. It is said the fibers are so irritating they could make a cow itch, thus the common name. These are stately trees growing to heights of 25 feet or more. Presidio Park's specimens are noted in the 1969 Presidio Park plant identification and at time of this publication believed to exceed 30 feet. |
 |
2476 San Diego Avenue · San Diego CA 92110 · Phone (619) 297-9327
|