William Jackson Hooker

“ Cult. A woody greenhouse plant, belonging to a tribe of
plants that were at one time in high favour with cultivators. Of
late years, however, they have fallen in estimation, owing partly to
the belief that they are short-lived, and partly to the introduction
of more showy plants. That they are short-lived, if not pro-
perly treated, is true; but in the Royal Gardens may now be
seen plants fifty years old, and many above half that age. ”