FALSE ALUM-ROOT.
Tellima grandiflora, R. Br. Saxifrage Family.
Radical-leaves.—Long-petioled. Stem-leaves.—With shorter petioles, round-cordate; variously lobed and toothed; very hairy, with coarse, bristle-like hairs; two to four inches across. Stems.—One to three feet high. Flowers.—In long racemes; on short pedicels; green or rose-color. Calyx.—Campanulate; five-toothed; ribbed; three to six lines long; adnate to the ovary below. Petals.—Five; short-clawed; slashed above; two or three lines long; on the calyx. Stamens.—Ten; very short. Ovary.—One-celled; with a disklike summit, tapering into two stout styles with large capitate stigmas. Hab.—From Santa Cruz to Alaska.
This robust plant bears no resemblance to its delicate relative, T. affinis. It is far more like the alum-root in habit and appearance, and its leaves are prettily blotched in the same manner. It grows along rich banks by shaded roads, and blooms from early spring onward. Its tall racemes of either rose-colored or greenish, obscure flowers look rather like the promise of something to come than a present fulfillment. The petals are small and inconspicuous at a distance; but when closely examined, reveal a delicacy and beauty of form entirely unsuspected.
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