SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Malpighia foliis lanceolato ovatis, subtus tomentosis, integerrimis; floribus terminalibus, spicatis, pallide-luteis.
Malpighia with oval spear-shaped leaves, downy beneath, and entire; flowers terminate the branches in spikes, and are pale yellow.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The Empalement, Chives, and Pointal, (natural size).
2. The Empalement, (magnified).
3. The Chives spread open, (natural size).
4. A Thread, and its Tip, (magnified).
5. The Pointal complete, (natural size).
Although, we have given to this species of Malpighia, the specific name under which it has been introduced; yet, there is much doubt, whether it is not the Verbascifolium of Linnæus; or indeed if they are not both the same plant, named from different specimens. Our species makes a very handsome hothouse plant, growing to the height of five, or six feet, before it flowers. It is a native of Jamaica, and most of the adjacent islands, and was introduced by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy about the year 1792. From the extreme tenderness of the young leaves, and shoots, it must be kept in a strong growing pine heat during the winter months; otherwise, they are subject to damp off. It is raised by cuttings, and seems to delight in a rich soil. The figure was made from a specimen communicated by the Right Hon. Lord Viscount Courtenay, in whose most superb collection at Powderham Castle, near Exeter, it flowered, for the first time in England, in the month of September 1798.[Pg 198]
PLATE 49
