Gladiolus with cymitar-shaped leaves; stem many branches; blossoms nearly regular, and flesh colour.
REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.
1. The Empalement.
2. A Blossom cut open, with the Chives attached.
3. The Pointal and Seed-bud, one summit magnified.
This species of Gladiolus has been long known in herbariums, as it is very common about Table mountain, at the Cape of Good Hope; Jacquin, Thunberg, Gmelin, Welldenow, &c. have it under the tribe of Ixia, with the specific names of Scillaris, Fabricii, &c. but notwithstanding, we have no hesitation in placing it under its true genus Gladiolus. The upright character of the chives, their insertion into the tube of the blossom, and not at the mouth, the difference in the shape of the petals, the situation of the summits behind the chives, &c. leave no room for doubt where its station should be. Although plentiful at the Cape, it has not been long an inhabitant of this clime; having flowered for the first time in the year 1797, at Bulstrode, the seat of his Grace the Duke of Portland. What contributes much to the value of this plant is, that it continues in flower at least two months, from the beginning of June till the end of July; propagates itself abundantly by the roots, which are not subject to rot, though not removed from the pots in which they have flowered. Thrives in peat earth.[Pg 264]
PLATE 66
